WHIP IT
Watching Whip It proved very nostalgic bringing back childhood memories of skating at the Eastwood Skating Rink, South Australia, which was housed in a former ballroom with its aqua walls observing everyone's skating routines. I could see the DJ's booth up the top spinning the current disco/new romantic tracks of the late 70's/early 80's. Many happy times were spent there and even though Whip It isn't the greatest, it bought back lots of fond memories.
Bliss (Ellen Page) lives in a small town where beauty pageants and sports reign supreme. Disliking the pageant circuit with a passion, she enlists in the roller derby league. Joining the Hurl Scouts team, Bliss's love for her new sporting role is equalled by the kindred bond with her team-mates. This is almost shattered by the ruthlessness of rival Iron Maven (Juliette Lewis) who aims to show Bliss that skating's divine rhythm can sometimes be hell on wheels.
Whip It marks actress Drew Barrymore's directing debut who adds some quirky touches amongst the coming of age formula. Some of the credit should go to Ellen Page who successfully embodies a teen wanting to find her own identity whilst still possessing a certain youthful charm. Her character's interaction with her parents is interesting as she attempts to appease their ambitions without realising the consequences. The expected 'female solidarity' angle is shown as is an unnecessary love interest unfortunately adding to the story's clichés. Thankfully Barrymore gives her characters a level of honesty making such scenes bearable.
Although not quite a traditional sports film, Whip It reveals plenty of energy during derby sequences. The actresses involved must have trained hard as they do a great job of speed skating while remembering to give a performance. It's a shame there weren't more moments of Bliss forming a bond with her team-mates as this may have helped with the film's struggle between fresh ideas and conventional techniques. Whip It is a much better debut for an actor turned director than previously so hopefully Barrymore can iron out the wrinkles evident and craft an even better second feature.
When the Eastwood Skating Rink closed in the mid 80's it was a sad occasion. But as it made way for a plain office building, the generation who became a small community celebrated the fun it provided on its final night. I'm grateful for films like Whip It that, despite only being a fair effort, offers proof that the memories and spirit of those times can never diminish.
Movie Review Rating 6 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
Whip It released in Australia on Thursday 08 th October 2009.
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Whip It
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
WHIP IT Official Home Page click HERE
Whip It marks actress Drew Barrymore's directing debut who adds some quirky touches amongst the coming of age formula. Some of the credit should go to Ellen Page who successfully embodies a teen wanting to find her own identity whilst still possessing a certain youthful charm. Her character's interaction with her parents is interesting as she attempts to appease their ambitions without realising the consequences. The expected 'female solidarity' angle is shown as is an unnecessary love interest unfortunately adding to the story's clichés. Thankfully Barrymore gives her characters a level of honesty making such scenes bearable.
Although not quite a traditional sports film, Whip It reveals plenty of energy during derby sequences. The actresses involved must have trained hard as they do a great job of speed skating while remembering to give a performance. It's a shame there weren't more moments of Bliss forming a bond with her team-mates as this may have helped with the film's struggle between fresh ideas and conventional techniques. Whip It is a much better debut for an actor turned director than previously so hopefully Barrymore can iron out the wrinkles evident and craft an even better second feature.
When the Eastwood Skating Rink closed in the mid 80's it was a sad occasion. But as it made way for a plain office building, the generation who became a small community celebrated the fun it provided on its final night. I'm grateful for films like Whip It that, despite only being a fair effort, offers proof that the memories and spirit of those times can never diminish.
Movie Review Rating 6 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
Whip It released in Australia on Thursday 08 th October 2009.
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Whip It
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
WHIP IT Official Home Page click HERE
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