Soul Surfer (2011)

Director: Sean McNamara

Starring: AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt

Teenage surfer Bethany Hamilton overcomes the odds and her own fears of returning to the water after losing her left arm in a shark attack.

‘Soul Surfer’ is a very well made film based on the story of surfer Bethany Hamilton, who was attacked by a shark whilst training for the Hawaiian Island Regionals.

AnnaSophia Robb stars as Bethany Hamilton, and delivers a great performance. The performances from the entire cast is convincing. Dennis Quaid (in great shape and sexy as hell!) stars as her Dad, Tom, and Helen Hunt stars as her Mom, Cheri – both surfers, as well.

Able people so easily take two arms/two hands for granted. This film puts things into perspective, showing us just how difficult the simplest things can be when you only have one arm. The visual effects are really good and it literally looks as if AnnaSophia only has one arm. Hats off to the visual effects team for a job well done!

Amazingly, Bethany remained positive despite her circumstances, and couldn’t wait to start surfing again. I would have been scared as hell at the mere thought of going back into the water!! ‘Soul Surfer’ is an inspirational and uplifting family drama, and also a vessel to promote Christianity, and faith.

Drama is not usually my genre of choice, but ‘Soul Surfer’ definitely is worth a watch. ‘Soul Surfer’ earned $47 million on an $18 million budget, and received 14 award nominations.

Would I watch it again? Having seen it twice already, I don’t think I’ll be watching it again.