Sould Surfer Review [Rating:5.5/10]
Review by New York Press
When 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton goes surfing with her family in Hawaii, she moves through the water and wind elements—blue ocean-blue sky—as if it were her natural habitat. Director Sean McNamara’s supernatural action imagery alone justifies the title of Soul Surfer. Hamilton’s real-life story is so paradisiacal, it elevates the habits of an American family that is both athletic and religious seem utterly natural. In this context, faith seem natural which makes Soul Surfer a radical proposition among today’s mostly godless secular film fare.
The sudden shark attack that costs Bethany her left arm provides the commercial hook for Soul Surfer but it is to the filmmakers’ credit that they avoid cheap suspense and even cheaper sanctimony by treating Christianity and perseverance with credible, respectful matter-of-factness. The movie glides by easily—like surfing looks—which is the result of genuine and strong filmmaking craft. AnnaSophia Robb, who debuted at age 9 in the touchingly ethical Because of Winn-Dixie, plays Bethany with believable plain innocence.
Review by Daily News
A teenage surfer recovers from a horrific shark attack. (1:46). PG. At area theaters.
A by-the-numbers biopic about young surfer Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb), whose sports trajectory hit a bump when her arm was bitten off by a shark. Despite the setback, Hamilton became a top wave rider, and the shots of her in action are great to watch.
Review by Newsreview.com
Director Sean McNamara tells the story of teenage surfer Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb), who overcame a shark attack and the loss of one arm to return to the waves and achieve her lifelong goal of being a professional surfer. The movie overcomes some awkwardness in the early scenes and sketchy minor characters (a result, perhaps, of no less than seven credited writers, including McNamara) to become a winning sports biopic, highlighted by fine performances (not only Robb, but also Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt as Hamilton’s loving parents) and excellent surfing scenes, not to mention makeup and digital effects that convincingly erase Robb’s left arm.
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