Movie Review: Whip It (2009)
Whip It, directed by Drew Barrymore, is a comedy starring Ellen Page in a role that sees her expand her acting range outside her all-knowing Juno MacGruff-type character. Bliss Cavendar (Page) is a frustrated 17-yr old girl yearning for a more exciting life (aren’t we all?) than reliving her mother’s dream of being a beauty pageant queen in a small town in the middle of Texas. One day, she sneaks out to a game of roller-derby inside an old warehouse in nearby Austin. Bliss is immediately captivated by the game as well as its interesting characters, a bunch of tattooed, trash-talking tough women. She decides to try for the team and pretends to be 22 because she knows her parents would never approve of her new venture.
Whip It is unpretentious and Barrymore doesn’t try to do too much in her debut as the helm of a film. The movie is simply a feel-good story of following one’s heart and breaking free from whatever cage one might be trapped in. Whip It does push the limits of credibility but the movie is so easy to like that we are willing to ignore a few unanswered questions. The mother-daughter relationship between Bliss and her mother (Marcia Gay Harden) is the heart of the film and a war cry for all teen girls to pursue their dream despite what their parents may say. The two actresses have excellent chemistry and their rapport feels very honest and credible. One may wonder how the diminutive and delicate Ellen Page can go and exchange elbows with women seemingly much bigger than her but Barrymore makes her the little speedster who shies away from contact while her brawny teammates take care of the physical contact.
Ellen Page is adorable and demonstrates she can carry a movie all by herself. The 22-yr old Canadian actress, best known for her roles in Hard Candy (2005) and Juno (2007), finally distances herself away from that sassy, overly witty character she played in those movies and shows that she can also be understated and convey a great deal of inner emotions without having to be a snappy chatterbox.
The supporting cast seems like they had a lot of fun roller-blading and it shows in the movie. Sporting nicknames such as Maggie Mayhem (the fantastic Kristen Wiig), Bloody Holly (Zoe Bell), or Smashley Simpson (Barrymore), they are a raucous, free-spirited band of tough women. The talented Juliette Lewis plays “Iron Maven”, the crazy leader of the best team in the league. Andrew Wilson (yes, the older brother of Owen and Luke) provides most of the comic relief as the oddball coach of the team while Daniel Stern, who plays Bliss’ father, is sympathetic and likable.
A celebration of feminine empowerment, Whip It is a charming albeit unfocused movie held together by Page’s strong performance and Barrymore’s free-spirited directing.
B
Notes: Rated PG-13 for sexual content including crude dialogue, language and drug material. 111 minutes.
10 Comments
I think you hit the proverbial nail on the head when you described “Whip It” as “a charming albeit unfocused movie held together by Page’s strong performance and Barrymore’s free-spirited directing.” I saw this recently at the cheap theater but haven’t had time to review it yet, but I’d agree that Ellen Page is the heartbeat of the movie. She has this disarming way of being guarded and funny and vulnerable all at one time, and given that she’s done such great movies as “Juno” and “Hard Candy,” I’d say she’s allowed a girl-power chick flick once in a great while.
I would agree with you completely. I thought it was charming. But lost its way occasionally. Also, I thought all the acting was great, except for Barrymore who acted like a caricature of an SNL character. She should have stuck to directing instead of insisting on her small part.
I plan to watch Whip It this weekend, despite my personal reservations about its plot points. If it’s like you say I think it’ll be enjoyable enough.
@ M. Carter: Yes, I was impressed by Ellen Page, I guess I used to think that she could play only that one type of character but I’m glad she proved me wrong. I’ll check back on your blog for your review
@ Blake: Indeed, I was not too keen on the relationship aspect with the young rock/punk dude. It was a little too shallow and the actor was below average.
@ Univarn: Hope you enjoy it! Looking forward to read your review about it.
I’ve liked Ellen Page since the first moment I saw her but have been putting off watching this movie. I may have to finally give in and check it out now after reading your review. I just have to save it for when I need a little light hearted flick.
And does anyone else think that Juliette Lewis is the hottest ugly girl around? Ever since Natural Born Killers I’ve had this odd crush on her!
Hmm I did kinda find Page to be a snappy chatterbox on wheels. But I honestly enjoyed her performance here much more than that overdone, unnatural blabber machine she was in “Juno”. This movie was such a pleasant surprise for me too.
Plus I think Barrymore might have a good future behind the camera.
Although I haven’t yet seen it, Drew Barrymore’s debut film as director seems to be getting good word of mouth. It doesn’t surprise me Castor that you’ve highlighted Ellen Page’s performance. She’s been strong in everything I’ve seen her in – maybe she does need to show a little more fragility though. Perhaps what we see in “Smart People” just without the overt pretension.
I agree Dan and that’s what she gives us in Whip It, a vulnerability and inner sadness that permeates her character. I’m definitely more hopeful that she can become a well-rounded actress with good range after seeing the movie.
I’d say Page and Zoeey Deschanel are probably the best two young actresses in Hollywood at the moment.
Zooey is very good at one particular role, the quirky, witty free spirited girlfriend role. She really needs to work on expanding her range and find roles outside what she is known for to get more respect as an actress.
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