Writer: Nur Safina Othman

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Watch this if you liked: "School Of Rock", "Juno", "Paper Heart"

Award-winning actress Drew Barrymore makes her remarkable debut as a director with this feisty, female-friendly roller derby dramedy, "Whip It". Maybe some of you might remember there was a reality TV show called "Rollergirls" in 2006 that focuses on a group of women who are involved in roller derby game. Well, "Whip It" is like a movie version of it, but with all the drama and a great cast.

Based on the novel "Derby Girl" by Shauna Cross, who also scripted "Whip It", this movie follows Bliss Cavendar (Ellen Page), a teenager who longs to break free from her dead-end hometown of Bodeen, Texas by joining the rough-and-tumble sport of roller derby in nearby Austin. However, her well-meaning but domineering mother Brooke (Marcia Gay Harden) is convinced that her daughter's only ticket out is to win the local Miss Blue Bonnet pageant.

With over 25 years of experience as an actress, Barrymore has always been well-known for her quirky acting. Delivering a predictable, cliche and familiar plot, "Whip It" shows Barrymore to be a gifted filmmaker. It does not come as a surprise as she's been around Hollywood her whole life.

Barrymore not only directed the movie, but she's also acts as Smashley Simpson. However "Juno" fame Ellen Page is the centre of the story as Bliss Calendar, or her adopting moniker 'Babe Ruthless'. Page's performance is outstanding and somehow seems like a real person. It's impossible to compare with her memorable role in "Juno" (2007). With an all-star cast, audiences will be entertained with performances by Kristen Wiig (as Maggie Mayhem), Juliette Lewis (Iron Maven), Zoe Bell (Bloody Holly), hip-hop singer Eve (Rosa Sparks) and Andrew Wilson who plays as their derby coach. Comedian Jimmy Fallon makes an appearance as 'Hot Tub' Johnny Rocket, the roller derby's ringside announcer.

What makes "Whip It" a blast is the action in the rink. The derby scenes are brilliantly choreographed with an astonishing amount of violence, but still suitable for family-viewing. We can see how proud they are with their bruises when they show off to one another.

"Whip It" is good as what it is. It's not like any other chick flicks. With a light touch and warm humour, audiences will be entertained and pleasantly surprised at how good the movie is.

Cinema Online, 29 March 2010