Poms - A Movie Review

This will be the best cheerleader squad a retirement home has ever seen!

After its championship, Poms was released to theaters in 2019. Martha, an unhappy woman moves into a retirement community. She reluctantly joins a cheerleader squad formed by a group of women. As they compete in championships, the women show people that age is just a number and the power of friendship.

Movies have a way of surprising you. The premise of older women creating a cheer squad caught my interest. It’s also based on a true story! Poms is an entertaining and funny film. No matter our age, we can do anything, like putting together a cheerleading squad in a retirement community.

The film had talented actresses who were witty and energetic. Diane Keaton is an amazing actress who has had a tremendous acting career. Martha has different intentions when moving into the senior center, but learns that you can still do more despite one's age.

I have seen Jacki Weaver in other films, but this role has become my favorite. As Martha’s incredibly nosy neighbor, Weaver is hilarious. Sheryl pops in for a visit whenever she wants, upping Martha’s temper. It turns out, Sheryl’s friendship impacts Martha’s life for the better.

The cast worked well together, delivering comedy and dictating the energetic cheerleading sequences. Celia Weston, Rhea Perlman, Pam Grier, Patricia French, and Ginny MacColl were tremendous. Poms marked the final film for Phillis Somerville (Helen) and Carol Sutton (Ruby) who passed away a year after the film’s release.

Poms was more physical work for the cast than expected with some actresses doing splits, cartwheels, or energetic dances. Surprisingly, the actresses didn’t have a dancing background, but everyone was determined to learn the dances.

The cast endured a 10-day cheerleading boot camp to help with cheer choreography. Stunt doubles were avoided as much as possible to let the actresses implement their styles. As some of the actresses commented, the prep work was the most physical work they’ve ever experienced!

Just because you have reached old age doesn’t mean life is over. I was not expecting Poms to utilize a storyline involving the younger generation vs. the older generation. The older women battle with high school cheerleaders in championships.

Alisha Boe, Charlie Tahan, and Alexandra Ficken were commendable in their roles. Of course, these storylines implement the usual contrasts in generations, like technology use, but the characters have meaningful talks. You never know what you’ll learn about yourself when talking with older generations.

I didn’t realize until after the movie that Poms is based on a true story about Sun City Poms, a cheer squad formed in the 70s. Team members ranged from ages 55 to 88 and performed in several events like parades and retirement living centers.

Zara Hayes remained true to the story. Hayes deserves as much praise for her direction and looking out for her actresses. In her debut narrative direction, Hayes researched the subject and initially went about the project as a documentary. Thankfully, she turned Poms into a film.

Poms also implements a positive message on cheerleading. Like Hayes, I was never a fan of cheerleading because of the stereotypical standards, but there’s more to it than one thinks. Everyone had fun working on this film which is what matters. Cheering is meant as a fun activity that requires trust.

Poms is not a silly comedy if that’s what you’re thinking. I enjoyed this movie and it deserves more praise. The film is a heartwarming story with energetic cheering scenes. You need to check it out on Netflix.