Whip it!!
Loved it!! I was so excited to watch a good movie!!!
Ellen Page is an extraordinary actress and is absolutely no less than perfect in this picture. She plays a timid yet feisty little bombshell of a skater. She is ruthless, literally, she becomes known as Babe Ruthless in the Roller Derby arena. From pageant queen to derby queen Bliss Cavendar (Page) fights her way to the top in her pursuit to find something she truly enjoys doing in life. Most importantly, it gets her out the small town, middle of nowhere, atmosphere. So, in disguise of an SAT course Bliss makes her way to Austin, TX and battles her way to the front of the line on wheels for the Hurl Scouts, who have never won a game, until Bliss gets “Ruthless.”
Whip It is based off the novel Derby Girl by Shauna Cross, whom also just so happens to be the screenplay writer as well. I have yet to read Derby Girl, but considering the screenplay I’m pretty excited to read the novel. I’m willing to bet they are in close running with each other. So, if you’re a fan of the novel I would definitely suggest giving the movie a go. You’re sure to love it!
Drew Barrymore has really hit the ground rolling with Whip It. It was a very fun and entertaining film to watch. The film had it all great characters, casting, screenplay, and above all, great directing. Seeing as she has been in the business all her life I really expected nothing less than excellence from Barrymore. Her character Shamashley Simpson was a riot! She didn’t have a huge role, but she really threw herself into it, as did all the character in the film. She had an absolutely amazing cast to work with. They were all fantastic and hilarious. It really was great acting.
As I already mentioned Ellen Page was marvelous, but she wasn’t alone. Marcia Gay Harden was the perfect pageant pushing mother as she insists Bliss (Page) must achieve all that she can while still young and beautiful. She is so confident and moving throughout the entire film. Kristin Wiig (Maggie Mayhem) was also on top of her game on and off the roller track. Juliette Lewis (Iron Maven), Jimmy Fallon (Johnny Rocket), Eve (Rosa Sparks), Daniel Stern (Earl Cavendar), and Alia Shawkat (Pash) all gave wonderful supporting performances as well. They made the film so funny and very entertaining. They really made you want to get up and give roller derby a go yourself! I’m almost 50% positive I wouldn’t break anything.
From a viewing point the film looked and sounded great. Colors were sharp and clear in light and dark areas of the film. A good bit of the film was dark, but it was never washed out. The picture was always crisp with vivid coloring. Listening in English you get 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, and French 5.1 Dolby Digital. You get to view the film in 2.40:1 Widescreen. Subtitles are available in English and Spanish.
Special Features
Disc 1- Blu-ray
9 Deleted Scenes
Alternate Opening
Fox Movie Channel presents Writers Draft: Shauna Cross of Whip It
Disc 2- Digital Copy