Barrymore scores!

Rating: 8/10 (31 May 2010)

Drew Barrymore's directorial debut doesn't score points for originality, but her cast is absolutely perfect. Everyone here has a moment or moments to stand out; from Kristen Wiig in a complete 180 change from her SNL-styled performances in past films; to Zoe Bell as a spunky roller-girl. Alia Shawkat finally gets a chance to really shine as what is basically a sidekick, but a well- written one (where are her leading roles???). Daniel Stern has some of the film's best scenes with Page as her father. Overall you know the basic mechanics of Whip It's plot (though there are one or two welcome moments that sidestep or completely change the clichés typically found in films of this genre) but the cast and Barrymore's first-class handling of them make it an incredibly fun and worthwhile ride.