We’ve been following the film Whip It since it was announced last year that Drew Barrymore would make her directorial debut helming the roller derby-themed coming-of-age story starring Ellen Page.

So now, it’s finally time to hit the theatre and see this film on the big screen. Whip It premieres this weekend and reviews have been universally great with pubs from New York Magazine to the LA Times raving about every aspect of the film.

MSNBC writes “Whip It crackles with fun -
First-time director Drew Barrymore leaves other chick-flicks eating her dust.”

It’s something close to thrilling to see ‘Whip It,’ a fun female-empowerment movie that marks an impressively crowd-pleasing directorial debut for Drew Barrymore.

Women & Hollywood’s Melissa Silverstein, whose reviews I always find spot on, says:

Drew Barrymore not only directs, she produces the film and co-stars as Hurl Scout, one of the skaters who constantly gets thrown out of the matches for kicking the sh*t out of the other women. It’s hysterical. And the best news to me is the confidence and comfort that Barrymore shows as a director. It’s just that good.

Whip It proves that films can be feminist and fun. That in itself is worthy the price of admission.

(btw: If you’re not already familiar with Women & Hollywood, it’s an indispensable guide to women in film. ) Melissa goes on to say that Barrymore and company should keep making films like this instead of the crap we normally see on screen that marginalizes girls and women (we all know which films she’s referring to). Couldn’t agree more.

Everything about this film rings true. After working for months with trainer Axles of Evil (a.k.a. Alex Cohen), and scrimmaging with some real L.A. Derby Dolls, Page proudly estimates that she did about 99% of her own skating seen on-screen.

The film is strong and funny, filled with joy and empowerment. Combine that with characters like Maggie Mayhem, Iron Maven and Smashley Simpson and a derby team called The Hurl Scouts what could be better? And for those wondering, a crucial question will finally be answered: Skates or high heels?

The film also boasts an impressive cast including supporting roles by Marcia Gay Harden, Kristin Wiig and Juliette Lewis as well as a soundtrack of indie rock icons.

Whatever is on your schedule this weekend, make sure to make room for Whip It and help give this film the box office success it deserves.

View Original Post at prettytough.com

• Filed Under:  
• Skating, Roller Derby, Sports, SportsPLUS, Entertainment, Film

• Tags:
• Entertainment
• Movies
• Film
• roller derby
• Whip It
• derby girls
• drew barrymore
• ellen page
• girl power