Movies

There are a lot of good things that can be said about the 2009 movie Whip It. Aside from the oozing girl power projected in the movie and the interest stimulated by the unique Roller Derby girl team, the Hurl Scouts, the story also has real substance and is heartwarming in a fun way. The protagonist of the story, Bliss Cavendar, is played by the award-winning actress Ellen Page. Bliss character offers an inspiring tale of a teenager who wants to find her real self amidst the dictates of her surroundings and the not-so-good experiences of her high school life. Yet, it is really the pressure from her mothers dream to win beauty pageants that pushes Bliss to find the world of womens roller derby. Brooke, Bliss mother who is played by Marcia Gay Harden, is a former beauty queen who wants her daughters to succeed in that field as well and learn from her mistakes as she only ended up to be a mail carrier. Hence, the movie is essentially a story of how Bliss would find what really makes her happy through her determination, drive, and a pinch of rebellion.  Whip It is an engaging story   and it offers a healthy dose of hope, not only for the youthful heroine, but also for its director  (Le).

    One of the first things people would be curious about this film is how Drew Barrymores directorial debut would turn out. Famous for her own successful films, Barrymore has established her name as one of the most loved actresses in the industry. In Whip It, Barrymore proves that her talent and passion for films can indeed go beyond acting. While the movie could be described as  predictable not only in the contours of its plot, but also in nearly every scene and situation,  it is not badly directed (Scott). In fact, Barrymore is really effective in directing and making the scenes of the movie progress. Whip It has complete elements of a feel-good film from beginning up to the end. With its coming-of-age, self-discovery storyline, lovable array of characters, and the inspiring, humor-infused direction of the movie, Whip It is a sure hit for Barrymores directorial career.

    Based on Shauna Cross own writing Derby Girl, the story features how Bliss discovers the sport Roller Derby and how she eventually joins the all-girls team Hurl Scouts. Here, she finds friends in her teammates, a group of different empowered women united by their love for the sport. Page is able to live up to the demands of her character and to the expectations of movie critics.  Part of whats charming about the star is the furtiveness of her character  (Sragow). Bliss has to keep her life as member of Hurl Scouts hidden from her family so she trains in secret. Bliss is feisty, determined, and passionate all at the same time and the audience can expect to see this character bloom as she struggles to improve her relationship with her parents and win the battle against their rival team.  Shauna Cross writes from her own experience with roller-skating it is no coincidence that Whip It proceeds in a series of small movements, not big changes or eye-opening surprises  (Le).

    The film effectively shows that  Bliss succeeds at Roller Derby not just because she loves it, but also because it answers her needs to toughen up,  enabling her to find her real self (Sragow). All through this, Bliss would be supported by her loyal best friend, Pash, played by Alia Shawkat. The character of Pash adds the most excitement to the film, and her personality is easy to like. Also, the love story of Bliss and Oliver, a rocker musician played by Landon Pigg, is creatively infused into the storyline, and the chemistry they share lives up to the flow of the movie. Pashs  cynicism sets the tone for how we feel about the romance, and Barrymores sweetly cheesy direction of two love scenes between Oliver and Bliss, one set in what looks like a wheat field and the other in a swimming pool, does not dissuade us from this  (Pols).

    One of the most notable characters in the film is Maggie Mayhem, played by Kristen Wiig, who exemplifies girl power and real compassion in a very realistic and not in an overly dramatic way. Barrymore also joins the cast by playing the character of Smashly Simpson, the amusing and idiotic member of the Hurl Scouts. The combination of all these characters and the light action in the arena of Roller Derby offer great entertainment to the audience.  Whip It has an easy going spirit, a lightness of touch in spite of the occasional excursions into melodrama, that makes it hard to mock and easy to like  (Scott).

    The movie may seem to have a particular niche of audience based on its theme, but it is in fact a movie that can be watched by all ages and sexes. The realities that Whip It features are very familiar that one would find him- or herself pointing to scenes he or she could relate to real life. Also,   Barrymore delivers it with such a giddy good sense of fun that its easy enough to go along with it  (Pols). There is a very interesting plot to follow, surprising twists that makes the viewers smile, and little complication that would make it too ambitious.

     If you go to see Whip It, dont forget to stay until the last production note for the wonderful music  (Le). The editing and post-production of the film are also significant in making the film really good. The music highlights the momentum at the right instances and makes the audience feel more attached to the scenes and events in the film.

    Whip It concludes with a lot of changes and insights that are rewarding and enjoyable to digest. The story is light, the characters are intense and full, and the whole movie is amusing.  There should be no high expectations from the film in order to fully appreciate it because for sure, one will find a reason to love it.