Review of Whip It (2009) by Matt S — 25 Aug 2012

I went to my first live Roller Derby Bout here in Denver about a month or so ago. And it was a blast...once I figured out what was going on. And once I saw the preview for this movie I knew I had to see it.

And I'm glad I did. There will be some comparisons to Ellen Page's character in Juno, and it's easy to see why. Very simimlar types of characters. But after the first 15 minutes of the movie you forget all about that and just go along for the ride.

I was actually cheering during the bouts and it made me really want to go back to the live derby. The movie is kind of formulaic (is that even a word and if it is I probably spelled it wrong) but it's ok.

There are parts of the ending that are not a normal hollywood type ending. Nothing shocking mind you, just not the normal. For Barrymore's first directing chance, it was great. The biggest suprise performance for me was by Kristen Wiig (SNL, Walk Hard, Ghost Town).

She usually annoy's the hell out of me on SNL and I rarely find her funny, but in this movie she is really good. I recommend this movie to anyone who wants to laugh and just have a good time. Will it win any awards.

..probably not, but that doesn't matter. Oh and as a bonus the soundtrack is pretty rocking.