Long story short: amatuer girl surfer champion gets left arm chomped off by a shark, and learns to come to grips with it all. Based on a true story.

The cast features AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany Hamilton in a solid turn, and Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid as her parents. I can't really explain it, but I felt just sadness for Bethany as her story unfolded, but it slowly brings the focus of overcoming tragedy by reminding us that there are even bigger tragedies out there, and living right is the best revenge. The script is a little clunky at times, but its heart is in the right place.

I give it 2.75 stars, or a grade of B-.

Real popular among church (Baptists) people, apparently. Not sure why as I haven't seen it.

Yeah, there's a bit of faith-based storyline going on, mainly answering that age-old question: Why does God let bad things happen. The short answer: to overcome adversity and inspire others.

They should tell that to the Jews in the Holocaust. I'm sure they'd love that response.

Your cynicism is delightful.

Wow.

Well, coming to grip anyway.

You didn't see what she can do with her feet...

I saw an interview with the girl about the movie, and it truly is an inspirational story. I'm not thrilled that they felt the need to overlay a "Christian" message on top of it.

I think some of its funding came from a Christian group. The real Bethany Hamilton showed up in a terrible surfing "documentary" that was more a commercial for a Christian Surfing Ministry. One of the bonus features was related to SOUL SURFER, so I'm not shocked there's a religious message attached.

The real Bethany Hamilton talks funny. Did the shark bite off a piece of her tongue too?

It's a true story, and the girl is very religious, apparently. So how is that "overlaying" a Christian message? That's ridiculous.

The article I read said that the studio really wanted to downplay her faith, because it doesn't "sell well".

I heard the film was disarmingly good in spite of the Christian arm waving.

/\ Too soon

she has a lisp thing going on..she has braces here but...I don't think that affects her speech...that's a little lisp I think.

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threads in other forums are having the same basic discussion.


Diana says:

April 10, 2011 at 3:53 pm

She is a lovely and inspiring girl. She loves God also which is even better!

Reply

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jay says:

April 11, 2011 at 7:57 am

Your an asshole!

Seriously. They make a movie about a girl who relied on her faith to overcome a horrible situation and you want them to remove the "faith" part? That's like criticizing Milk for "overlaying" a pro-gay rights message.

You're going to hell.

"Soul" Surfer, ah I get it now.

Seriously, why do you even care?

because someone mentioned her speech...I got curious..so....I found a video w/ her talking....soooo..yeah...

The trailers do nothing for me but I might catch it on TV down the road.

So this is foot fetish-themed erotica?

< Off to Youtube to search for Teen girls peeling bananas with their feet....

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