The plot is clichéd, but everything else is fresh

Rating: 8/10 (20 April 2011)

WHIP IT is Drew Barrymore's film debut, and stars Ellen Page in a film about roller derby, a sport that I was beforehand unfamiliar with. To the point- the plot of Whip It is one of clichés, and it comes across as formulaic. But unlike She's The Man it doesn't make feminist points yet give us stock characters, Whip It remains fresh by giving us characters that seem interesting, develop and make the film more entertaining. It's a hard film to dislike, and that's probably because it is so charming, even in its most clichéd moments. It never feels dumb, it never feels like it is trying to please, it never feels tired, it never feels boring- in short, Whip It is a great film that should and deserves to redefine movies aimed at teenage girls. This film is a bit of relief for those who are sick of teenage movies that are vapid in both its aims and execution. And the way it uses 'Girl Power' isn't something you'd find in a Prue-teen magazine, more of a realistic way. An enjoyable film that I recommend to anyone who wants something a bit different from their teen movies.