Soul Surfer

[Mike]

One thing's for sure... No Academy Awards will come out of this one. :p

This has some star power, and still... To me, the acting in "Facing the Giants" and "Fireproof" was better than this, and they threw those movies together with virtually all volunteer actors and film crew. Maybe since I know that going in to those movies, I just make more allowances. I expected more than was delivered with starring names I know.

But if you can get over the shoddy acting, this is a great story. It's rare that we will be interested in a movie that also keeps my 16 year old son in the room AND both our daughters (10 & 13). Nothing objectionable at all that I can think of (besides the acting). I'm sure there's some embellishing going on, but I've seen enough documentaries about Bethany the surfer to know most of the things shown in the movie were true events.

We watched on Blu Ray, and I hope the DVD's have the same documentary that the Blu Ray disc does. The film brings church and God into the story, but if you watch the documentary, you'll see it's all about Jesus. For me, it's better than the movie, because it shows her doing all the things from the movie. What a happy, well adjusted girl. Our two daughters were amazed by her, talking about her faith, how she knew God would use this for Good.

Pop the popcorn, turn the switch that looks for brilliant acting, and give this a go. But don't forget about the special features!

 

[theLords]

Nothing objectionable at all that I can think of (besides the acting).

:rolling Who says Christians can't be funny!

I think I'm going to give this movie a try. (I would never watch it outside of a recommendation, lol). I've heard her story before, but I had no idea she was a Christian. I'm interested in her testimony now and will be off to do some research. But, since I will be renting this movie from Redbox, can I watch this documentary online anywhere? What's it called?

BTW- It's awesome when young people stand up for their faith, Bethany has no idea what her bold statements about her relationship with Christ can do for young Christians like your kids. God bless her!

 

[Mike]

The videos I found on youtube aren't the same as the documentary that comes on the disc. Hopefully the DVD has this feature on the movie disc like the blu ray is. I've received other discs from Netflix, and the extra features are on a different disc.

IMO, the documentary is as neat to watch as the movie; especially after you've watched the movie and wonder how much of it was "Hollywood".

In one scene of the doc, she's on stage at some sort of MTV awards show, and she gives a passionate speech about knowing Jesus - not just a generic sounding "God", but Jesus.

 

[Danus]

It's a great movie. Actually the real story of Bethany Hamilton is more amazing then what the movie portrayed. She was back in the water within three weeks of coming home.

This is a story about courage and faith. It's about facing what life gives you, turning to God and finding your purpose. This is a 13 year old little girl. I know adults who melt into blobs of mush when little hick-ups happen in their lives. This girl was well on her way to being a champion professional surfer and lost her whole left arm. That did not stop her.

Mike you've seen the movie, now take a look at the real Bethany Hamilton and tell me if you think the story was embellished. ;)


[video=youtube;ZnyopNkTWsU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnyopNkTWsU[/video]

 

[Mike]

Danus, check out what I said about the documentary. It's unlike you to not read the thread.

 

[Danus]

touché - I posted half-cocked

Ironically my youngest daughter is watching the movie again right now. She has a little friend over and she is explaining the movie scene by scene to her.

 

[Vic C.]

It's a great movie. Actually the real story of Bethany Hamilton is more amazing then what the movie portrayed. She was back in the water within three weeks of coming home.

Danus, I did not see the movie, but I remember all to well this story. I was saddened to hear what had happened, but was deeply moved by her swift courage and faith.