Seriously: Whip It came out on DVD last Tuesday, and if you watch it, you’ll see that Courtney Ferguson’s review for us was dead-on right when she said it’s “two hours of infectious fun and feel-good eye candy.” But the most surprising thing about Whip It, for me, was its feminism.
Ellen Page revels in her ability to kick ass and take names, and she doesn’t doubt that becoming a roller derby queen is the right thing to do for her. The real struggle comes when she tries to make her friends and family accept it, too. So many movies about women waste so much time trying to prove that the main character is still a woman, even though she is capable and has non-womanly interests. Whip It takes its main character’s womanhood as a given and then explores what happens when she tries to get what she wants. It’s a slight difference, but such an important one, and it makes for such a refreshing movie-watching experience. I can’t believe that I’m praising Drew Barrymore as a major mainstream feminist filmmaker, but there you go. See Whip It. For real.
Yes! Way to nail it on the “slight” yet significant difference.
This movie made me wish there an Oscar for Best Montage, too.
Oh, awesome. I wasn’t sure I wanted to see this, but this is a ringing endorsement to me.
I bought the Blu-Ray last Tuesday because I had tix to the Rat City Rollergirls’ season-opener over the weekend and I wanted to get a grip on roller derby rules, etc. In that way, the movie helped. In every other way, the movie was a waste of time and money, imho.
Too bad few people saw it during its theatrical run.
Do people still go out to see movies other than Avatar?
I found it flat and boring. It was like a Disney Channel movie. It gets a resounding and snoring B from This Guy.
I thought it was cute, and I was glad to pay money to see it in the theater. I especially like how they handle the “romantic” plot line.
“most surprising thing about Whip It, for me, was its feminism” – seriously? I saw it coming 15 seconds into the trailer. That’s why I watched it. Your intuition is non existent. Best part of the movie?… the roller derby. Overall, good action and many funny moments. Thumbs up!
This movie + this article = Huge Seattle Cliches
Try to detect it.
It’s not too late.
Seen it twice, totally enjoyable to me, except for the awkwardly long romantic scenes. I feel like they were smooshed into an otherwise awesome fast paced sports flick about women that kick ass.
But hey, the romance was in the book as well.
Also, whether you care about roller derby or Ellen Page or not, watch this for the outstanding performances of the parents, Marcia Gay Harden & Daniel Stern!
Well put! How many non-patronizing sports movies about women are there? Hmmm. Well, there’s “Stick It”. Sort of.
It was sitting in the bottom of my queue and I’ve just moved it up to the top. Thanks for the suggestion!
And Drew Barrymore is sometimes ridiculous, but lots of her movies are feminist(ish) films I’ve mentally stored away to watch with my daughter someday (if I ever have one) especially Ever After, which I think is totally brilliant.
@11 – You’re a real tomato!
O my God, other people watch Stick It? Why do I heart that movie so…..Missy Perygrym. 🙂
there are a lot of technical things wrong with WHIP IT, not the least of which is the track they play on. The documentary about the Rat City Rollergirls (Blood on the track?) is coming out this month on DVD – watch it instead.
in que. “very long wait” 🙁
@17 is SO correct. Blood on the Flat Track, the true story of the Rat City Rollergirls, is now available in your netflix queue!
Rollergirls heart Paul Constant!
Don’t watch the movie for rules. It’s kinda like watching a movie about lawyers to learn about law. It’s not real. It’s a movie. But, it’s funny and charming and they freakin’ reference Slap Shot. Oh, and the soundtrack is fun.
Watch it like you would any other sports movie…a few cold beers and some friends.
@16 I LOVE Stick It! I got it on the iTunes $5 sales and cart it around on my phone to watch at will.