By KTCV

Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut, Whip It, is a potent mix of the classic underdog glory and a coming of age story. Based on the novel written by Shauna Cross in 2007, Whip It adapts to film with colorful characterizations complimented by a strong cast to bring them to life.

        The film focuses on a small town teenager in Bodean, Texas, named Bliss Cavendar (Ellen Page). Her mother (Marcia Gay Harden) is a former beauty queen who longs for her daughters to follow in her footsteps. Bliss is encouraged, if not forced, by her mother to enter the local beauty pageants, though it is clear that Bliss doesn’t harbor an interest in participating, much less winning. Bliss is a shy and timid girl who would rather be listening to classic vinyl than answering asinine questions in hopes of winning a crown.

While shopping in nearby Austin, she encounters a few derby girls who are handing out flyers for their exhibition bout. Curiosity is piqued. The flyer is discovered the following day by her best friend and devil‘s advocate, Pash (Alia Shawkat, of Arrested Development fame) and the two head out to see the match. Afterward, Bliss has a brief conversation with the captain of the Hurl Scouts and is told that there are spots open on the team. Challenged by her best friend, stating “You don’t have the balls,” she breaks out her childhood Barbie skates and decides to try out. She makes the team, natch, and, using the ruse of taking an SAT course to fool her mother, she takes the spot on the team.

        Whip It has a strongly-layered plot with relatable and, at times, poignant elements. There is a small romantic sub-plot, but not enough to overshadow the elements of camaraderie and rivalry that come along with the evolution of Bliss coming into her own. Hip Austin landmarks are featured, such as the Alamo City Draft House, as well as the artwork of Daniel Johnson. The action scenes are artfully shot and the frenetic pace of derby is captured, as well as the expressions of the derby vixens as they smash their way through each bout. The derby rules are laid out early in the flick to the viewers so the audience isn’t left in the dark during the many scenes of competition. The soundtrack is fantastic, both eclectic and fitting to the scenes.

        Included in the cast are Kristen Wiig and Jimmy Fallon. The two are known for their over-the-top comedic repertoire. Here, however, their performances do not overshadow the story. Juliette Lewis plays the part of Iron Maven, the rival jammer of the undefeated team, the Holy Rollers. The dynamic between Babe Ruthless (Bliss) and Iron Maven is highly volatile, and the tension is almost tangible in scenes where they come head to head. Daniel Stern plays the father of Bliss, and though he keeps a low profile in a family full of women, he plays a pivotal role in the outcome of the movie.        

        Essentially, Whip It is very well done and has a lot of heart.  The characters are likable and you find yourself rooting for the underdogs. Though this movie wasn’t knock-me-off-my-feet awesome, I had fun watching it. The story and characters were easy to get involved in and relate to. I give it 3 ½ out of 5 Velvet Hammers for general badassery.