[7.50/10] Whip It (2009)

Whip It (2009)

Short review: "Whip It" is yet another excellent film that uses the talents of Ellen Page, and manages to maximize them. The film recycled quite a number of themes from earlier films, otherwise known as clichés, but it's funny, charming and very entertaining, nevertheless. So what first time director Drew Barrymore brings to this enjoyable little dramady is the fun the Hurl Scouts girls have in their friendships and games, even in their enemies. While Barrymore's camera doesn't provide much subtle analysis of the action, it does offer close-ups that help define the many interesting characters. Ellen Page delivers a humanity to this film that takes it to another level. The scenes between Page and Marcia Gay Harden,who plays Ellen's mother, are the most poignant. Jimmy Fallon is surprisingly funny as the Roller Derby Announcer, while the 'other' Wilson brother, Andrew, plays a passionate yet tender Roller Derby coach just perfectly. "Whip It" probably isn't going to win any major awards, but it's well-worth two hours of your time, and it holds its own against other coming-of-age dramedies.

• My Rating: 7.50/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: 83% (7.1/10)
• IMDb: 7.2/10