ALYSON MICHALKA : BEAUTIFUL GIRL BECOMES STAR

Alyson Renae "Aly" Michalka (born March 25, 1989), often credited as Aly, is an American actress, singer-songwriter, musician and dancer, presently starring as Marti Perkins in the CW television series Hellcats.

She was known for her roles as Keely Teslow in the Disney Channel original series Phil of the Future, Charlotte Barnes in the feature filmBandslam, Taylor Callum in the Disney Channel Original Movie Cow Belles, and Rhiannon Abernathy in the Golden Globe-nominated teen film Easy A. She is also known as one-half of the musical duo 78violet (formerly Aly & AJ) with her sister Amanda Michalka.

Aly Michalka Hopes 'Hellcats' on The CW Can Be Successful Like 'Bring It On'

ALYSON MICHALKA : BEAUTIFUL GIRL BECOMES STAR

ALYSON MICHALKA : BEAUTIFUL GIRL BECOMES STAR

ALYSON MICHALKA : BEAUTIFUL GIRL BECOMES STAR

Unfortunately, for some critics the comparison only reminds viewers how much more energy and originality that 2000 film possessed. Hellcats follows Aly Michalka in her role as Marti as she loses her college scholarship and tries out for the cheer squad to stay in school. She is befriended by the squad's overzealous captain (High School Musical's Ashley Tisdale) but is despised by the injured squad member she's replacing (Heather Hemmens).

ALYSON MICHALKA : BEAUTIFUL GIRL BECOMES STAR

The fun-but-flawed pilot is predictable and plays out like yet another weak Bring It On direct-to-video sequel. The conflicts feel forced and several of the students look well into their 30s. Michalka's Marti isn't very likable as she mouths off and mocks the cheerleaders.

Tisdale's performance is engaging and endearing. And the show's college setting and quippy characters make it ideal for its target demographic, particularly fans of ABC Family's Greek. Bottom line: Hellcats is like the squad it's named for -- with a little polish, it could be a winner.