Whip It

Larry Richman: My 30th & final film here this year was the World Premiere of Whip It, the directorial debut of Drew Barrymore (who also stars). What a great way to close out my experience here in lovely Toronto.

Barrymore works with a Shauna Cross script and an all-star cast including Ellen Page, Marcia Gay Harden, Daniel Stern, and Juliette Lewis. Page is Bliss Cavendar, whose mother (Harden) sees her daughter in gowns and crowns as she continues the family tradition of winning beauty pageant trophies. But Bliss' chance encounter with a group of roller skating girls plants other ideas in her head. Austin, Texas hosts a roller derby league, and Bliss finally sees a way out of her town (and gown).

The film starts out slow then whips into action, with its brilliant ensemble cast functioning like a winning roller derby team, but without the bruises. Then just when you think Whip It is headed into sports rom-com cliché territory, surprising twists make it original and refreshing. Despite the multitude of talented actors, Page clearly carries the film on her diminutive shoulders and is easily in control of the material. Production values are naturally first rate, and the killer soundtrack is one benefit of the big bucks. Be sure to stay for the second of the two closing credits songs, the best ever cover of one of the greatest rock 'n roll love songs of all time, The Association's Never My Love. Despite having been filmed primarily in Michigan (due to favorable tax credits) the Austin scenes are prominent, placing its landmarks in a warm, affectionate light. On a personal note, I smiled at the shot of Page and would-be rock star boyfriend Oliver (real life musician Landon Pigg) in front of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, primary venue of the SXSW Film Festival.

Fox Searchlight scores again with Ellen Page, just like they did at TIFF 07 with Juno. Unlike that (at the time) dark horse, this is no little indie. This is classic Hollywood comedy. Whip It is another festival crowd pleaser to add to this year's must-see list.