In Bodeen, Texas, an indie-rock-loving misfit finds a way of dealing with small-town misery after discovering a roller-derby league in nearby Austin.In Bodeen, Texas, an indie-rock-loving misfit finds a way of dealing with small-town misery after discovering a roller-derby league in nearby Austin.In Bodeen, Texas, an indie-rock-loving misfit finds a way of dealing with small-town misery after discovering a roller-derby league in nearby Austin.
- Awards
- 8 nominations
Elliot Page
- Bliss Cavendar
- (as Ellen Page)
Douglas Minckiewicz
- Colby
- (as Doug Minckewicz)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe Manson Sisters were played by Rachel Piplica and Kristen Adolfi--better known as Iron Maven and Krissy Krash of the Los Angeles Derby Dolls. The pair skated for the Hurl Scouts in the film and, in real life, skate for the Tough Cookies, the team on which the Scouts were based.
- GoofsIn the final bout scenes, a row of "dummies" watch the bout instead of actual people. The "dummies" are mixed in with the actual crowd but due to editing the row of "dummies" was not edited out.
- Quotes
Smashley Simpson, Bloody Holly, Maggie Mayhem, Rosa Sparks, Bliss Cavendar: We're number two! We're number two!
Razor: You guys came in second out of two teams.
Smashley Simpson, Bloody Holly, Maggie Mayhem, Rosa Sparks, Bliss Cavendar: Whoo!
Razor: Yeah, let's celebrate mediocrity! That's fantastic.
- Crazy creditsBloopers run during closing credits.
- SoundtracksKnocked Up
Written by Caleb Followill, Nathan Followill, Jared Followill and Matthew Followill
Performed by Kings of Leon
Courtesy of The RCA Records Label and The RCA/Jive Label Group
A unit of Sony Music Entertainment
By Arrangement with Sony Music Licensing
Featured review
Drew Barrymore's directorial debut is a little gem
Drew Barrymore's directorial debut is a little gem. It could have been called Juno on Skates, such are the comparisons, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Sure, Bliss Cavendar is almost identical to Juno MacGuff (and not just because Ellen Page plays them both), it follows a similar 'finding oneself' story arc, there are eccentric yet lovable parents and it prides itself on the unique dialogue flowing throughout; however Whip It has something up its sleeve to give it its own recognisable edge – roller-derby. Fun doesn't come any thicker, faster or sillier than roller-derbying. Barrymore understands this and appropriately places the underground sport front and centre. The editing is occasionally too quick meaning you can't always see what is going on, but you are caught up in the atmosphere so much it doesn't really matter.
Beneath the action is a coming-of-age tale that wears its heart on its sleeve and bears all. Despite being slightly predictable and clichéd, real life roller-derby competitor Shauna Cross' screenplay (adapted from her own book) makes up for it with razor-sharp dialogue ("I can grow the balls") and genuinely intriguing characters. Not to mention the comedy littered throughout; never laugh-out-loud moments but you'll be chuckling from start to finish. The romance subplot could have been left out though, it doesn't hold your interest like the other story elements and feels slightly unnecessary.
Undeniably cute once again, Ellen Page stamps her A-list spot with another splendid, oddly appealing performance. Page's serious acting chops are matched by her superb comic timing as she proves that she is one of the finest young actors coming through today. The huge supporting cast is letdown by no-one; Kristen Wiig the pick of the bunch, her deadpan humour is hilarious and she is surely another actress we will see more of in the future. A special mention to Marcia Gay Harden and Daniel Stern as well, they play Bliss' old folks with warmth and likability, never allowing them to become the typical misunderstanding parents you often find in these movies.
A laugh-a-minute affair with a bigger than average heart. Throw in a terrific little indie soundtrack and you have yourself a must-see movie.
4 out of 5 (1 - Rubbish, 2 - Ordinary, 3 - Good, 4 - Excellent, 5 - Classic)
Beneath the action is a coming-of-age tale that wears its heart on its sleeve and bears all. Despite being slightly predictable and clichéd, real life roller-derby competitor Shauna Cross' screenplay (adapted from her own book) makes up for it with razor-sharp dialogue ("I can grow the balls") and genuinely intriguing characters. Not to mention the comedy littered throughout; never laugh-out-loud moments but you'll be chuckling from start to finish. The romance subplot could have been left out though, it doesn't hold your interest like the other story elements and feels slightly unnecessary.
Undeniably cute once again, Ellen Page stamps her A-list spot with another splendid, oddly appealing performance. Page's serious acting chops are matched by her superb comic timing as she proves that she is one of the finest young actors coming through today. The huge supporting cast is letdown by no-one; Kristen Wiig the pick of the bunch, her deadpan humour is hilarious and she is surely another actress we will see more of in the future. A special mention to Marcia Gay Harden and Daniel Stern as well, they play Bliss' old folks with warmth and likability, never allowing them to become the typical misunderstanding parents you often find in these movies.
A laugh-a-minute affair with a bigger than average heart. Throw in a terrific little indie soundtrack and you have yourself a must-see movie.
4 out of 5 (1 - Rubbish, 2 - Ordinary, 3 - Good, 4 - Excellent, 5 - Classic)
helpful•3012
- Troy_Campbell
- Oct 10, 2009
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- Derby Girl
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $15,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $13,043,363
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $4,650,812
- Oct 4, 2009
- Gross worldwide
- $16,691,303
- Runtime1 hour 51 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
- 2.39 : 1
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