Cheer Dad * The Family Comedy Movie I Didn’t Know I Needed!
The true, heartwarming story of a devoted father who steps far out of his comfort zone to become an assistant cheer coach when his adopted daughter dreams of making it to cheer nationals.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raasti K. comments, “Cheer Dad is a sweet movie, and I like how it focuses on the strong bond between a father and daughter. It is also very sweet and lighthearted, and I laughed a lot!” IvyJoy C. adds, “I love Cheer Dad because of the laughs it gives me, how it resonates with me, and how real it feels. Throughout this film I was chuckling, saying “that’s actually how it is,” and “I swear that that’s happened to me before.” Brooklyn S. wraps it up with, “As soon as the movie starts, the music sets the vibe of optimism. It is clear and easy to hear and matches each scene perfectly. The music doesn’t just stand out in the beginning; it stays consistent the whole time. Additionally, the acting is fantastic, especially by Anna and her dad Patrick.” See their full reviews below.
Cheer Dad
By Raasti K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Cheer Dad is a sweet movie, and I like how it focuses on the strong bond between a father and daughter. It is also very sweet and lighthearted, and I laughed a lot!
The storyline follows Patrick (Tim Perez-Ross), a loving, caring father who moves with his family to a new neighborhood. When his daughter Anna (Joey Victoria Lezama) makes her school’s competitive cheer team, Patrick unexpectedly becomes the assistant coach. Anna struggles with challenging cheer skills like tumbling, but Patrick supports her and encourages her. He helps the team prepare for an important competition by motivating the squad and inspiring them to work together and believe in themselves.
The film portrays real-life scenarios at both school and cheer practice. Anna is so relatable as she struggles with sticking to activities and putting in the right amount of practice to succeed. Patrick has such funny moments, like when he feels excluded from the parties with the cheer moms where he would break down in the car and stuff his face with cookies. I also love the cheer moms, since they are so funny and lively. I especially love when they had a dance party to “Apple Bottom Jeans” to hype up the cheer squad before their competition.
The film’s message is that having someone who truly believes in you can motivate you to work hard and achieve things you never thought possible. The film also shows how family isn’t always by blood but by the people who love and support you. This is shown through Patrick and Anna’s close bond, even though Anna is adopted and they aren’t related.
I give Cheer Dad 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It releases on VOD and streaming on June 5, 2026.
Cheer Dad
By IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 13
I love Cheer Dad because of the laughs it gives me, how it resonates with me, and how real it feels. Throughout this film I was chuckling, saying “that’s actually how it is,” and “I swear that that’s happened to me before.”
The storyline follows a man named Patrick (Tim Parez – Ross) and his daughter, Anna (Joey Victoria Lezama) as they enter a world of drama, excitement, and toe touches also known as competitive cheer. As they navigate this world of competition, Patrick must find a way to manage his work life, family, and his new duties as assistant coach. While Patrick has a lot of struggles, Anna has some of her own–the cheer life is exciting, but Anna is getting bored doing the same things at practice, that is until her dad joins the team as assistant coach. At first, it’s fun to have him with her, but eventually it gets hard hearing criticism from her own dad. Together these two need to make it through the hardships of cheer and win nationals.
This film isn’t drop dead funny, but if you’re in a bad mood and need a good laugh, or just like heartwarming comedies, then this is the movie for you. On top of the chuckles, Cheer Dad is a film that I can relate to. I understand how Patrick feels trying to balance his daughter, job, marriage, and coaching responsibilities. You can’t have it all, and even if you can have a lot, it’s still hard work. I can also relate to Anna. Moving, starting over in a new place, making new friends, and finding a new passion–I can definitely relate to her. Watching this film feels very realistic; it’s as if I’m on the cheer squad watching all of this unfold. This movie also gives me a sense of nostalgia; as if I had lived through some of the events. My favorite part is when Patrick is eating cookies that the cheer moms refuse. I like this part because it reminds me of me.
The film’s message is to not give up on finding your passion and never stop trying to achieve your goals even if the going gets tough.
I give Cheer Dad 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on digital platforms on June 16, 2026.
Cheer Dad
By Brooklyn S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 11
Cheer Dad is the family comedy movie I didn’t know I needed! The music instantly made me intrigued; the acting is amazing, and all the jokes land perfectly.
Based on the book, Dad in a Cheer Boy by Patrick Riccards, Cheer Dad follows a devoted father named Patrick (Tim Perez-Ross) who is trying to support his daughter Anna (Joey Victoria Lezama) in finding what she likes to do. When she finds her interest in cheer, her father steps out of his comfort zone and becomes cheer coach of her team to help support her dreams.
As soon as the movie starts, the music sets the vibe of optimism. It is clear and easy to hear and matches each scene perfectly. The music doesn’t just stand out in the beginning; it stays consistent the whole time. Additionally, the acting is fantastic, especially by Anna and her dad Patrick. Their connection throughout the movie feels very real. The music and acting work together and make each scene look great for the audience. For example, during the curling party after her cheer competition, the music is happy and exciting, and the actors bring that same energy to screen. I have to give praise to the screenwriter, Joyce Licorish, who is also the director and producer, because the dialogue is very realistic and funny. I can also see the character arch clearly in the dad when he changes from everyday father, to grumpy coach, to a successful leader. Altogether, the acting, music, and dialogue create a hilarious yet realistic movie.
The film’s message is that anything can be accomplished with enough support and determination. Anna never gives up, and the results show in the end.
I give Cheer Dad 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 8 to 12 plus adults. It releases on VOD and streaming on June 16, 2026.
