Guest Author - Marie Stroughter

Jump In is a great movie to use as a springboard to discuss gender-issues with your teen or 'tween son. The movie is basically about a boy boxer who decides he really enjoys double-dutch jump rope, something considered �girls play.�

The cast is engaging. It features Corbin Bleu from High School Musical Remix and Keke Palmer of Akeelah and the Bee fame. The music and action sequence are fast-paced, sure to keep your son�s attention. There is a romantic element to the movie, but not so obvious as to turn off 'tweens who aren�t really into girls yet.

The action sequences are really amazing athletic feats, and the DVD has bonus features to help your child learn some of the basic and more advanced moves. The bonus features demonstrating the moves are easy to follow, age-appropriate and don�t talk down to kids. Further, there are music videos to a couple of the more popular songs (Jumpin� and Vertical).

Though my son saw the movie on Disney Channel, we still watched the video together and discussed some of the themes. It allowed us to brainstorm ways he might diffuse teasing from friends who didn�t approve of an activity he was really into. We were able to talk about what exactly is a "boy sport" versus "girl sport"?

Further, after viewing the movie with me, my eight-year-old son wanted to get a jump rope! It was very cool to see him get excited about the sport based on his viewing of the film.

Jump In is a great movie on many levels. It offers valuable lessons, provides �teachable moments,� is visually and athletically engaging, and has an easy to follow plot that doesn�t preach at kids, yet doesn�t talk down to them either.