Whip It does not have an exclamation point in its title, but this mistake--made by more than a few blogs, interviews, and reviews--is understandable. Drew Barrymore's directorial debut is such an energetic celebration of grrrl power that it seems the spirited punctuation should be a given.
Featuring Ellen Page in her first post-Juno role (Smart People was filmed before her career-making turn as the eponymous pregnant teen), Whip It tells the story of Bliss Cavendar, a bored Texas teen on the beauty pageant circuit who discovers roller derby and kick-starts her life. What is it about eight wheels and some kneepads that brings out the inner bodaciousness in even the most meek girl? It's unclear, but it sure is fun to watch.
For the uninitiated, the current incarnation of roller derby (a term that dates back to 1922) comes out of a revival of the sport, a restart that got rolling in Austin, Texas in 2000. The mostly female athletes strap on skates and whiz around tracks (some flat, some banked) in competitions called bouts. Teams score points when their appointed "jammer" successfully laps and then passes a member of the opposite team. Roller derby is a full-contact sport and all manner of shenanigans are employed to keep the jammers from passing skaters. While Whip It amps things up a bit for the cameras, bruises and bloody noses are par for the course. (Think of it as championship wrestling ... for women ... on wheels.)
Also par for the course is the campy theater of roller derby. Protective gear is worn along with fishnet stockings, bloomers, pigtails, ribbons, pleated skirts, and whatever else strikes the whimsy of the skaters. The culture of roller derby is steeped in third-wave feminism and a punk rock-do-it-yourself ethos, and the skaters adopt alter egos individually and as a team that are sardonically menacing.
At the rink, Bliss becomes Babe Ruthless and skates alongside Smashley Simpson (Barrymore), Maggie Mayhem (Kristen Wiig), Rosa Sparks (Eve), and Bloody Holly (Zoë Bell) on a team called the Hurl Scouts. Andrew Wilson (big brother to Luke and Owen) plays Razor, their hapless coach. Their big rivals are the Holy Rollers, a team lead by the delightfully nasty Iron Maven (Juliette Lewis).
Bliss realizes that her mother, a former beauty queen trying to guide her daughter to similar
glory, would not approve of roller derby. She enlists the help of her best friend Pash (Alia Shawkat), to drive her to her first bout. And when she joins the team, she goes to great lengths to keep her parents from finding out about her new passion and her team from finding out that she's only 17 (21 is the minimum age requirement for skaters). Throw in a budding romance with Oliver, a local rocker and derby fan, and Bliss has a lot of balls to juggle.
Whip It, based on the novel Derby Girl by Shauna Cross, isn't a particularly inventive movie. You've seen this kind of teenage empowerment drama before. But Barrymore hits her marks with energy and confidence, making it easy for viewers to shrug off sequences that verge on cliché. More importantly, she has Marcia Gay Harden as Bliss's mom, Brooke. Page is likeable as Bliss, a good girl who loves her mom and wants to please her but is also trying to figure out how to make her own way in the world. But the movie is all-but-stolen by the remarkable Harden as a working woman who has learned the hard way how to make her own way in the world--and hopes to help her daughter avoid some of her own disappointments. In a small scene that might portend a particularly bright future for Barrymore as a director, we learn everything we need to know about Brooke in simple scenes that offhandedly juxtapose her life as a pageant mother (and former beauty queen herself) and a mail carrier.
Whip It pits two different visions of femininity against each other--and while beauty pageants are easy targets for the derision with their absurdly superficial rituals, it's hard to say that roller derby is less absurd. Hardly. Instead, the tension here is between a system that values conformity and one that celebrates individuality. It's the tension that is at the core of the transition from childhood to adulthood--moving from an identity that is largely chosen for you by your family to one that you choose for yourself.
Bliss's family is a rounded out by her affable father Earl (Daniel Stern) and a little sister played by Harden's real-life daughter. This is a good family, and the movie never asks you to forget it. There are no villains here. Even Juliette Lewis's Iron Maven is a sympathetic soul underneath all the taunting. In a way she presents a challenge to Babe Ruthless--roller derby might be fun and good, but, just like one's reign as a beauty queen, it doesn't last forever. Who will you be when this comes to an end? Some might argue that the genteel world of beauty pageants is the better ground for answering this question, for developing into a woman of character, than the black-and-blue world of roller derby. The derby culture is certainly brash and sexually aggressive (cf. fishnet stockings), but a pageant's swimsuit contest is rather sexually aggressive too, no?
Whip It manages to challenge conventions without dismissing those conventions or the family in which they developed. And that seems to me to be the big triumph of this recast of the familiar coming-of-age trope. Bliss and her mom are two women who are figuring out how to make their way in the world. And they are lucky to have each other.
SOURCE: Christianity Today - Lisa Ann Cockrel
Comments |  RSS |
|
Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your thoughts? I mean, what you say is important and everything. But its got no punch, no pop! Maybe if you added a pic or two, a video? You could have such a more powerful blog if you let people SEE what youre talking about instead of just reading it.
how much daily bonuses do u get?
This post was very well written, and it also contains a lot of useful facts. I appreciated your distinguished manner of writing this post. Thanks, you have made it easy for me to understand. And they quickly show spots, with veins standing out.
Between me and my husband we've owned more MP3 players over the years than I can count, including Sansas, iRivers, iPods (classic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few years I've settled down to one line of players. Why? Because I was happy to discover how well-designed and fun to use the underappreciated (and widely mocked) Zunes are.
Ahoy people, long time lurker first time poster here
I really appreciate the info you have provided for us. I assure this would be beneficial for most of the people.
great post there, this has given me a total new understanding hope you like my site
I find myself coming to your blog more and more often to the point where my visits are almost daily now!
This page seems to recieve a good ammount of visitors. How do you advertise it? It gives a nice individual twist on things. I guess having something real or substantial to give info on is the most important thing.
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
I added Google Reader to your site when I have spare time try to follow.Thank you.
I read this on the internet....am scared now to use supplements. Millions of Americans take pills, powders and drinks to enhance body tone, lose weight, sculpt themselves and perform better at sports. But they may be doing themselves more harm than good, especially the male teenagers most likely to take the sports supplements that are so easily available in stores or over the Internet. See a list of the supplements, their dangers and brand names here
Where is link?
I come and read constantly. very nice blog
Hello there,I like examining your weblog, We wanted to write a little comment to aid a person and desire a great extension. Best wishes for those your own running a blog initiatives.
When you actually believe about it there are a lot of things that are related to.
Your RSS feed doesn't work in my browser (google chrome) how can I fix it?
I was seeking a post like this. Thanks a lot.
Thanks for the great post! I wouldn't have found this by myself!
It is actually an innovative way of brain as well as human body work out.
As being a a Newbie, I am constantly searching on line for articles that can help me. Thank you
Hey I actually admired your blog post. Don’t stop the good jobs!
Wow! what an idea ! What a idea ! Beautiful .. Remarkable
Credit history rankings play a important role inside our lifestyle as if you have got good review then you can certainly meet the criteria to get financial loans at excellent interest levels and even more affordable per month payments.
Hi there - I should say, I sure am happy with your site. I had no trouble navigating via all the tabs and the information was very simple to gain access to. I discovered what I needed in no time at all. Pretty awesome.
When are you going to post again? You really entertain a lot of people!
Nice effort blogger - yahoo found your site for me so lucky to have read such a good post.
Love your blog, I have been reading quite a bit about this recently and it is helpful to get every different bits of info and points of view. Look forward to finding out more.
Where could I purchase this program?
There are some interesting points in time in that clause but I don't know if I see all of them centre to middle . There is some validity but I will hold opinion until I look into it further. Good clause, thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner likewise.
Thanks so much for another fantastic. discover advice explained so well I was doing, and I am on the look out for.
Once again wonderful. It isn't easy that kind of information came across your post speech to make next week, and exactly.
Great! Thanks for post
TYVM, nice post! Just what I needed.
Ohh very much thanks admin
Once again post. Where else could advice looking at I have a presentation, and trying to find such.
Many thanks for another valuable post. I have been a big fan for the past couple of days, and it's now one of my favorite sites! Its nice to find a blog thats written by a human, rather than autoposting garbage. I own a blog that is very similar, is there any way you would write a guest post on it? Please email me if you are interested
Excellent web page and some very helpful advice!!
I've meant to write something like this on my webpage and this has given me an idea. TY.
Once again information. I be able to get advice reading through I have a presentation, and trying to find such.
Very interesting and amusing subject. I read with great pleasure. Buying birth control pills online is often much cheaper than getting your prescription filled down at the corner pharmacy.
It`s good reading a blog post about this, been researching for an college project I`m doing. Will bookmark this web site, looks like there are lots of blog posts that will assist me.
I've added your info web site to my favorite bookmarks. And I’ll definitely I comeback to your blog a little more often. Stay sharp and keep up the stupendous work :-)
I wish I could find the time to write similar to this at my informational site, everyday like you do. Nicely done keep up the good work :) I can't wait to read your next article..
there is something simply I'm anxious . really did it for me is all the interaction among posters at such good info... the info here
i am really appreciating,woow very informative.....great job thank's...!
Been visiting this blog for a while now, though I might comment and let you know to keep up the good writing!
Nice article, thank you. I signed to your blog RSS.
Hello, You made some good points there. I did a search on the topic with google and found most people will agree with your blog.
Hi administrator I take pleasure fromI like what you all have to say. Very straight to the point.
I admire your website , it has of lot of information. You just got a perennial visitor of this site!
Bookmarking now cheers, a good quick read.
gives you the reality of the situation. information, i love to read thoughts that revealing beneficial in nature.
I saw something about this topic on TV last night. Great post.
As being a a Newbie, I'm constantly looking internet for articles that can help me. Thank you
I'm getting a javascript error, is anyone else?
I want to make that obtainable for you.
Have you thought about adding some differing opinions to your article? I think it will really enhance everyone's understanding.
It is my great pleasure to look at your page and to enjoy your informative posts, I appriciate it a lot. I know that you invested much attention in these topics, as all of them make sense and are very useful.
Hardly… can be as cute as a button.
Finding a is straightforward when you know where to search.
I agree, tyvm for sharing this..
I just added this website to my bookmarks. I really like reading your posts. Thank you!
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for sharing.
Great Post. I add this Post to my bookmarks.
very good \o/
very good \o/
hi, nice post thank you for sharing.
I find myself coming to your blog more and more often to the point where my visits are almost daily now!
I come and read constantly. very nice blog.Thank you.
Hi. I just noticed that your blog looks like it has a few code errors at the very top of your site's page. I'm not sure if everybody is getting this same bugginess when browsing your blog? I am employing a totally different browser than most people, referred to as Opera, so that is what might be causing it? I just wanted to make sure you know. Thanks for posting some great postings and I'll try to return back with a completely different browser to check things out!
gives you a realistic look at the matter. excellent, It is nice to see views that revealing effective in nature.
Where is link?
Your RSS feed doesn't work in my browser (google chrome) how can I fix it?
What a comment!! Very informative additionally easy to understand. Searching for more such blogposts!! Do you've gotten a twitter? I really useful it on stumbleupon. The only factor that it’s missing is a bit of color. However thanks for this blog.
Thanks. Added to bookmarks now.
Helpful article, this is. It is actually great to see a article that is helpful.
Nice article, thank you. Can you tell us about the third paragraph in more detail?
Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. There are exceptions, of course, as there are round and oval cribs as well as special sized cribs you can buy.
Sorry to the huge review, but I'm really loving the newest Zune, and hope this, along with the excellent reviews other individuals have written, will help you determine if is it doesn't solution you're looking for.
Will watch your site.
thanks good post
I did a quick search query in the search engines on this topic and it seems to be that you are quite the authority in this area!! Awesome work!!!
Hey greet site !
Ohh very much thanks admin
Just keep posting good stuff.
Thanks for spreading the word about this.
I really enjoyed the blog. It's nice when you read something that is not only informative but entertaining. Excellent!
I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I've got you book marked to view new stuff you publish.
facts view of the issue. for one am glad, It is nice to see articles that interesting and helpful anyway.
Thanks for another awesome post. Keep up the good work.
Even the richest soil, if left uncultivated will produce the rankest weeds. - Leonardo De Vinci
The best way to overcome temptation is to avoid the tempting situation.
Thanks for this article.
Cats must nap on the ladder steps when hooman cleans out the gutters.
I'm having trouble with the search function on here. I'm looking for a post from a few weeks ago, but I'm not finding what I'm looking for. Is it accurate? The entry was really something I'd enjoy reading again.
Hey, this is some wonderful material- which for me I think I will use your information and advice! Your informational site is of terrific quality. I wish I could produce content like this for my informational site. Where do you find your concepts.?!
Nice site, thanks! I really love it!
Thank you for another excellent post. Keep rocking.
Terrific informational site. I'm utterly adoring it.. I have subscribed to your web site feed also and I will come back again very soon. than you.
Thanks for sharing.
Grande alberino! Ringraziamenti per richiedere tempo scrivere qualcosa che sia realmente degno lettura. Trovo troppo spesso l'Info inutile e non qualcosa che sia realmente relativo. Ringraziamenti per i vostri duri lavori.
Just keep doing good posts.
Your RSS feed doesn't work in my browser (google chrome) how can I fix it?
Hi. This information proved to be very useful. Can you please provide more aspects of this subject? Thanks. They charge a reasonable interest on credit cards, they don't charge you for use of the ATM, and you only pay any overdraft charges if you keep running into the red repeatedly.They have none of the double-dealing practice you see at many banks - the banks will only credit you for the check deposited, at the end of the day; on the other hand, they will charge your account for a withdrawal, as soon as it happens.
Nokia keeps reminding us how superior they are. Can't you see we have 60% of the Market. I mean 50%. Excuse me I meant 40%. Wait we will let the next guy tell you.
This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like 'Mixview' that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you're listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of "neighbors" will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune "Social" is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.
Thank You for the excellent page, I loved reading it!
Excellent post this will help me.
I have to say, while searching through dozens and dozens of blogs each week, the theme of this blog stands apart (for all the proper reasons). If you do not mind me asking, what's the name of this theme or could it be a custom affair? It's better than the themes I personally use for some of my blogs ;-)
It is a smart blog site. I mean it. You've a lot understanding about this concern, and so much passion. You also know how to make folks rally behind it, clearly from the responses. Youve obtained a style right here thats not as well flashy, but makes a statement as huge as what youre saying. Excellent job, indeed.
:) Nice! This is a really inspiring post!
Just keep making good posts.
Good article, thanks. I signed up to RSS on this blog.
There is clearly a lot to realize about this. I suppose you made some nice points in features also.
Awesome work there. signed up to your rss feed!
Great post... I discovered this via google, google ftw!
Heard about this site from my friend. He pointed me here and told me I’d find what I need. He was right! I got all the questions I had, answered. Didn’t even take long to find it. Love the fact that you made it so easy for people like me. More power
I saw something about that topic on TV last night. Great article.
Are you going to cum quietly, or do I have to use earplugs?
Great Blog. I add this Blog to my bookmarks.
Excellent, but it would be better if in future you can share more about this subject. making good content.
I just sent this post to a bunch of my friends as I agree with most of what you’re saying here and the way you’ve presented it is awesome.
very good \o/
Great Post. I add this Post to my bookmarks.
Great site! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am taking your feeds also
I'm hopping mad in respect to.
I have been examinating out some of your posts and it's pretty nice stuff. I will make sure to bookmark your website.
Great Blog. I add this Blog to my bookmarks.
Great info and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is truly the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to get some professional writers? Thanks :)
You certainly deserve a round of applause for your post and more specifically, your blog in general. Very high quality material.
I wish it was easier to find more articles like this more often from Yahoo. ;-)
Thanks so much for this! I havent been this moved by a weblog for a LONG time! You've got it, whatever meaning in blogging. Properly, You’re definitely somebody that has one thing to say that folks ought to hear. Sustain the good work. Carry on inspiring the people!
Thanks for one more excellent post. Keep up the good work.
I just sent this post to a bunch of my friends as I agree with most of what you’re saying here and the way you’ve presented it is awesome.
Great! Thanks for post
Hi there. Awesome job. I didn t not expect this on a Wednesday. This is a is a great story. Thanks!
very good \o/
thanks good post
thanks good post
You gave tremendous positive points there. I did a search on the topic and found most peoples will agree with your blog. There is definitely a trade-off in the sense that that there are not as many opportunities to interact with peers and develop the same level of social maturity as students who attend private and public schools do, but even that is changing.
Offre la possibilità di inserire e consultare gratuitamente svariate tipologie di annunci economici suddivise in categorie tematiche. Annunci su animali abbigliamento, lavoro, immobiliari, viaggi, elettronica, motori, giochi, telefonia, audio, video e hobby.
You certainly deserve a round of applause for your post and more specifically, your blog in general. Very high quality material.
You certainly deserve a round of applause for your post and more specifically, your blog in general. Very high quality material.
here website is amazing
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, I like your site !
I'm still learning from you, as I'm trying to achieve my goals. I definitely enjoy reading everything that is posted on your website.Keep the aarticles coming. I liked it!
Great! Thanks for post
Awesome post this will really help me.
Good post, thanks.
How do you make your blog site look this good! Email me if you can and share your wisdom. I¡¯d be thankful.
With regards to , a lot is said about the importance of so that this works wonders.
Good work over again. Thanks.
very good \o/
Very well written post. It will be useful to anybody who employess it, including yours truly :). Keep doing what you are doing - for sure i will check out more posts.
Greet work there. your blog rss feed.
very good \o/
I'm completely satisfied to find so numerous invaluable information now throughout the article, we require develop more strategies inside this regard, thanks for sharing
I think this applies, One picture is worth 1000 words.
You made some decent points there. I looked on the internet for the subject and found most individuals will consent with your site.
Hiya, I was surfing around your blog and noticed that many your images aren't loading. Thought I should tell you
Great! Thanks for post
Your RSS feed doesn't work in my browser (google chrome) how can I fix it?
My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!
It is not often that I search for some thing and actually discover beneficial information?- glad I located you?- maintain writing!
Your RSS feed doesn't work in my browser (google chrome) how can I fix it?
Your RSS feed doesn't work in my browser (google chrome) how can I fix it?
rather useful material, all in all I imagine this is worthy of a bookmark, thanks
Among the articles i found, i would say yours is certainly informative enough. Bookmarked your link and will come back again soon. Keep it up for the great post.
My wife recomended me this post thanks!
Great post?-.plz assistance me i also desire to publish here?-.
Interesting post, thank you! Could you explain the third paragraph in more detail? Visit Traffic Reloaded Review
great thanks \o/
very good \o/
Your RSS feed doesn't work in my browser (google chrome) how can I fix it?
Great article, I will come back soon to your site to find some more great articles like this...
Will watch your site.
keep up the good piece of work, I read few blog posts on this web site and I conceive that your web site is very interesting and contains bands of excellent info .
Interesting post, thank you! Can you explain the second paragraph more? Visit Traffic Reloaded Review
Hello.This article was really remarkable, especially since I was searching for thoughts on this subject last Friday.
surefire z2
How d isappointing! With just a few exceptions I come to feel really let down by what you call the very best and worst of 2009. With the exception of Melbourne is logo almost every one of the remaining I would be ashamed to put in my portfolio had I designed them. There once again I did notso I can breathe a sigh of relief.
Wow! Thank you! I continuously wanted to write on my website something like that. Can I implement a part of your post to my blog?
surefire x200
Very Interesting Post! Thank You For Thi Post!
is so related its practically unpleasant.
I would like to trade links.
Nikki,
Greet work there. I just signed up Conversion Prophet Review
Thanks for the greet article, I love reading it!
You made some good points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found most persons will go along with with your website.
I found your weblog on google and check several of the early posts. Preserve up the excellent operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading through additional from you later on!…
This is great! Where do you find this stuff?
Wanted to drop a comment and let you know your Feed is not functioning today. I tried including it to my Yahoo reader account and got absolutely nothing.
Great blog! I genuinely love how it is easy on my eyes as well as the info are well written.
Just keep posting good content. Conversion Prophet
Hello,I am glad D iscovered th is web page,I'd bookmark it,Wonderful internet site,Superior data.
I just signed up to RSS on this blog. Will you post more on this theme?
Great article, thank you. I signed up to your blog rss feed.
Thats great just what i was looking for
Superior post, it's real amazing. Thank's. I create some tips about seo software best.It is attractive what you can answer about my seo research. WBR.
I should try this. Will keep up with the post and reply with my finding on this soon. Thank you
You manufactured several good points this site. I did a quest around the topic and found most people will agree with this site.
good quality post thanks
When I found this blog was like wow. Thank you for putting your effort in publishing this article.
good quality post thanks
Thanks for one more excellent post. Keep rocking.
I really enjoyed your site. Its always nice when you find something that is not only informative but entertaining. Awesome.
very good \o/
they didnt have gas powered engines back then
thank for post
Wow! This can be the primary time that I noticed someone create such a wonderful write-up on that provided topic. I genuinely recognize your efforts! Preserve on performing these an incredible position mate!
You should definately write more about this! Please!
I actually knew about most of this, but having said that, I still thought it was useful. Nice job!
qcqwcqwc
Appreciation for the great blog post. I am glad I have taken the time to learn this.
Perhaps you could use to be rare.
I did not understand your second paragraph at all. What don't you mean by that? It is an interesting topic personally so I want to understand everything that you have to say. I had been not able to find all kinds of other articles during my search although My business is not very computer literate so that could be why. I hope to see you posting more frequently.
You should excuse mine use of English, I'm in the study of learning. I much like your web site greatly, I find it worth it to read and I saved a bookmark of it in my internet.
A trite remark is easy on the wallet.
This is excellent! How did you learn this stuff?
Ohh very much thanks admin
What should they suspect?
The premise is based on this assumption germane to.
Thank you for sharing
Thanks for submitting this. It solved quite a lot of concerns in which I had.
Little by little you'll learn more touching on that.