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Soul Surfer
- Review Date: April 3, 2011
- PG
- Genre: Drama
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Earnest sports biopic tugs at heart despite cliches.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this inspiring true story about a promising young surfer who was attacked by a shark could give tween and teen viewers lots to think about -- from trying to figure out their purpose in life (even at a young age) to trying to come to terms with adversity. With the exception of the attack itself -- which, although quick, unfolds in a gory, violent manner -- the movie is squeaky clean, with no iffy language, sex, or drinking/drugs content. And the main character is an extremely positive role model, responding to tragedy with grace and kindness instead of bitterness.
What's the story?
Based on true-life events, SOUL SURFER chronicles the life of Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb) in the weeks leading up to the shark attack that resulted in the loss of one of her arms -- and the months of healing that followed. Her parents (Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt) struggle to keep her strong even as they learn how to process the overwhelming feelings that engulf them. Bethany ultimately has two challenges to face: getting back on the board with confidence and joy and coming to peace within herself over the tragedy.
Is it any good?
To be honest, SOUL SURFER gets off to an iffy start, full of cheesy shots of beachy fun in the sun. The characters, especially Bethany’s parents, seem one-dimensional and unrealistically saintly; they just don’t seem real. But the minute tragedy strikes -- and does it ever -- the movie finds its footing. It roots its way into your conscience with its determined (but not pushy) message about digging into your soul -- could that be the reason for the title? -- for the wherewithal to continue.
None of the actors are all that complex here, except perhaps for Hunt in one scene of utter anguish. Even Robb, who plays Bethany, feels a bit hollow. Still, the movie works. First, the camera angles showcase the waves and the surfers who ride them at their glorious best. Credit also goes to Soul Surfer's unabashed earnestness: Yes, it’s a message movie, but the message burrows deep enough under your skin to make the movie, given its utter conventionality, unexpectedly stirring. Bring tissues.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the movie's messages about facing life’s challenges. Do you think you'd be able to respond to a life-changing tragedy the way that the main character does? How do you think she manages it?
What does Bethany learn from her experience, and what does she teach others?
The movie is based on a true story. Do you think that means that everything happened exactly the way it's shown here? Why might filmmakers change some facts while making a movie?
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Teen, 13 years old
April 29, 2011
AGE
SURF SURF SURF ALLY SURF!!!!!!!
My sister likes this movie but she thought that it was violent when the shark bites off her arm and it's very sad and depressing. She is a good role model (Bethany) by being determnined that she will be able to surf again and never gives up her dream.
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Kid, 11 years old
May 3, 2011
AGE
Inspiring
I loved this movie! It shows that you can overcome things, even when hope is lost and all odds are totally against you. AnnaSophia Robb was excellent in this movie and portrayed Bethany well. The shark attack was very brief, if you blinked you would miss the actual shark. However, my 7 year old sister was a little scared, so I would reccomend this for ages 9+. This movie was very inspiring, it teaches you to chase your dreams. The role models in this movie were great, from the pastor, to the father, to Bethany herself.
I also liked the Christian element in this movie :)
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Kid, 10 years old
April 14, 2011
AGE
good for kids who can handle a little blood and sharks
first of al this is one of the best movies ever!!!! so bethany and alanas dad bro and herself. go out and surf a little then alana and bethany are just sitting on thier surfboard then all of a sudden the shark jumps up and grabs her arm and pulls her under. alana screams and they all rush her to the reef as they swim you see alot of blood. alanas dad raps his shirt around her arm and alana starts throwing up. while the brother calls the hospital and ambulance and beths mom . bethanys dad is laying in the hospital about to get knee surgery when the nurse runs in and screams "stop the surgery there is a teen surfer you just got attacked by a shark" so one thing leads to another and they doctor tells him its bethany so he tries to jump up but they hold him down. mean while alana and her family lay bethany on a surfboard and put her in the back of the truck. beths mom and brothers follow the ambulance. they finally get bethany to the hospital and by this time thier are nurses and doctors trying to get her into the room then you see them shock her and that is the end of the attack. then later one alana has a scary dream about it .then after a few weeks when bethany is home someone calls out her dad . they had cuaght the shark so they wanted to see if it was the one that attacked her so the stick the surfboard (the one she was attacked on and had the bite taken out of it) in its mouth and see it is a perfect fit and her dad starts crying.but over all this is the best movie ever!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Teen, 13 years old
June 21, 2011
AGE
I LOVED IT!!! FIVE STARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I really liked this movie- no I loved it! I'm disappointed however... it only got three stars! I would've given it five, five, FIVE! It was inspirational. I laughed, I cried, it was amazing! There wasn't one scene I wouldn't take out from start to finish. Rent it, buy it, see it! Just watch it! I love that its based on a true story. And how she says she'd never take back the exceperience. Bethany is a role model to all. And I love AnnaSophia Robb!
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Parent of 6, 7, and 9 year old
April 10, 2011
AGE
Don't miss this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I took my 6, 7 1/2 and 9 year olds to see it. We all thought it was AWESOME. The shark attack was barely shown. The message was POWERFUL and inspiring. Well worth the money -- we want to see it again!
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Adult
April 11, 2011
AGE
Bethany Hamilton is a brave girl, and a great role model
I loved it. I usually dread having to take my kids to the movies. Kids movies usually hold very little interest for me. This movie was straight forward but interesting. There is no way to show a shark attack in any way but with blood. That being said the movie really limited it. I thought there were a few under water shots that built the suspense-perhaps they were a little too suspensefull for a sensitive 8 year old, but just right for my crew of 10-14 year olds.
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Adult
May 3, 2011
AGE
One of the best movies out there
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Parent of 6 and 8 year old
April 11, 2011
AGE
Positive movie, good role model for real-life.
It was really a great positive movie. The girls I took loved it. They did look away during the shark attack, but that was brief. They took away the message of not giving up in adversity and helping others in need and being nice to others who might not even be nice to you. Definitely stay for the end credits to see actual video of the real-life Bethany doing some of the things highlighted in the movie. She is an amazing woman! The young actress playing her - and all of the other actors - did a fine job, I think. Some skimpy bikini's but even the main character said that one was too small.
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Kid, 10 years old
April 17, 2011
AGE
Soul Surfer
In Soul Surfer, I like that she loses her arm because you can see the determination to keep surfing and I like that because it shows people that they should never give up on something you love. Soul Surfer shows you that because even after Bethany loses her arm, she doesn't give up and say she never will be able to surf again, she says, when can I get back in the water. When will I be able to train for my competition.
I think that some of the scenes in Soul Surfer can be intense for littler kids and it can be a little hard to understand at times, but this movie is definitely a must see.
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Kid, 10 years old
April 10, 2011
AGE
Great, yet violent
I LOVE THIS MOVIE, It is so amazing. The way Bethany gets back up on top is so amazing, the shark attack is scary and a bit blooding and gutsy.
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| Topics: | sports and martial arts, great girl role models |
| Studio: | Columbia Tristar |
| Director: | Sean McNamara |
| Cast: | AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 105 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | April 8, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | August 2, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | an intense accident sequence and some thematic material |
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