IMDb 5.5 2017 HD

Raising the Bar

Raising the Bar

2017
Drama Family TV Movie
93 min NR USA
6.435 / 10
5.5 IMDB

16-year-old Kelly quits an elite gymnastics program and moves to Australia. To help out a new friend and show up an old rival she re-enters competitive gymnastics, she'll…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Clay Glen
Starring
Kelli Berglund / Emily Morris / Chris Koch / Jordyn Wieber / David John Clark / Peta Shannon / Lili Karamalikis / Tess Fowler

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

inspiring relatable competitive emotional heartfelt predictable earnest uplifting dramatic authentic challenging

Reviews

I
Isabelle Moreau
Apr 13, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This Australian production, 'Raising the Bar', offers a solid if unadventurous entry into the sports drama genre. Kelli Berglund delivers a capable performance as Kelly, a gymnast forced to confront her history while navigating a new life and…

A
Arthur Finch
Apr 13, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

'Raising the Bar' attempts to blend teen drama with the world of elite gymnastics, with mixed results. Kelli Berglund is earnest as Kelly, a young athlete trying to outrun her past, but the script often feels underdeveloped. The…

G
Genevieve Dubois
Apr 13, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

There's a genuine spark to 'Raising the Bar', largely thanks to Kelli Berglund's compelling portrayal of Kelly. Her journey from quitting an elite program to re-entering the competitive arena in Australia is handled with sensitivity. The film successfully…

M
Marcus Thorne
Apr 13, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

As a sports drama, 'Raising the Bar' delivers a serviceable, if somewhat predictable, tale of an athlete seeking a second chance. Kelli Berglund brings a commendable earnestness to Kelly, a teen gymnast whose move to Australia sparks a…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 13, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Kelli Berglund anchors 'Raising the Bar' with a performance that captures the fierce determination of a young gymnast grappling with her past. The film, set against an Australian backdrop, offers a familiar yet engaging coming-of-age narrative. While the…

FAQs

While the director is unknown, the plot suggests a focus on character development and the emotional landscape of a young athlete. The story's emphasis on Kelly's internal struggle and her interactions with new and old acquaintances implies a directing style that prioritises nuanced performances and relatable human drama. The film likely aims to capture both the intensity of competitive gymnastics and the personal journey of growth and reconciliation, favouring an approach that balances athletic spectacle with heartfelt storytelling.