‘Whip It’ needs whipping into shape

“Whip It” wants to be the cutest movie you’ve ever seen. Although it feels like a charming, feel-good indie film, Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut is horribly formulaic.

The film is about roller derby, but Barrymore buries the movie’s head in the playbook to the point that the sport could be substituted for anything misunderstood, and it’s a blatant sign of directorial weakness and inexperience.

Bliss Cavendar (Ellen Page) has grown tired of beauty pageants and turns to something less conservative, but there is no evidence that roller derby possesses unique values capable of crafting a better person or that this would be a life to aspire to.

Page is also at fault. She is an actress brimming with strength and confidence, but here she puts on a timid facade that prevents her character from growing and limits her comedic and dramatic range.

With a concept so original, it’s disappointing to see “Whip It” become such a cliche .