Oct. 05, 2009 Hot rollers - 'Whip It' throws elbows at the cookie-cutter teen movie
by Lia Karidas

Drew Barrymore's directorial debut in 'Whip It' was something I had been both anticipating and dreading for a while. Barrymore's comedic timing, girl-next-door vibe, and relatable nuances have made her one of my favourite actresses. I was less sure of her directing abilities.

With those doubts dangling above my head, I went to see a movie about roller derby on its opening night. I also happened to be in the same audience as the Thames Fatales – London's own derby girls. It was not a day I thought would come, but to be honest, I'm happy that it did.

The movie stars Ellen Page (Juno) as an unmotivated Texas teen, Bliss Cavendar. Bliss is lost in translation within the not-so-bustling town of Bodeen, Texas. She finds refuge and a new sense of self as a member of the Hurl Scouts – a rough-and-tumble roller derby team stationed in nearby Austin.

Roller derby is a full-contact women's sport played on a track while wearing four-wheel roller skates. There are slutty costumes and fishnet stockings involved (good to have your attention, boys).

The plot line itself reads like many teen, team and sports films. With some realistic touches here and there, what might have been a cookie-cutter coming of age plot became a touching story about discovering one’s passion.

Page does a great job playing up the lovable awkwardness of a teenager who is trying to find herself, but she isn't a caricature. Her rough-around-the-edges nature doesn't stem from a desire to rebel, but rather a vicious circle of insecurity, something that is more realistic to a young audience. Marcia Gay Harden, as Bliss's mother, is stunningly beautiful and convincing as the conservative pageant mom who wants to live out her dreams through her daughter. Rather than being a typical mean parent, she comes across very clearly as someone who is trying to make life good for her child in the best way she knows how.

Other highlights of this glowing ensemble cast were Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live) as Maggie Mayhem, captain of the Hurl Scouts. Kudos to her for her very well delivered monologue about crabs (not the shellfish). Alia Shawkat's (Arrested Development) impeccable acting chops propel her into people's hearts as Pash, Bliss's smart, rebellious and only friend. Juliette Lewis was deliciously abrasive, as per usual, in the role of Iron Maven, captain of the Holy Rollers – the Hurl Scouts' arch rivals. Director Drew Barrymore appeared as the violent Smashley Simpson, who provided most of the comic relief in the film. And with other familiar faces like Eve, Jimmy Fallon, Daniel Stern, and Andrew Wilson, moviegoers are bound to find something they’ll like.

Overall, I would call 'Whip It' a pretty good movie. It was fast-paced, entertaining, featured lovable characters and female solidarity. It also included a good dose of elbows, punches, trips and bloody noses. The movie gave us uncultured folk an opportunity to re-visit a sport that seemed long gone. Hopefully Barrymore will be able to keep the momentum on future projects, which I'm sure are all on the horizon.

Oct. 14, 2009 by midnightLuke

Very well written, now I actually want to see the movie.