Watch Whip It

Whip It is a coming-of-age sports film from 2009 directed by Drew Barrymore, starring Elliot Page, Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig, Juliette Lewis, and Barrymore herself. The movie is based on the novel "Derby Girl" by Shauna Cross and delivers an inspiring story about a young girl's journey to find herself and her passion for roller derby.

The film follows Bliss Cavendar (Elliot Page), a 17-year-old girl living in the small town of Bodeen, Texas, who feels suffocated by her overbearing mother's pageant ambitions for her daughter. Bliss is naturally rebellious and even shaves her head in an act of defiance. One day, while on a trip to Austin, Bliss comes across a roller derby match and is captivated by the energy and the athleticism. Bliss decides to secretly try out for the Hurl Scouts team and surprisingly gets in. At first reluctant, she eventually falls in love with the sport and the community it brings.

The Hurl Scouts are the underdogs of the roller derby league, but Bliss shows promise as a "jammer," who is responsible for scoring points by passing members of the opposing team. The team is led by Maggie Mayhem (Kristen Wiig), who is nurturing and supportive of Bliss. Maggie is struggling with her own problems, and their friendship is one of the movie's highlights.

Bliss is initially hesitant to tell her parents, particularly her mother (Marcia Gay Harden), about her new hobby, but when her mother finds out, she forbids her daughter from participating. However, Bliss is determined to continue playing, even if it means lying to her parents. Through her journey, Bliss learns about sacrifice, responsibility, and the importance of following her dreams.

Elliot Page gives an impressive performance as Bliss, showcasing her rebellious streak while also conveying her vulnerability and passion for the sport. The supporting cast also delivers, particularly Drew Barrymore, who portrays a feisty and comical teammate named Smashley Simpson, and Kristen Wiig, who brings depth to her portrayal of the team leader.

Barrymore's direction is impressive, particularly in the way she captures the spirit of roller derby. She also effectively portrays the camaraderie amongst the team and the way in which the sport empowers its female participants. The scenes during the roller derby matches are particularly well-done, with the fast-paced action and energetic soundtrack perfectly capturing the excitement of the sport.

Whip It is a movie about self-discovery and breaking free from societal expectations. The film highlights the struggles of female athletes to be taken seriously, and how they can find a supportive community within roller derby. It also tackles issues around family dynamics, particularly the strained relationship between Bliss and her mother. However, the film never feels overly heavy or preachy, and the humor and heartwarming moments keep the movie light.

Overall, Whip It is an inspiring and entertaining coming-of-age sports movie with strong performances, impressive direction, and a fresh take on a lesser-known sport. Bliss's journey to find herself and break free from societal expectations will resonate with anyone who has ever felt stuck or suffocated, making the movie a must-watch.

Whip It is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 68.