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Ellen Page, Kristen Wiig, Drew Barrymore, Juliette Lewis, Ari Graynor ...( see more  see more... ) , Zoe Bell

In Bodeen, Texas, an indie-rock loving misfit finds a way of dealing with her small-town misery after she discovers a roller derby league in nearby Austin.

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76% liked it

70,241 ratings

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83% liked it

143 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 51 min.

Directed by: Drew Barrymore

Release Date: October 2, 2009

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DVD Release Date: January 26, 2010

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Stats: 4,170 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (4,170)

  • SilentScreamer
    February 5, 2010
    SilentScreamer
    review to come.
  • sononothing
    February 1, 2010
    sononothing
    Now let's be honest: does anyone out there actually remember roller derby? If you had old school ESPN twenty to twenty-five years ago it was paired up with AWA wrestling. From ESPN it died a mainstream death like British Knights and Menudo. So it was with some nostalgia that I wa...( read more)tched Whip It, the directorial debut by Drew Barrymore.

    Bliss (Ellen Page) is your typical Texas teenager that's being promoted as the next Laura Bush by her neurotic mother (Marcia Gay Harden). Bliss is lost in the identity that her mother has carved out for her and continually needs an outlet. One night, having snuck away to the big city of Austin, she is introduced to roller derby. And she loves it. But the question is how will this world of kicking ass and psychotic names (hers is "Babe Ruthless") interact with the fantasy world she doesn't want at home.

    This film has a definite Slap Shot feel to it, not because of the violence but because of the underdog story attached to it. Bliss is an underdog because of inexperience and being under the thumb of her mother. The team is an underdog because they haven't won a thing for years (they're called the "Hurl Scouts" while derbying in girl scout uniforms).

    As previously stated this is Drew Barrymore's directorial debut and it's a little rough. You can see some of the first time director mistakes that can occur in that first film, but we really can't complain too much. Beyond that she puts together a nice film with few flaws. We can rip on flow and being technical, but another actor started with a film that was good, yet a little choppy and he ended up with two Oscars (Mr. Eastwood). Not that I'm comparing.

    So, even though poor Jimmy Fallon is in this, Whip It is one of those coming of age stories without all the sentimental crap. It's not sugar coated, fights when consumed, but it's a hell of an enjoyable movie.
  • mrpopcorn
    January 28, 2010
    mrpopcorn
    "Be Your Own Hero"

    In Bodeen, Texas, an indie-rock loving misfit finds a way of dealing with her small-town misery after she discovers a roller derby league in nearby Austin.

    REVIEW

    Where Barr...( read more)ymore succeeded where others may fail is in bringing to this movie a fresh look, with material that is so old and cliché that even Clint Eastwood wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole. Just kidding! Seriously, Barrymore's crisp, unpretentious direction gives just the right touch to theme of century-old domestic generation conflict, with a sprinkle of sentimentality perfectly measured to make the concluding reconciliation fresh as a mint drop. The story: 17-year-old suffocated by mother's beauty-pageant grooming finds her true self, sisterhood and happiness in professional roller derby.

    It's the roller derby sequences that will make you want to jump out of your seat and cheer. It's Ellen Page, a different Ellen page from what you have yet seen, that carries this movie to a certain height. It's Oscar-winning Marcia Gay Harden that gives you a three-dimensional mother (sorry, not the Avatar kind) that that makes you appreciate both sides of the generation gap. It's an ensemble of good actors that lifts the roller derby athletes out of mere stereotype. It's an inspired script that dares to rebel from the Vince Lombardi mentality. No more needs to be said. Watch, and enjoy.
  • yona71
    January 28, 2010
    yona71
    I must applaud Drew Barrymore for this film as it is a fine directorial debut.
    The raw feel of the roller derby is well captured, and the relationships between the characters are interesting in which it opens up the world of a roller derby queen, and the ones in pursuit of that ...( read more)title.
    Ellen Page stars as a seventeen year old kid who gets interested in the roller derby when a few recruiters for a team known as the "girl scouts" come to her small town in Texas, and she's just gotta check it out in Austin. The derby scenes are quite well executed, and offer something different than what you usually see in films these days.
    I'm impressed with Drew's ability as a director because she brought out a vulnerable side of Ellen Page which is something I've not seen from this actress. Her character gets the nickname "Babe Ruthless" for her sharp skating ability and decisive moves in competition, but needs at least one of her parents to sign her in due to the fact that she is under the age of eighteen.
    Drew portrays bad girl "Smashley Simpson", and Juliette Lewis portrays another named "Iron Maven" in this enjoyable tale.
  • jamilyn0276
    January 27, 2010
    jamilyn0276
    Bliss Cavendar ( Ellen Page ) is your typical small town misfit teenager. Searching for who she really is, trying not to fit into her mother's ideals of southern belle pageantry and beauty contests, and bored to tears. She sees a flyer, tries on her old Barbie roller skates, and ...( read more)hopes that maybe she will find whatever it is she's looking for in the Austin Roller Derby.
    I loved this movie! I love Drew Barrymore, and I will pretty much watch anything that she's associated with. As her first time behind the camera, I have to give it up to her.
    This film was beautifully cast. I LOVED Marcia Gay Harden as Brooke Cavendar. She is a class actress and she pours her heart into everything she does. I also really enjoyed Daniel Stern as Earl. It's nice to see him in a real roll, and not just the slapstick comedy guy. Kudos to you Mr. Stern. The Roller Derby girls were great. Juliette Lewis as Iron Maven... Sexy bitch with a bad attitude that you love to hate. Meow. Ari Graynor is absolutely gorgeous. I would have loved to see more of her as Eva Destruction.
    All of the Hurl Scouts were great. Ellen Page was quirky and beautiful and just as adorable as ever. I loved Drew as Smashly Simpson - that stoner, no holds barred, will have your back and who will always throw the first punch and ask questions later. Kristen Wiig is amazing. She is smart, funny, beautiful, and a really good actress. I think Maggie Mayhem was my favorite of all the Scouts. Zoe Bell as Bloody Holly and Eve as Rosa Sparks were also great.
    I am a fan of Jimmy Fallon. I think he was one of the best things to happen to Saturday Night Live. So, I enjoyed his performance as "Hot Tub" Jimmy Rocket. I also really enjoyed Andrew Wilson as Razor. I remember him from Fever Pitch and The Big Bounce. He is funny, I would like to see him in a more prominent role.
    If you have ever been a 17 year old girl, or not quite sure where you really belong but know there's something more out there, or if you are just a fan of the brutal contact sport that is Roller Derby - You will enjoy this film.
    Whip It is a feel good coming of age, finding yourself film. Sure, the story wasn't anything new. But, there is an excellent cast, humor, well portrayed characters, a killer soundtrack, and lots of girls wearing very little - flying around a roller derby rink - beating the shit out of each other. What more could you really ask for in a film? Works for me.
  • intuciic
    February 9, 2010
    intuciic
    pretty good movie!
    its not easy to be what you are, sometimes you need strength to be what you are, but its easier than to live all your life as somebody else which you are not and then regret when its too late..
  • footeiceblade
    February 8, 2010
    footeiceblade
    Thoroughly enjoyed it... especially the soundtrack. Entertaining from start to finish. Definitely a great directorial debut for Drew Barrymore.
  • Amskay
    February 7, 2010
    Amskay
    I LOVED this movie! The colour, the humour! And I just LOVE roller derby.
  • KojiKabuto
    February 7, 2010
    KojiKabuto
    No cae en el topico de patinadoras macizas... Tiene buenos momentos (6+)
  • xtremeandy
    February 7, 2010
    xtremeandy
    I just loved it this movie rocks the characters they feel so real and everyone is at their best and I just loved
    Kristen Wiig and Ari Graynor they are the light for me in the movuie thay area beautiful!! and talented I will be looking out for more movies with them!!

    Page is ...( read more)Bliss Cavendar, whose mother (Harden) sees her daughter in gowns and crowns as she continues the family tradition of winning beauty pageant trophies. But Bliss' chance encounter with a group of roller skating girls plants other ideas in her head. Austin, Texas happens to host a roller derby league, it's not too far away, and Bliss finally sees a way out of her town (and gown). This sets up a family confrontation that is the stuff of classic coming-of-age stories.

    The film starts out slow then whips into action, its brilliant ensemble cast hitting its stride and functioning like a winning roller derby team (without the bruises). Then just when you think "Whip It" is headed into sports rom-com cliché territory, surprising twists keep it original and refreshing. But despite the multitude of talented actors, Page clearly carries the film on her diminutive shoulders and is easily in control of the material.

    Production values are naturally first rate, with a vivid color palette and in-your-face costumes that are occasionally (and appropriately) over the top. Cinematographer Robert D. Yeoman and editor Dylan Tichenor work perfectly in sync by reflecting both the snail's pace of Bliss' home life vs. the secret one that flies on wheels around the Austin track. Camera-work places the viewer directly into the action. Despite having been filmed primarily in Michigan (due to favorable tax credits) the Austin scenes are prominent, placing its landmarks in a warm, affectionate light. One benefit of a big budget is the ability to purchase music rights, and the result is a killer soundtrack that will have the audience singing along. Be sure to stay for the second of the two closing credits songs, the best ever cover of one of the greatest rock 'n roll love songs of all time, The Association's "Never My Love." Fox Searchlight scores again with Ellen Page, just like they did in 2007 with "Juno." Unlike that (at the time) dark horse, this is no little indie. This is classic Hollywood comedy. "Whip It" is another crowd pleaser to add to this year's must-see list.


    you should see this film. Ellen Page is a delight. I thought she did more with this role than she did with Juno. Kristen Wiig was her usual funny self, The rest of the cast, including Zoe Bell (excellent in Tarantino's Deathproof), Juliette Lewis, Marcia Gay Harding, Daniel Stern, Drew, Jimmy Fallon, all performed well. That says something about Drew's directing. She elicited excellent performances out of her cast, the film was well shot, the sound and editing were nicely done and I look forward to seeing what Drew can do on her next effort.

    Drew Barrymore may not be the best actor, but she definitely has chops at directing. Whip It is the tale of a girl who hates life in a small town so she decides to rebel by joining a roller derby team with often comedic results. The movie is much better than plot may sound. It has some cliché moments but definitely beats the standard chick flick.

    The film had a very unique feel, shifting between humorous and hipster-esquire scenes. This also was probably my biggest problem with the movie. The comedy often reminded me of something out of an Owen Wilson film but then the dramatic scenes reminded me of something more hip than Juno. That being said, the movie was much funnier than the average chick flick.

    Ellen Page is superb as usual, taking on a somewhat different role than what I've seen before. It's impossible to compare her to her role in Juno, as in Whip It she plays a much more introverted, but still conflicted girl.

    Andrew Wilson was probably the funniest character in the movie. I'm actually wondering where this guy came from. The other two Wilson brothers are huge and this guy just comes out of nowhere. Hopefully we'll see more of him, as he is just as funny as Owen and Luke.

    Drew Barrymore had a very small role in the movie. The few scenes she is in are certainly not ruined by her. Landon Pigg should probably stick to music, or maybe even quit that because he sucks at that. He is not an actor, and that was prevalent throughout the movie. Jimmy Fallon provided a solid array of one-liners as the quirky announcer for the games.

    The rest of the cast was solid, including Marcia Gay as the strict but loving mother. Juliette Lewis is good as the over-the-top, intense player who takes things way too seriously.

    This movie definitely goes far beyond what any average chick flick would. In fact it's hard to classify it as such, as I found it good and I'm a dude. All things considered it's definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of hip movies or just comedy in general.

    Bliss Cavendar (Ellen Page) has grown unhappy with the apparent small-town Texas life of Friday night football and beauty pageant competition, the football championed by her father Earl (Daniel Stern) and the pageants by her mother Brooke (Marcia Gay Harden). She commiserates with her best friend Pash (Alia Shawkat) at their waitressing jobs. Pash has a plan to get out: she is applying to Ivy League schools. Bliss just wants to get out and needs a plan and a calling. She finds it during a shopping trip to Austin, Texas where she picks up a flyer for a Roller Derby event, schemes to attend, gets invited to try out and becomes Babe Ruthless, her alter-ego roller derby character. She makes the team, lies about her age, works hard to succeed, experiences her first love with the young lead singer of an Indie rock band, gets disappointed in love, bonds with her new family of roller derby girls, fights with her mother to escape the beauty pageant and live her new dream as roller derby star. She manages to reconcile all of this, impress and win over her parents and friends, and charts an ambiguous goal to move to Austin, continue with Roller Derby, and live her new life.


    In Bodeen, Texas, an indie-rock loving misfit finds a way of dealing with her small-town misery after she discovers a roller derby league in nearby Austin.

View All Whip It Reviews

Critic Reviews

October 2, 2009
Amy Biancolli, Houston Chronicle

Love may be too strong a word, for me. But I'm deeply in like with Whip It. full review

October 2, 2009
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

Boisterous, cloying, simultaneously raunchy and innocent, hip and klutzy. full review

October 2, 2009
Kurt Loder, MTV

A small-scale movie that feels like it was a lot of fun to make. It has a rambunctious charm, a considerable amount of heart and a steady supply of laughs. full review

October 2, 2009
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

Whip It has such a sweet spirit that it's easy enough to let its flaws sail by. full review

October 2, 2009
A.O. Scott, The New York Times

It will not change the way you think about movies, roller derby or the relations between teenage girls and their mothers, friends or dreams. But it does invite you to stop and appreciate all those thi... full review

October 2, 2009
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Screenwriter Shauna Cross dulls the edges of her novel Derby Girl, which the skate action and rockin' soundtrack can't disguise. full review

October 1, 2009
Colin Covert, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

Scene for scene and beat for beat, this roller derby crowd-pleaser crackles with joy and jubilation. full review

October 1, 2009
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Yes, the movie has cliches. Yes, it all leads up to a big game. Yes, there is a character's validating appearance near the end. Yes, and so what? The movie is miles more intelligent than most of the c... full review

September 28, 2009
David Edelstein, New York Magazine

Barrymore hovers over her actresses like the nicest, most nurturing den mother imaginable, and on its own, Go For It formula terms the movie delivers. full review

September 17, 2009
Pete Hammond, Boxoffice Magazine

Barrymore has made a highly promising debut behind the camera and created a first-rate, funny, heart-filled and totally winning entertainment that not only rolls, it rocks. full review

View more Whip It reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

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Whip It Trivia

  • Name the movie that has both of these quotes: "Excuse me while I whip this out." and "Is it true what they say about the way you people are gifted?"  Answer »
  • Here's one for those of you flooding the quiz with A Cinderella Story questions... HILLARY DUFF, CELL PHONE, CHAD MICHAEL MURRAY (is it me, or does having three names make someone sound pretentious?) WE GET IT, ALREADY!!! ENOUGH QUESTIONS ABOUT IT!!! What Top Gun played Sam's dad?  Answer »
  • What song did Helen and Lindsey sing before Lindsey's death in Raising Helen?  Answer »
  • In what movie was the phrase "So, should I just whip it out, or...? " used?  Answer »
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