Discription
Chalk It Up (2016)
Summary:
Chalk It Up is a 2016 American sports-comedy film directed by Hisonni Johnson. The story follows Apple, a college student who decides to form a women’s gymnastics team after her boyfriend leaves her to join the college men’s team. What begins as a desperate attempt to win him back soon transforms into a personal journey of empowerment, friendship, teamwork, and self-discovery. Light‑hearted, funny, and motivational, Chalk It Up highlights themes of confidence, identity, and the value of believing in oneself.
Inspired by the tone and charm of classic feel‑good sports movies, the film blends humor with heartfelt moments as Apple and her team work their way from beginners to strong competitors. It appeals especially to younger audiences and fans of gymnastics‑based stories.
Plot:
Apple (Maddy Curley) is a cheerful but somewhat directionless college student attending a prestigious university. She is deeply in love with her boyfriend, Chet, who is the star athlete of the men’s gymnastics team. Apple’s world revolves around him — until one day, Chet abruptly breaks up with her because he claims she is not ambitious enough and doesn’t take life seriously.
Heartbroken and embarrassed, Apple wants to prove her worth not only to Chet but also to herself. When she learns that the women’s gymnastics program at her college has been discontinued, she comes up with a bold idea: she will start an entirely new women’s gymnastics team. Although her initial motivation is to win Chet back, the journey leads her toward something much more meaningful.
Apple begins recruiting female students from all over campus — most of whom have never done gymnastics before. Each girl joins the team with her own insecurities, problems, and personal struggles, but Apple’s enthusiasm encourages them to give it a try. With very little funding, no proper equipment, and almost no athletic experience, the new team faces constant challenges.
Despite the odds, the group slowly transforms into a real team. They practice in makeshift spaces, learn from online tutorials, and support each other through failures and frustrations. Along the way, Apple discovers leadership qualities she never knew she had. She starts becoming more independent, confident, and focused — qualities she never developed while living in Chet’s shadow.
Chet, meanwhile, begins to notice Apple’s growing independence, but Apple realizes she no longer needs his approval. Her friendships with her teammates deepen, and she begins forming new connections with people who truly value her.
When the team finally enters a real competition, they are dismissed as underdogs who don’t stand a chance. But through determination, teamwork, and courage, the girls surprise everyone — including themselves — with a spirited performance that symbolizes how far they’ve come.
By the end of the film, Apple understands that her true strength comes not from impressing others but from believing in herself. She finds her passion, her identity, and a group of friends who support her unconditionally. Chalk It Up closes with a message about empowerment, resilience, and the importance of choosing your own path.
Cast:
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Maddy Curley as Apple
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Nikki SooHoo as Cali
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Drew Seeley as Chet
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John DeLuca as Hunter
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Julie Warner as Dean York
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Rachael Markarian as Caterina
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Grace Vance as Cassidy
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Tarah Paige
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Larramie Doc Shaw
Crew:
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Director: Hisonni Johnson
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Writers: Maddy Curley, Hisonni Johnson
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Producers: Maddy Curley, Hisonni Johnson
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Music Composer: Jeff Cardoni
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Cinematography: Casey McBeath
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Editor: Hisonni Johnson
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Production Companies: Relentless Studios, Integrity Productions
Release Info:
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Country: United States
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Language: English
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Release Year: 2016
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Genre: Sports, Comedy, Drama
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Running Time: 90 minutes (approx.)
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Distribution: Digital release and streaming platforms
