So…I don’t get it. WHIP IT! Is now added to my growing list of box office conundrums. Why did this picture not do well at all (in fact it basically tanked) at the box office? Oh, that’s right, the public seriously does not recognize quality fare when it is right in front of their faces. Actually, WHIP IT! smacked the audience in the face with its righteous previews and amazing marketing campaign. Alas, the public ignored it, despite stellar reviews.

And, as I am always honest with my readers, I missed it in theaters, too. In my defense, it was in and out before you can say “Go back to your turtle shell!” (see said movie for more amazing zingers) so I can honestly say that I wish I would’ve supported it.

In the film, Ellen Page continues to cement her role as the new Molly Ringwald of the current generation. This picture, along with her star making turn in Juno, have fashioned her into the sort of neon-alternative-grunge-punk rebellious poster girl this generation needs. I had Winona in all her angsty glory in Realty Bites and Drew (the Director of said film) in Mad Love. Young girls have Ellen Page, and they should be grateful for that and be taking notes for how to stay out of the “in crowd.” The interesting thing about Page’s role in this film is that it is very similar to her role in Juno. The AMAZING thing is that she fashioned this role into an entirely different entity. She puts a whole new spin on being original and unique. Young girls can take notes from this. They should be. Have you seen how slutty they dress nowadays?

The plot of the film is simple: Teenage girl being forced into pageants by her over-bearing mother falls in love with a novelty known as roller derby and keeps it a secret. Well, we all know how this turns out. The parents always find out. One parent makes good on their daughter’s happiness, etc… Oh, and there is a boy. The thing that I did think was really amazing about this film was the truthfulness brought forth by the succinct and honest dialogue. This script is an example of how you make an old story fresh. I cared about what the characters were saying to each other. The exchanges between mother and daughter were painstakingly and lovingly honest. This was a film about a relationship and the war of understanding between a mother and daughter.

I also thought that this being Barrymore’s first attempt at directing, it might get a bit messy. But, she has crafted a film about the struggle of love and acceptance that we can all relate to. I think that she was the perfect chick for the job because she has had public obstacles of her own to overcome, and infused her own knowledge and growth into the movie. Her loving nature comes through in each and every scene, even the aggressive derby ones! Her open nature is felt in every scene, in every line. And the bonus is that she adds a bit of humor now and then in a small role.

WHIP IT! Is a movie I highly recommend. It gives a voice to young chicks everywhere that they should pursue whatever gift they possess, no matter how random. But it ultimately deals with our relationships with ourselves: how we treat and nurture our individuality and what we think is best for us. It certainly is a struggle, and often times we have to push outside our comfort zone. But no matter what, it is always worth it in the end. It gives us attitude. And an attitude is irreplaceable.

***Zoe Bell is in this and for the record, I want to see more of this woman. She was Uma Thurman’s stunt double in the Kill Bill films and had a lead part in Tarantino’s Death Proof (one of his most over looked and underrated films if you ask me. I know, I know. This opinion is ALWAYS  met with disdain. But I stand by my view). Her few scenes add an instant spark to the movie and cannot wait until her next big move. We’re watching you Bell. Dazzle us. Please

Filed under: Bad Ass Heroine, Drew Barrymore, Killer Dialogue, Quentin Tarantino, Relationships, silver screen by admin