On CLIPS In October, 2009
WHIP IT

A small-town waitress (Ellen Page) joins a roller derby team to escape her misery.

TRIVIA: Ellen Page made her acting debut in what Canadian TV movie and series?

Small town waitress and misfit Bliss Cavendar (Ellen Page) seeks escape from her dreary existence. While mother Brooke (Marcia Gay Harden) pushes her into beauty pageants, Bliss secretly enters the world of roller derby after a chance encounter with some of the sport's participants. This new pastime gives her hope for the future. Based on screenwriter Shauna Cross' novel "Derby Girl", "Whip It" is an entertaining and engaging look at teen angst. In her feature film directorial debut, Drew Barrymore displays a flair for the craft and a passion for roller derby - where this movie has its best moments. The pace slows down a bit when the focus is on Bliss' home life and a romance with musician Oliver (Landon Pigg). But there are enough twists and turns to keep the story unpredictable and Ellen Page, in only a slight departure from "Juno", is perfect. She and Marcia Gay Harden make a convincing mother/daughter duo. Daniel Stern doesn't get nearly enough screen time as the understanding father Earl, who spends most of the movie home alone. Alia Shawkat is worth noting as Bliss' supportive best friend Pash. The derby action is fast, furious and realistic. Amongst the roller girls are Kristen Wiig, Zoe Bell, Eve, Juliette Lewis and Drew Barrymore. At his annoying best is Jimmy Fallon as track announcer "Hot Tub" Johnny Rocket. Where's Late Night when you need it? This off-beat sports story may not win the big trophies, but it won't be from lack of trying. Ms. Barrymore and Ms. Page whip it. They whip it good.