REVIEW: True story lights up the silver screen

    When you get bucked off a horse, you’re supposed to get right back on it. If your arm gets bitten off by a shark, you get right back on your surfboard.

    “Soul Surfer” is based on the inspirational true story of Bethany Hamilton, a teenage surfer who lost her left arm to a shark but made a miraculous comeback, taking first place in the National Scholastic Surfing Association Championships two years after the incident.

    Bethany Hamilton, played by AnnaSophia Robb, is a teenager who excels in surfing. Both her parents, Thomas and Cheri (Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt), were surfers who taught Bethany everything she knows. Living in Hawaii, Bethany had many opportunities to practice and train, and she became somewhat of a child prodigy surfer.

    Bethany is involved in a Prayer Warriors youth group led by counselor Sarah Hill (Carrie Underwood). Hill is a constant religious guide, support and friend to Bethany through thick and thin.

    Between competitions, Bethany chose to go morning surfing with some of her friends, and while she was talking about the future with her close friend Alana Blanchard, she was attacked by a shark and lost her left arm. She was rushed to the hospital for surgery, but there were a few surprises along the way.

    Soon after her surgery, Bethany decided she wants to get back in the water and back to surfing as soon as she can. This begins a test of physical and spiritual strength for Bethany and the whole Hamilton family.

    “Soul Surfer” is a strong Christian-based movie, as the Hamilton family is highly religious, and Sean McNamara, the director, wanted to remain true to the story. Many of the scenes reflect on their beliefs as the characters question why God allowed the attack to happen and the strength he gives them to endure the challenges. However, the movie is not preachy, so it is still a suitable flick regardless of one’s personal beliefs.

    McNamara has made a handful of Disney TV series and movies, including “Even Stevens” and “That’s So Raven.” He’s also made a few movies using Disney stars, such as “Raise Your Voice” with Hilary Duff. “Soul Surfer” is his biggest hit so far, and I was pleased with it.

    Robb is fantastic. I enjoyed her previous role in “Bridge to Terabithia,” and I had high expectations when I found out she was starring in “Soul Surfer,” and she didn’t disappoint. Interestingly, Bethany Hamilton thought of Robb to play her in a feature film. I predict this up and coming star will become well known within five years.

    Although the biggest stars in “Soul Surfer” are Quaid and Hunt, they don’t dominate the movie, but are excellent supporting actors to Robb.

    Quaid plays a loving father who wants to help Bethany through every challenge he can. He was my favorite character in the movie because I related to his attempt to create solutions to every problem his family faced.

    I’ve been pleased with Hunt’s work in the past, and she was great as Bethany’s mother. She shows genuine concern for Bethany and her friends and is strong even in the face of adversity. She and Quaid work well together as a couple.

    I was concerned when I saw Underwood was going to be in “Soul Surfer,” but I was pleased with her performance. This was her first feature film, and she didn’t dominate the screen as I’d thought she might.

    There were some fantastic photography shots throughout the film, which can be expected from any movie with an ocean. There were great shots of the surfers and the stunts they performed. The visual aspects were breathtaking.

    Bethany Hamilton actually did the surfing stunts for her character in the post-shark attack scenes, which was icing on the cake.

    “Soul Surfer” will tug on your heartstrings. There were quite a few sniffles going around in the theater, including my own, but maybe it was just allergies.

    I wasn’t blown out of the water with “Soul Surfer,” as it wasn’t the most inspirational movie for me, although I will admit I’ve never been surfing before. It was a touching and enjoyable film, perfect for a date-night rental.

– Spencer Palmer is a senior majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in math. He enjoys watching new movies, old movies and the movies in between. His reviews come out every other week. E-mail him at spencer.palmer@aggiemail.usu.edu.