Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Movie Review: Whip It (2009)

Whip It
Released 2009
111 mins.

Starring: Ellen Page, Drew Barrymore, Kristen Wiig, Juliette Lewis, Marcia Gay Harden, Daniel Stern, Andrew Wilson, Jimmy Fallon, and Alia Shawkat

Synopsis: Ellen Page's follow up to 2007's smash success Juno sees her in another coming-of-age story, albeit much lighter in tone (sans teen pregnancy).  Page plays Bliss Cavendar, a spunky teen trapped in the small town of Bodine, TX where her well-meaning mother pushes her to compete in local teen beauty pageants. 

Bliss works at the local pork bbq restaurant with her best friend Pash and both dream of escaping their mundane small-town existences (or at least the constant antagonism of the popular kids).  A chance encounter introduces Bliss to the world of women's roller derby and she is immediatly smitten by the tough, beautiful players (with equally cool names like Maggie Mayhem, Jackie Daniels, and Eva Destruction). 

She tries out and is accepted as the newest member of the Hurl Scouts!  Problems arise as Bliss tries to keep her new project a secret from Mom and her underage status from her teammates.  She then falls (as all teenage girls do) for the atypical uber-cool rock boy (wear a condom this time Ellen!)

Mike Tells It Straight: This ain't no Juno.  Drew Barrymore does a decent, but not spectacular job directing and it's a cute story that doesn't take itself too seriously.  Ellen Page's trademarke sarcastic irreverence is the main draw here.  Plus a fun soundtrack and grrl! power roller derby action

TO BUY and Recommendations: