Whip It

Whip It, the directorial debut from Drew Barrymore is filled with laughs, but anchored in a heartwarming story line. The plot revolves around Texas teen, Bliss Cavendar, played by Ellen Page ("Juno"). Bliss is somewhat of a misfit, focused on finding herself and finding her way out of her less than thrilling small town of Bodeen, Texas.

Despite her aversion to it, Bliss is forced into participating in her Mother's greatest past-time, beauty pageants. While Bliss doesn't quite know who she is, she definitely knows what she is not - the next Ms. America. Instead, Bliss becomes intrigued by a roller derby team she sees one night in Austin. Lucky for her, the team is hosting tryouts that week, and she has her heart set on making the cut. Bliss ends up finding her place, and herself within her roller eccentric roller derby team.

However, the film isn't all sunshine and roses - far from it. Bliss has a tumultuous relationship with her Mother, that feels very realistic. In fact, the entire film has a raw relate-ability to it. It offers quite an accurate look into small town life in rural America. Any female adult is sure to see shades of her teenage self in the character of Bliss.

Don't expect to see any remnants of Juno MacGuff in this film. Aside from the fact that it stars Ellen Page, "Whip It" is nothing like "Juno." With this film, Page greatly distances herself from her breakout role in 2007's "Juno." For one thing, her character is not a pregnant teen with a sharp mouth. Juno was 100% sure of herself, the epitome of confidence and listened to "The Moldy Peaches." Bliss one the other hand, sings Dolly Parton's "Jolene" in the film. I rest my case.

The film is driven by a great soundtrack, with bands like The Ramones and The Chordettes contributing. Surprisingly, one song you won't find here is "Whip It" by Devo. Way to stay away from becoming cliche, Drew Barrymore.