Whip It (part 3)

Carolyn wrote in the comments section of Monday’s post  about Whip It, “I can’t wait to see this film.” The problem is the film opened last weekend and these days that opening weekend is extremely important for a film to become a financial success. The filmmakers and studios were depending on the Carolyns out there to show up and they didn’t.

This not only hurt the $15 million dollars film’s chances of breaking even, but there have been posts about the long term effects this will have on women directors and films with female-centered themes. (Jane Campion’s Bright Star which has had great reviews also had a disappointing box office start. Though it should be mentioned that Julie & Julia is close to the $100 million mark.)

I went to see Whip It Friday night with my wife and the first thing I noticed was there weren’t many people there. Not a good sign. There is a lot of speculation about why its opening weekend was under $5 million dollars and ended in seventh place. Some say the marketing wasn’t good, others say people just don’t care about roller derby, and others pointed to the fact that Ellen Page isn’t a major draw.

While words like “underperforming” and “box-office bust” have been used to describe the opening week for Whip It, I’m not ready to count it out.  I’d like to think that those who saw it will help Whip It be one of those rare films that actually has staying power. The film cost $15 million and they really need a strong second week so go check it out.

And while Page may not be a major box-office draw at this point in her career she is coming off of Juno and its amazing run. And look at the numbers Juno put up at Rotton Tomatoes–83%. Any film that gets 83% from top critics needs to be seen.

“Scene for scene and beat for beat, this roller derby crowd-pleaser crackles with joy and jubilation.” Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Whip It is funny without trying too hard to be wacky, sweet without being overly sentimental.” Christy Lemire, Associated Press

“The movie is miles more intelligent than most of the cream-of-wheat marketed to teenage girls.” Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

The film business can be a brutal one. Consider this quote from Whip it director Drew Barrymore: “I spent every day of my life for the past three years making (Whip It).” It takes a lot to make a feature film, let alone one that get a solid reception from critics. But how sad to watch your well reviewed film not find an audience.

So all the Carolyns out there make it a point to go see Whip It this week with some of your friends. And guys take your girlfriends/wives/mothers and/or sisters to see Whip It this weekend. If your don’t it won’t be in the theaters much longer—and there will be twice as many zombie films next yesr.