I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Simply Perfect

One of my all time favorites.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

Drew Barrymore created a stunning film with Shauna Cross's script, and you would never know it was her first time directing. The characters and story are so well crafted and there's never a dull moment. I love the way this movie feels nostalgic and makes you remember that time in your life where you're trying to figure out who you are, and you have that one best friend that gets you through the tough times. I'm impressed by the actresses' skating abilities and making this all look so natural to them. Marcia Gay Harden is total perfection as Bliss Cavendar's mother, bringing such a realness to her character, and Ellen Page and Alia Shawkat have realistic chemistry that pulls you into their friendship. This isn't a raunchy movie and I find it totally enjoyable. I can watch this movie over and over and I never get sick of it - it's become a classic for sure!

Well, my 9 year old daughter is starting to play roller derby, so naturally, I had to watch this! And I'm glad I did! Great cast and fun roller derby scenes! The romance sub-plot was a total dud for me, as was having an "evil" derby nemesis, but the rest was a fun watch! Page, Wiig, Bell, and Shawkat were excellent, and Harden is always great in that hard-mom role! Side note on her, when she's on screen in her USPS shirt, she totally looks like one of my former letter carrier co-workers! Dead on! If my daughter is still into roller derby in a few, 5 ish, years, I'll definitely watch this with her. Go Hurl Scouts!!!

I love this movie because It's full of heart. The world of roller derby itself is very interesting. But Shauna Cross's script is so witty and full of life that even if you don't know much about the sport, you follow the action easily. The cast is outstanding. Juliette Lewis and Kristen Wiig are two of the classiest actors around, and they obviously love their roles as two key roller derby players - very unconventional, gutsy women. Andrew Wilson, who plays the coach, is fantastic. Basically he's the butt of all their jokes, pretending to be tough when he's really a softy. Of course Ellen Page as the naive newcomer, Bliss, is outstanding. Few female actors get the chance to play such a spirited, smart character who goes on a genuine journey of discovery. And Page nails it. And as her very conservative mother, Marcia Gay Harden is great with a character who is flawed in trying to make Bliss something into something she's not -- a straightlaced debutante - but who is also someone Bliss still loves, and who wants the best for her daughter. Drew Barrymore does a great job both as director and as one of the roller derby team. Above all, even while there's a solid plot and lots of drama, Whip It never fails to entertain and make us laugh. And it tells stories about women, front and centre, which is refreshing. There should be more movies like this one.

Whip It was a movie I wanted to like more than I did... The storyline was a little bit twee and predictable, with all of the 'small-town underdog' sports clichés... but, on the other hand, first-time director Drew Barrymore's handling of things is as charming as Barrymore herself seems to be... so, if you don't mind predictability, like roller derby, and just want a non-taxing feelgood film, then this could be it...It has a great soundtrack, too, so that's in its favour.Barrymore seems to be fond of fairy tales, so if you like miraculous yet never less than wholesome transformations, and inspirational sloganeering such as "Be Your Own Hero!", then this will probably suit you a treat... It's not that I'm against those things, it's just that these warm fuzzies sometimes come at the expense of teaching you about the realities of life... but, if you've seen "Never Been Kissed" before and enjoyed it, then at least you'll know the type of thing to expect.