{"id":15288,"date":"2026-06-11T01:00:20","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T08:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=15288"},"modified":"2026-06-11T16:07:25","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T23:07:25","slug":"cheer-dad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2026\/cheer-dad\/","title":{"rendered":"Cheer  Dad *  The Family Comedy Movie I Didn\u2019t Know I Needed!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-15291\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CheerDad_Poster.jpg?resize=119%2C159&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"119\" height=\"159\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CheerDad_Poster.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CheerDad_Poster.jpg?w=525&amp;ssl=1 525w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 119px) 100vw, 119px\" \/>The true, heartwarming story of a devoted father who steps far out of his comfort zone to become an assistant\u00a0cheer\u00a0coach when his adopted daughter dreams of making it to\u00a0cheer\u00a0nationals.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raasti K. comments, \u201c<em>Cheer Dad<\/em> 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!\u201d IvyJoy C. adds, \u201cI 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 \u201cthat&#8217;s actually how it is,\u201d and \u201cI swear that that&#8217;s happened to me before.\u201d Brooklyn S. wraps it up with, \u201cAs 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\u2019t just stand out in the beginning; it stays consistent the whole time. Additionally, the acting is fantastic, especially by Anna and her dad Patrick.\u201d See their full reviews below.<\/p>\n<p>Cheer Dad<br \/>\nBy Raasti K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iw06wlHVlIM?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15304 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.1.png?resize=241%2C102&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"241\" height=\"102\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.1.png?resize=300%2C127&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.1.png?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 241px) 100vw, 241px\" \/>Cheer Dad<\/em> 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!<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-15302\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.10.png?resize=242%2C101&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"242\" height=\"101\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.10.png?resize=300%2C125&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.10.png?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 242px) 100vw, 242px\" \/>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 \u201cApple Bottom Jeans\u201d to hype up the cheer squad before their competition.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15298 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.6.png?resize=242%2C101&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"242\" height=\"101\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.6.png?resize=300%2C125&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.6.png?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 242px) 100vw, 242px\" \/>The film\u2019s 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\u2019t always by blood but by the people who love and support you. This is shown through Patrick and Anna\u2019s close bond, even though Anna is adopted and they aren\u2019t related.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>Cheer Dad<\/em> 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It releases on VOD and streaming on June 5, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Cheer Dad<br \/>\nBy IvyJoy C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 13<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PL5kIieZ-gQ?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15297 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.5.png?resize=239%2C101&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"239\" height=\"101\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.5.png?resize=300%2C127&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.5.png?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 239px) 100vw, 239px\" \/>I love <em>Cheer Dad <\/em>because of the laughs it gives me, how it resonates with me, and how real it feels. Throughout this film I was chuckling, saying \u201cthat&#8217;s actually how it is,\u201d and \u201cI swear that that&#8217;s happened to me before.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The storyline follows a man named Patrick (Tim Parez \u2013 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.\u00a0 While Patrick has a lot of struggles, Anna has some of her own\u2013the 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&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-15296\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.4.png?resize=243%2C102&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"243\" height=\"102\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.4.png?resize=300%2C126&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.4.png?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 243px) 100vw, 243px\" \/>This film isn\u2019t drop dead funny, but if you&#8217;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, <em>Cheer Dad <\/em>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&#8217;t have it all, and even if you can have a lot, it&#8217;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\u2013I can definitely relate to her. Watching this film feels very realistic; it\u2019s as if I\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15289 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.12.png?resize=239%2C101&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"239\" height=\"101\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.12.png?resize=300%2C127&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.12.png?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 239px) 100vw, 239px\" \/>The film\u2019s message is to not give up on finding your passion and never stop trying to achieve your goals even if the going gets tough.<\/p>\n<p>I give<em> Cheer Dad <\/em>5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on digital platforms on June 16, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Cheer Dad<br \/>\nBy Brooklyn S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 11<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tQXsHzFUkkk?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-15293\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.15.png?resize=241%2C98&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"241\" height=\"98\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.15.png?resize=300%2C122&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.15.png?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 241px) 100vw, 241px\" \/>Cheer Dad <\/em>is the family comedy movie I didn\u2019t know I needed! The music instantly made me intrigued; the acting is amazing, and all the jokes land perfectly.<\/p>\n<p>Based on the book, <em>Dad in a Cheer Boy<\/em> by Patrick Riccards, <em>Cheer Dad <\/em>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.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15292 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.14.png?resize=237%2C102&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"237\" height=\"102\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.14.png?resize=300%2C129&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.14.png?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 237px) 100vw, 237px\" \/>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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-15294\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.3.png?resize=238%2C100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"238\" height=\"100\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.3.png?resize=300%2C126&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cheerdad.3.png?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 238px) 100vw, 238px\" \/>The film\u2019s message is that anything can be accomplished with enough support and determination. Anna never gives up, and the results show in the end.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>Cheer Dad <\/em>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.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/m_VWkPIF6Lg?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raasti K. comments, \u201cCheer 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!\u201d IvyJoy C. adds, \u201cI 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 \u201cthat&#8217;s actually how it is,\u201d and \u201cI swear that that&#8217;s happened to me before.\u201d Brooklyn S. wraps it up with, \u201cAs 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\u2019t just stand out in the beginning; it stays consistent the whole time. Additionally, the acting is fantastic, especially by Anna and her dad Patrick.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[4949,15],"tags":[9527,1783,10486,10495,10496,10491,10493,10499,10492,10490,464,1207,10436,5377,5382,10497,10501,10488,1358,8517,10489,10500,551,1166,10494,9137,10487,1360,10498],"class_list":["post-15288","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film","category-feature-film-reviews","tag-acceptance","tag-by-kids-for-kids","tag-cheer-dad","tag-cheer-dad-movie","tag-cheer-dad-review","tag-cheerleader","tag-cheerleading","tag-cheerleading-movie","tag-cheersquad","tag-coaching","tag-comedy","tag-family","tag-family-movie-review","tag-father-daughter","tag-father-daughter-relationship","tag-film-review","tag-indie-film-review","tag-joey-victoria-lezama","tag-kids-first-film-critics","tag-kids-first","tag-marriage","tag-movie-critique","tag-movie-review","tag-movie-reviews","tag-multi-cultural","tag-nostalgia","tag-tim-perez-ross","tag-youth-film-critics","tag-youth-sports-documentary"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-3YA","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15288","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15288"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15288\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15305,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15288\/revisions\/15305"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15288"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15288"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15288"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}