Whip It

Drew BarrymoreDrew Barrymore has been a successful and appealing actress for almost thirty years, now, with Whip It, her directorial debut, she has shown that her skills extend to behind the camera as well. Ellen PageEllen Page is Bliss Cavendar, stuck in a small Texas town, and pushed into local beauty pageants by her overbearing and determined mom( an excellent Marcia Gay HardenMarcia Gay Harden). Bliss wants something more, and, on an outing to nearby Austin she finds it, yes, you guessed it, Roller Derby. Actually the slight, fragile Ms. Page is the last person you would ever associate with this intensely physical sport, but, due to her skill in presenting her character, it all works quite well. This film is all about following your dreams and being your own person, and although these themes are common in many films, Whip It makes it seem as fresh as right now. This is all due to an engaging script, along with fine direction and acting. I might also add that it's great to see a film where women are the main characters, and where those characters are so appealing. Also, Jimmy FallonJimmy Fallon as the arena's announcer provides some excellent comic relief to what is basically a serious film. Could this film predicate a Roller derby revival? Of course not, but give this fine film a fling.

Rating - 3 Stars