I remember when I was a young kid in the early sixties we didn’t have gaming
systems so Saturday afternoons were typically spent outside playing stick ball
or pretending to be our favorite super hero. On those days when the weather was
not conducive to such activities we would gather in front of the black and white
television set and look to see which of the ten or so channels had something
interesting to watch. Occasionally we would happen upon a strange sort of
sporting event that was fast pace with a lot of action; roller derby. Back the
both genders participated but it seemed even to our young eyes that the ladies
were especially vicious. Since we were well before the onset of puberty the
skating and fights that we found exciting although that would be subject to a
very natural change in a few years. The popularity of the sport has waxed and
waned over the intervening years but thanks to niche cable programming and the
reality TV the ladies of roller derby are staging a comeback on one of results
of this is a little film with big entertainment value; ‘Whip It’. Traditionally,
roller derby has the reputation of being a blue collar activity or for some less
politically correct types; ‘low-class’. When watching as a kid none of this
mattered; such labels were part of the adult world and all we cared about was
the action. It really wasn’t even that important that we fully understood the
rules although the simple regulations did seep into our appreciation as well as
permitting us to cheer on favorites and discuss rudimentary strategy. There is
something about this film that brought me right back to those carefree days
before adult responsibilities became the paramount aspect of life. The movie has
a sense of exuberance blended with a strong emotional story that makes this odd
little a joy to watch quickly elevating to my personal favorites list.
This is very much a feminine empowerment movie created by a dedicated group
of strong young women with talent and vision. The source material was the novel
‘Derby Girl’ by Shauna Cross who also transformed the book into a tightly
crafted screenplay. We’ve all seen sports oriented flicks were the testosterone
rums rampart but this is a delightful female twist that preserves the
fundamental elements of the genre but with s definite woman’s touch and deeper
emotional reach to the audience. The basic appeal of the traditional sports
movie is present here and serves well as the firm foundation of this film. It is
about the individual rising to overcome personal adversity through the
involvement in her chosen sport. One of the main reasons why this film will
appeal to both men and women is because ultimately it is not about feminism but
relates to essentially human themes. This is a modern coming of age movie with a
true vintage feel to it; a combination that is fresh and exciting.
The driving creative force behind this movie is Drew Barrymore. She may have
a somewhat ditsy personae frequently pushed by the tabloids but I have to admit
that I really admire her. Most of her life has been spent in the public eye with
overly publicized bouts with substance abused and a few failed marriages but she
has worked extremely hard at personal and professional change until she is now
one of the most powerful women in Hollywood and a deserving heir to the
Barrymore legacy. In this film she celebrates her debut directing a feature film
as well as serving as executive produce and acting in the movie. If anyone can
tell a coming of age against adversity story it is this extremely talented young
woman. Ms Barrymore’s turbulent relationship with her own mother greatly helps
in providing the ring of truth to the scenes between the protagonist Bliss
Cavendar (Ellen Page) and her mother Brooke (Marcia Gay Harden). This film
represents the passing of the torch from one incredibly resourceful actress to
another. The scenes between them are amazingly taut without wasting a single
word, moment or expression. Barrymore has a seasoned style that comes from a
lifetime working besides and for the giants of the industry. There is an easy
going feel overall the balances some of the more serious themes explored here.
She does capture the infectious energy of the sport letting it stand as a girl
power flick for a new age.
Bodeen Texas is like a lot of small where the main ambition held by most of
the young people is to find some means of escape. For Bliss she has been groomed
by her mother to be a beauty pageant contestant and her good looks served her
well leading to one crown after another. Unfortunately this is not what Bliss is
interested in at all. Her best friend Pash (Alia Shawkat) shares the dream of
leaving but her means lies in attendance at an Ivy League school, not an option
for Bliss. While visiting Austin the pair attends the local Roller Derby
together. Bliss is intrigued at first but soon realizes that the derby may be
her ticket out of mundane life. She winds up joining after lying to the team’s
management about her age and to her parents about what she is up to. Bliss
creates on new persona in the ring, Babe Ruthless. Bliss lives up to her new
name as her speed and agility make her s rising star of the derby. She finds
camaraderie in the derby that was previously unimaginable to her. This becomes
her filter to experience life, love and disappointment.
Ms Page may be young but her acting abilities are phenomenal. She is taking
on the part of spirited young women going through the process of self discovery
and reinvention. Instead of being type cast she constantly surprises me in the
different nuances she brings to the roles. This is a must see movie that
reinforces the value of independent movies.
Posted 01/18/2010