TIFF: Whip It

Whip It is the directorial debut of actress Drew Barrymore, and the first major project for Ellen Page since the smash hit Juno, which earned her a Best Actress nomination back in 2007. I've stated before that I think this project was perfect for both of these women at this stage in their careers.

The film debuted at Toronto this week, and it seems to be doing quite well. Awards caliber? Maybe not. But it's impressing critics and audiences nonetheless. Roger Ebert says:

"The film confirms what's been clear to me since "Hard Candy" (2005) and probably to others for much longer: Page is not only a great actress, but a daring one. Barrymore begins with a story whose broad outlines are potentially conventional and uses quirky personal details to bring it to life."

The Hollywood Reporter's Peter Brunette had nice things to say as well:

“‘Whip It’ clicks on so many levels—heartwarming family story, rough-and-tumble display of grrrl power and a secondary but tender and convincing romance.”

I'll definitely be in line to see this one when it hits theaters October 2.