Consider Me 'Whip'ped

Yes, the Internetz are ablaze with initial reactions to the highly-anticipated Whip It! film-- and here I am, adding my voice to the rabid choir of praise.

But serious, did I have any choice in the matter?

Feminism and pure fun mix for an energetic flick dedicated to the women of Austin's derby circuit (and heck, it's a dedication to the the strength of any and all women coming-of-age in this twenty-first century North American scene). I could hear snippets of conversation as I left the theatre and the general consensus was, "I NEED TO BUY ROLLER SKATES NOW, WHY ARE WE NOT AT THE STORE YET?!"

Methinks derby teams across the continent are about to experience an overflow of sassy, young things wanting to "become [their] own hero," if you'll let me pilfer/paraphrase from the movie.

Serious, though -- there were a number of elements I hadn't foreseen despite the fact I've been following the press on Whip It! quite closely for the past few months:

• Alia Shawkat as best friend, Pash: Serious. Why is this girl not getting more press for the film? She was fantastic, just a delight from the moment she appeared on the screen. She managed to strike this amazing balance between the spontaneous and the level-headed as she tried to encourage Bliss (played by Ellen Page) in her pursuit of all things derby. I'm a tad unnerved that Ms. Shawkat is the same age as my brother, though... I'm feeling older by the day, I tell you....

 Ellen Page and Alia Shawkit

• The core father-daughter relationship that runs throughout the film: Folks weren't lying when they said the parents (played by Marcia Gay Harden and Daniel Stern) are scene stealers. And, perhaps it's the fact that I watched this movie with my Dad that this particular plot line is hitting closer to home. I mean, watching a father fight for his daughter's happiness gets me all choked up no matter what the context, really. And Daniel Stern carried himself well. 
• Eve and Ari Graynor.... together.... in a hot tub....ALONE...: Why can I not find pictures of this one on the Internet? It is a travesty to all the women reading this. And to me. ESPECIALLY to me, people.

Eve and Ari Graynor

• ZOE BELL DID NOT GET NEARLY ENOUGH SCREEN TIME -- though, she did a damn fine job with what she was given. I promise I'll get over this obsession. Just not now. And probably not for a few more years after that.

Are you a gay gal?

Do you like your women tough, DIY, and full of spunky feminist ideology?

Have you SEEN the stills from this film?

All I can say is: DO IT. Shell out that cash and watch Whip It! on the big screen.

Serious, why are you still reading this post, GONOWGOWATCHWHIPITNOW!