Whip It

Review by Sean Lynch

Move over Spiceworld : The Movie, there is a new breed of "girl power" in town - and it sure as hell isn't clad in English flags or Gucci dresses. It's Whip It and it is quite possibly your new favourite movie.

The directorial debut of Drew Barrymore, Whip It stars Ellen Page (Juno) as Bliss, a rebellious Texas teen who throws in her small town beauty pageant crown for the rowdy world of roller derby.

Marcia Gay Harden (Mystic River) plays Bliss’ disapproving mother, while Kristen Wiig (the serial "cameo-ist" from Saturday Night Live) and Juliette Lewis (Old School) play roller-derby stars and round out one of the coolest and most bad-ass female casts assembled since Death Proof.

While the comparisons to Juno are unavoidable (and, yes, to an extent Whip It does feel like a less wordy sequel / prequel to the Oscar cult hit), Barrymore's uplifting tale about "finding purpose" and "understanding who you are" does manage to stand on it's own two feet.

As is the case with most "mainstream-indie" flicks these days, Whip It won me over early with it's simply awesome soundtrack selection (and hot rock-chicks in mini's and fish nets... that also played a factor).

But, most importantly, not a My Chemical Romance track in sight!

In fact, as soon as a track from Australian artist, Gotye's Learnalilgivinanlovin’, busted out of the speakers... Whip It had me by the kahoonas - and had no intention of ever returning them.

Admittedly, there are some weak points (mostly stemming from scripting) with the dialogue not as strong as it probably should or could be.

However, the strength of the cast (with some great turns from Daniel Stern, Jimmy Fallon and the much forgotten Wilson brother, Andrew) and the general sense of fun gets this one over the line quite comfortably.

And - for those wondering - yes Roller Derby does exist in Australia (check it out http://vrdl.wordpress.com) so if you're inspired by the flick to chuck the old school skates on a kick some butt (and if you're not, you're heartless) be sure to get down and support the girls.

While it might not be for everyone and far from perfect, if you're the type of person who knows they will love it from simply watching the trailer... then you will love it.

Why?

Because Whip It is 2009's first great "cult classic in the waiting". And who ever expected that from Poison Ivy?

4 out of 5

Whip It
Australian release: 8th October, 2009
Official Site: Whip It
Cast: Ellen Page, Kristen Wiig, Drew Barrymore, Juliette Lewis, Zoe Bell+
Director: Drew Barrymore