“Whip It” Has Spunk, Then Loses Steam

“Whip It” is sure to generate a huge new interest in “roller derby,” a thriving underground sport in which two teams of fierce females race around an oblong track on roller-skates to score points. But the roller derby reputation far exceeds that of a battle royale on wheels: it has evolved into a supreme statement of girl power. “Whip It” highlights the alternative, Bohemian spirit that underlies the sport with a punk-rocker palette, boldly irreverent overtones, and a solid, if not obvious, juxtaposition to beauty pageant culture.

Ellen Page (“Juno”) proves a sturdy vessel through this fierce territory as Bliss Cavendar. Bliss lives in apathy, waitressing at a rundown diner by day and moonlighting as a pageant contestant at the behest of her stiff and steadfast mother (played by Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden). Bliss discovers the derby and, in doing so, discovers herself. Ellen Page imparts an endearing authenticity on the reinvention of Bliss as roller-girl phenom “Babe Ruthless.” Alia Shawkat (TV’s “Arrested Development”) is just as formidable as Bliss’ best buddy Pash. The two young actresses have wonderful chemistry and provide an earnest examination of female friendship.

Despite equally earnest intentions, the remaining characters and plot developments are far less profound. The roller derby pros are smothered in spunk— with thick eye makeup as dark as their battle bruises, and dyed hair strands as bold as their tattoos. If only these ladies had personalities to match their vibrant exteriors. In fact, Bliss’ cohorts, the “Hurl Scouts,” surpass cheekiness into near-disinterest and irresponsibility. The Scouts ignore guidance from their coach and exhibit no desire for improvement. Enthusiasm feels feigned. Only Juliette Lewis (Oscar-nominated for “Cape Fear”) as rival skater “Iron Maven” fully embodies the roller derby spirit, wagging her tongue and serving every word with a saucy bite. She is the film’s revelation.

A script of hipster lingo and audacious activities recalls Ellen Page’s debut in “Juno,” but “Juno” writer Diablo Cody’s gift of lexicon manipulation is sorely missed. “Whip It” comes off as faux-Cody (Faux-dy, anyone?). Dramatic intervention squanders any remaining vivacity as Bliss’ secret skating world is exposed. We watch Bliss lose everything: her friends, her family, her love, and her newfound passion for the derby. As she sets out to make amends, the punishment grows vastly disproportionate to the crime. The intensity of these moments feels burdensome and unwarranted. Narrative momentum stalls and can never quite pick back up in time for the film’s finale.

A generally uninspired directorial debut by Drew Barrymore (who also lends her talents as an accident-prone derby girl) does not aid in the matter. Serious moments are given a fair deal of thought, but scenes of the roller derby itself—those scenes that should define the sport’s, and the film’s, zesty spirit—are poorly staged and difficult to follow. The expected thrill of the derby’s atmosphere, both on the track and in the stands, underwhelms. And don’t even try to make sense of the scoring system (though, to be fair, this supposedly proves a difficult task in real life as well). Barrymore might have some interesting ideas, but their ultimate execution is sloppy. An underwater make-out session, for example, becomes a test of patience as the two involved parties struggle to remain submerged.

“Whip It” asks us to reconsider our American status-seeking, credentials-based cultural tendencies in favor of a mindset that celebrates individuality and self-worth. This message, however, is under-emphasized in the film’s depiction of the roller derby and then drowned out by histrionics as the narrative reaches its climax. There’s enough excitement in “Whip It” to hold your interest during the movie, but any sense of inspiration should dissipate once you exit the theater. Indeed, I left the film feeling fairly disinterested in further exploring roller derby— as a sport or as a culture. Unless, of course, Juliette Lewis and her “Iron Maven” will be making an appearance. Then you can count me in!

Grade: C+

“Whip It” is presented by Fox Searchlight Pictures in association with Mandate Pictures.

The film was written by Shauna Cross, based on her own novel “Whip It.” The film was directed by Drew Barrymore.

Also starring are Kristen Wiig, Jimmy Fallon, Eve, Zoe Bell, Ari Graynor, Eulala Scheel, Andrew Wilson, Carlo Alban, Landon Pigg, Rachel Piplica, Kristen Adolfi, and Daniel Stern.

Runtime is 111 minutes.

Rated PG-13 for sexual content including crude dialogue, language and drug material.