I love seeing sneak previews of movies, and hopefully I'll get to hit up more of them as my site grows and I move from 'struggling writer' into 'struggling film journalist' status. The vibe is always cool, there's free stuff to be had (I got a large t-shirt, but was only offered large or extra large, and later found out they had medium. Apparently I was looking plump on Saturday night), and people are there to actually see a movie that they are excited about, not just be at the movies for something to do on a Saturday night.

Whip It! stars Ellen Page, who may or may not be this cutest being in the galaxy, as Bliss Cavender, a small town girl from Bodine, Texas whose mother (Marcia Gay Harden) pushes her into beauty pageants for the obvious purpose of living vicariously through her two daughters. It's totally obvious that she's not into it because she wears boots, which is indisputable evidence that she is alternative ("Alternative to what?"). By a lucky coincidence, Bliss encounters some roller derby girls at a headshop and looks at them longingly in slo-mo so you really get that there's an immediate connection. And from then on, Bliss' quest to become a roller derbier goes full steam ahead, quickly turning her from home grown Bliss Cavender into the badass and ultra fast Babe Ruthless.

There is something to be said for what this movie will do for girls who maybe just aren't confident enough to step out of their mold and do what it is they really want to do. The understatement of the century would be to say that this is a "Girl Power" movie. The cast is armed to the teeth with powerful, strong female roles played by strong, powerful actresses the likes of Kristin Wiig, Eve, Drew Berrymore stepping away from the camera to play Smashley Simpson, and the incomparably crazy Juliette Lewis who maybe should only play roller derby chicks from now on. Ellen Page's progression is very well paced as she gradually blossoms into her new role as a Hurl Scout (the derby team name) out of her timid, Oink Joint burger slinging past. In a world filled with movies about boys, even as a guy it is really nice to see such a great ensemble of talented actresses get together and kick Bourne amounts of ass.

The movie was infinitely enjoyable. As you're watching it, you may think that some things are contrived or clichéd, but for each one of those moments you'll find five other moments where you are either scooting towards the edge of your chair enthralled by the exciting bouts of roller derbydom, or missing dialog because of how hard you're laughing at the line before. Sure I am not their target audience, but that this movie reached me in the way that it did speaks volumes for how well it's put together. It'll be on my shelf for sure.

As Drew Barrymore's first effort in the director's chair, Whip It! could not have been a more successful debut. Not only is all the acting really spot on, but it's actually shot really well too. The bouts are really exciting and fast paced, with some shots you might normally see in the Fast and the Furious movies, while the rest of the movie is pretty standard, but hey, it's framed well so they get points for that. Barrymore may re-invent herself as a strong new director powering girls' confidences with movies like Whip It. Hopefully we'll see more from her in the near future as I'm entirely curious about where she'll go from here.

All I can say is that if your girlfriend suggests that you go see Whip It! this weekend, just go do it. You'll enjoy it just as much as she does. This movie doesn't just appeal to those girls who are looking to find themselves or real life roller derby athletes, it appeals to anyone who appreciates a solid story, great characters and development, and endless humor.

4.5 stars