Variety’s Analysis Of The Movie ‘Whip It’

Wow the Variety reviewer says Whip It is a “gas.”

Laced with good-natured hipster kitsch and endearingly goofy girl power, director Drew Barrymore’s roller-derby dramedy, “Whip It,” is a gas. In her contact-sporting debut feature, Barrymore hams it up as injury-prone skater “Smashley Simpson,” but pays equal attention to all players in a lively femme-centered ensemble led by Ellen Page — who, as blooming wallflower Bliss Cavendar (aka “Babe Ruthless”), finally has a role to match her star-making turn in “Juno.” Young females will roll in the aisles, and in general B.O. prospects look zippy for Fox Searchlight’s Oct. 2 release, particularly as the fall track appears overcrowded with weightier opponents. ● More from: Variety

Ellen Page rolls with it in ‘Whip It’

Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut, Whip It, opening Oct. 2, travels some familiar territory while cleverly swerving around its clichés, says its star Ellen Page.

A girl’s coming-of-age story has a number of required elements. There’s the funny best friend. There’s the dreamy boy. The need to break out of the oppressive bonds of a small town and teenagedom. The parents who just don’t understand. The sneaking out to roller derby practice. ● More from: Ellen Page rolls with it in ‘Whip It’ — latimes.com