Monday, February 01, 2010

back to the movies.


i wanted to see "whip it". they said it wasn't going to be very good. i said, "i don't care." they said it was going to be typical Hollywood fare. and i said, "whatevs". but in my heart i feared for my lovely Drew. i really wanted to love it, i really wanted to cheer and cry and say, "i wanna see it again!".

and then the movie started [SPOILERS below].

it was what was to be expected. girl doesn't fit in, girl sees awesome women that she wants to join, girl trains, girl is kick ass good, parents find out, and then it all works out in the end. but there are three reasons why this is more than that.

1. Ellen Page: there are moments in this film where she delivers a line and it is more than a delivery. she gives the response that is in your head, that you would say (or at least want to say) but it wouldn't actually come out. and despite the non-reality of it, it makes the fiction of this film, less fiction. this also could be that these are the moments that Ellen Page is not acting.

2. 2nd place: in the beginning of the film the team finally scores some points, after Bliss (Page) has joined the team. they don't win, but they're stoked cause they scored and did well. they triumphantly shout, "we're number two! we're number two!". this is cute b/c they're #2 of 2 and are just happy to be a team. in the end of the film we return to this same sentiment as it comes down to the wire and the "hurl scouts" do not win. but they make the best of it! they are happy and congratulate each other and cheer, "we're number two!" and we the audience are with them. this is quite the feat, and a powerful message--all be it one we've heard before--that we really believe in this circumstance.

3. the boy: and more important, but less important to the plot, there is the "boyfriend". he is cute and fun, and Bliss enjoys him, but he is not the driving force. when Bliss is fighting for her freedom, it is not for this guy, but for her love of derbying. when Bliss is confronted with evidence of his cheating she doesn't second guess it, not for a second. this may not be what most of us would do, but it is what we should do. we deserve better and that is what Drew is telling us.

"whip it" is good. it is a film that i would show my hypothetical daughter proudly. and this is something for Drew to be very proud of. the shear force of her intentions on this product ring clear, and that is amazing. it is funny, and sweet, and empowering and even beautiful. i'm reminded of the feeling of watching Zach Braf's "garden state" but am left with a sweet taste in my mouth.