'BRUTAL BEAUTY: TALES OF THE ROSE CITY ROLLERS': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
Portland film documentary on "The City of Roses" roller derby team 'Rose City Rollers'. The film explains the popular contact sport to the viewer and why those involved in it are so passionate about it while it focuses on Portland's local roller derby heroines. It was directed by first time filmmaker Chip Mabry and features 'Marollin' Monroe', 'Cadillac', 'Madam Bumpsalot', 'Rocket Mean' (as their known to their team and fans) and many others. The film is educational (at least if you know very little about the sport like myself) as well as entertaining and enlightening.
Roller derby has been around since at least the 1920's and became widely liked as sensational sports entertainment (like WWE) in the 1970's. The film explores why the sport has suddenly became so popular again and especially in Portland, Oregon. A film crew followed the Portland team around for a year and a half; filming the girls at practices, games and in their home lives. Through interviews and live footage of the girls in action the film attempts to determine why they're so driven by the sport and how they've won over so many adoring fans. There's also detailed information on the rules of the game and how it works (for the uneducated) as explained by the 'High Rollers' coach (one of the three 'Rose City Rollers' teams) and local Voodoo Doughnut employee Rob Lobster.
If you're interested in the sport at all the film is interesting, it's a little slow paced at times but there's enough cool and beautiful footage going on (throughout) to make up for any downtime. The film is not only informative but emotionally impacting as well. As the movie starts out it's a little scattered, with a lot of people and information introduced, but as it goes on it becomes quite involving and builds to a pretty satisfying conclusion. The directing and editing is impressive and the soundtrack is beautifully fitting. If you're a fan of roller derby you'll definitely want to check this film out.
Watch our review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aj550csrEQk