"Whip It," released in 2009, marks Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut and her only feature film behind the camera to date; she also appears in a supporting role. The narrative centers on Bliss Cavendar (Ellen Page), along with her parents, portrayed by Daniel Stern and Marcia Gay Harden, and her close friend Pash (Alia Shawkat). Bliss is immersed in the world of beauty pageants due to her mother’s intense focus on…

It’s definitely worth watching again, and I feel comfortable suggesting it to others. I recognize some of the Austin locations featured, including that roller rink—it really is an impressive place with a palpable atmosphere. I've grown tired of scenes involving pageantry; they tend to be dull, so perhaps using one to begin this film was inspired. It’s a familiar “I don’t want your life” setup, but establishing …

Drew Barrymore directed and Shauna Cross adapted Whip It from her novel, Derby Girl; Barrymore also appears alongside Ellen Page, Alia Shawkat, Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig, Juliette Lewis, Jimmy Fallon, Daniel Stern and Landon Pigg. Bliss Cavendar (Page) is a teenager stuck in a rut working at the "Oink Joint" restaurant and entering beauty contests to please her mother (Harden), alongside her friend Pash (Sha…

A straightforward, enjoyable film centered around teenage girls feels genuinely refreshing. It's ideal when you don’t want anything too taxing and just want to relax, because it manages to avoid many of the usual clichés.