Great Gynastics Film, Poor on Story and acting
So If you are looking for a well acted movie and in depth story you are looking at the wrong film. If you are looking for the best movie about the world of gymnastics....this is the best film I've ever seen to date. Mitch Gaylord did win the gold medal in the 1984 Olympics for gymnastics, that is the main reason the gymnastics scenes are so great, along with the other gymnasts in the film. The soundtrack rocks of 80's tunes that stick to the feel of the film, like Footloose, Top Gun, St Elmo's Fire, Breakfast Club, and the way most of the soundtracks of the 80's stick with the feel of the films they represent. The best part of the film is the gymnastics routines. The worse is the acting and the storyline. But if you were looking for the great gymnastics film Stick It was supposed to be, the see this. It is true eye candy for the gymnastics fan.

american anthem
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I was an athlete and I get pumped up every time I see it. It needs to come on DVD ASAP.

"He's done it! Ladies and Gentlemen, Steve Tevere has done it!"
I was never into gymnastics but when I caught this movie on cable, I fell in love with the movie. One of the songs just kept on playing in my head. It was a typical 80's song...a power ballard. It was called Two Hearts.
It was funny to mention that the actor who plays Steve Tevere's (Mitch Gaylord) father plays the father of Uncle Jesse on Full House. Along with Mrs. Wayne Gretzsky and the Soviet coach from Rocky IV who interestingly plays the American coach for the local gymnastics team.
The movie had some great twists and turns that led up to the ultimate ending. I won't give away the ending but it was really nice to see Steve's dad show up and give "the smile. " With Steve's breakdowns and his fights with his father and inner self, this movie really shows perseverance (sorry that I butchered the word), dedication, forgiveness, and the old if you dont succeed, try try again. Great Movie!

Gymmania
If you live for gymnastics, this is for you. Mitch Gaylord and Janet Jones put on an awesome performance. The twist and turns of this story is as elegant as the gymnasts themselves. I find myself wanting to get back on the mat over and over again after being deeply absorbed in this exciting film.

American Anthem DVD review
I LOVE this movie and do recommend it frequently to others. Mitch Gaylord does a fine job in his first movie performance. The DVD and VHS are exactly alike, no special features on either one.

Steve (Gaylord), the gymnast dealing with a troubled homelife that includes an unemployed, abusive father while recouperating from injury that sets back his progress in his pursuit of excellence.

General movie viewers that have no knowledge of the daily training difficulties that a real gymnast goes through, will not be able to appreciate this movie to its fullest. But for those who love the sports and its atheletes (whether beginner or advanced level) will understand and symphathise with the characters, and appreciate the exciting performances and drama. The final competition also has the added drama of a girl gymnast that injures her ankle but turns in a winning performance and then has to be carried off the floor by her coach while the audience cheers her brave actions. (Sound familiar?!)

Notable performances in the final competition shows Li Yuejiu, who was China's first floor exercise world champion as 'Ling Xiang'. Supporting actor, Stacy Maloney as 'Kirk Baker' later became Mens' Gymnastic Coach of 2000 US Olympians in Gymnastics, for twin brothers Paul & Morgan Hamm. Mitch went on to make motivational appearances and workout videos. Mitch also will return to the big screen in 'Sledge: The Untold Story' (2005).