Jaws meets Jesus. That’s the way I see Soul Surfer. Even if you don’t enjoy faith based films, you will more than likely love this movie. The Hamilton family seems to be living the life that we’ve all dreamed of from time to time. Every time I vacation in Hawaii I have the passing thought…I could just not go back home. I wouldn’t need a fancy car (well, maybe a beach buggy). I wouldn’t even need fancy clothes; just live in my bathing suit. I could fish the surf for fresh fish to eat and send for the grandkids! Then reality sets in.
Soul Surfer is about a real family. The Hamilton’s live on the beach on Kauai. It’s not a beachfront mansion; it’s a bungalow where everyone parks by the front door. They are a surfing family. Thirteen year old, Bethany (AnnaSophia Robb) has been surfing since she was a child. Her two brothers surf, as do her parents, Tom (Dennis Quaid) and Cheri (Helen Hunt). She surfs competitively and has dreams of turning professional. On Halloween Day, while out on the waves with her best friend, she is attacked by a 14 foot Tiger Shark which rips her arm off. Bethany is rushed to the hospital by Holt (Kevin Sorbo) her best friend’s father. Returning from the brink of death with the help of local surgeon Dr. Rovinsky (Craig T. Nelson), Bethany faces a challenging new life. She looks to her church youth pastor, Sarah (Carrie Underwood)for guidance.
Based on Hamilton’s book (co-written with Sheryl Berk and Rick Bundschuh), the film never strays far from the theme that God has a plan for your life. Prayer and trust in Him are constants. Bethany is never lacking for good role models in life or in the movie. She has loving parents, great friends and even her arch rival, eventually comes around. I think the important thing to “get” is that life throws us all curve balls; it’s what we do with them that makes us who we are. The shark attack leaves this amazing 13 year old questioning her faith, her capacity for happiness, and her dream of going pro. Determined to return to the water, Bethany slowly begins to surf again, struggling to figure out a comfort zone for an athlete with one arm, challenging herself through competitions, struggling to stay ahead of her self-doubt.
The aquatic cinematography is dramatically and artfully handled by John R. Leonetti. As for the shark attack, it’s not a sensationalized moment cheapened by an extended effort of suspense. It’s the only reason for the PG rating but it is done by Director, Sean McNamara, quickly with as little gore as possible. I have to admit I was ready to look away but didn’t feel the need. McNamara hits the scene quickly, reinforcing the shock of the violence by blocking it quickly, making the horrific event bold and real, and underscoring the tragedy.
Soul Surfer, the story of a young girl’s courage should be on your list to view. (It is not appropriate for the very young.) As always I welcome your comments at chastings@rockcliff.com.
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