Review of Whip It (2009) by Luis G — 30 Jun 2012

I was a bit disappointed with this film to be honest. The main problem and well it could never really reach above 3 stars even on a good day, is because it is a very unoriginal story with a very unoriginal theme to it. Its nothing new apart from the fact its a flim about womens rollerblading.

It is a shame really, but its true and I feel that im at a miss because im a man. It does feel a gender specific film, I mean its director, writer and its main characters are women. I was even recommended this film by a woman :) When I look more into this film, I do appreciate what it is trying to be. I can understand why it has a high rating as well.

Acting in this film is pretty good, I mean nothing to get worked up about, but Ellen Page and Marcia Gay Harden work quite well together (in acting terms!!). Ellen Page's performance was good as it felt genuine and real which is an important part of making this film relatable to the watcher. Yet the professional Roller blading cast were a bit too caricacturised for my liking but Drew Barrymore excellent comedic performance made up for the rest of the slapstick Rollerbladers.

I think for a debut its not bad, but I can honestly say that I can't relate to it in any aspect unless I had a quite a vivid imagination. I can think of more "universal" coming of age stories, such as Bend it like beckham (I mean its even a sports film!!!) or maybe even Clueless. Just to prove that im not that Chauvinistic :).