Soul Surfer

Starring AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, and Helen Hunt, Soul Surfer tells the true story of Bethany Hamilton - a young teen surfer who loses her arm in a shark attack. Going into this movie all I knew was that it was Carrie Underwood's first foray into acting, and the losing the arm part. I think the movie makers figured most people would know about the shark attack, so for the first half hour before it happens, every time there is an underwater shot you think "this is it!" but it isn't. The actual attack is kind of weird and random, I think it's good that it wasn't sensationalized, but it still just seemed silly. With that said though, the minutes following the attack are really well done, the confusion, the horror, the urgency, well played.

Carrie Underwood's acting seemed a little mediocre, but as a first try, it was passable. AnnaSophia Robb, who you may know from Bridge to Terabithia (one of my favourite childhood books) was wonderful and I am always a fan of Dennis Quaid, his smile is just contagious. I watched a lot of "Mad About You" when I was young, so Helen Hunt has a special place in my part. And I must say in a totally platonic way, that at 48, she is smokin'. Oh! And I almost forgot to mention that Hercules, Mr. Kevin Sorbo was in it too! I used to watch that and Xena all the time... good times.

The plot is pretty sticky sweet and typical, adversity overcomes etc. And why does the competition have to be in black? Does Melina know she is the villain? But it's a nice story, I like that there is the faith angle. Bethany is really optimistic and understanding, sure there are the obligatory moments of weakness, but she mostly just presses on, which is what makes the story so inspirational I guess. It's pretty much what you think it will be with some pretty cool surfing scenes.