The cinematic drought is over! I’m so excited about Whip It, the girl-power roller derby flick that hits theaters this Friday. Ellen Page stars in the film, which marks Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut.
The movie, which screenwriter Shauna Cross adapted from her own novel Derby Girl, tells the story of an indie-rockin’ Texas teenager named Bliss (Ellen Page) who gives up the sequins of beauty pageants for the knee pads of the roller derby. She tries out for a team called the Hurl Scouts, which includes older, seasoned members like “Smashley Simpson” (Drew Barrymore), “Maggie Mayhem” (Kristen Wiig) and “Bloody Holly” (Zoe Bell).
The movie is sure to attract tween and teen girls, who haven’t had much to get excited about at the box office lately. Jennifer’s Body performed meekly but isn’t a good comparison since it was rated R; Alexis Bledel’s PG-13 coming-of-age Post Grad was a huge flop, but also decidedly less cool than Whip It, which is filled with bright colors, tough chicks and loud music. How can you not get pumped up?
But will any guys be interested in the film? It’s hard to say, especially since Ellen (though unquestioningly talented) is not a sex symbol like Megan Fox. I also wonder if the movie will turn a bit cheesy – and possibly earn bad word-of-mouth – as Bliss learns life lessons and finds her place in the world and all that. The biggest question is really what Whip It will mean for Drew Barrymore. Should she stay behind the camera, or go back to her dayjob?
Check out the trailer:
Comments
Spin
September 28th, 2009 - 1:15:03 PM
As a derby girl, I am SO excited for this movie! I personally know male fans who are also excited for it and are coming to the release party the local theater is throwing for my league. Of course it's going to be a hit with the tweens and teens, but it seems to have a certain level of a appeal for 20- and even 30-somethings as that's the age range of our hard core fan base. I really hope it lives up to expectations!
emb369
September 30th, 2009 - 2:22:14 PM
I saw this in Toronto and at an sneak preview last wekend and It think it's a blast. I haven't had so much fun at the movies in a long time.
Kelly Turner
October 1st, 2009 - 6:11:47 PM
im so excited to see it this weekend. I havent been excited about a movie in a while.
Derby Girl89
November 13th, 2009 - 11:45:56 PM
I saw this movie 3 times in the theater. at the sneak preview i was the loudist in there. i cant wait to become a derby girl next fall. this movie was amazing. a must see