Decided to finally review this keeper DVD. Had not watched it in a long time and now seeing it again, I'm glad I kept it.
Not one to reiterate the synopsis - I will just tell you what I liked, and what I questioned, and try to clarify some things low reviewers pointedly hated.
I like the cast & the production. The movie moves along steadily and is well put together.
I do kind of wondered why there were not more indigenous people, but there were a few and they were def not shown as 'bad'. There was the boy who invited the girls to night surf and had the fireworks, and one of the event announcers, and several others in the background. But here we had a true story focusing on this girl, her family, and her church group, and within that framework were people prominent to the specific story - so I don't think people should scream racism or exclusion. This movie has zero to do with race. If it means that bloody much to ya, go find an inspirational story that surrounds your favourite race.
Meanwhile, regarding the criteria I just outlined was the fact that church & faith were an integral part of this girls life. Since it is HER bio-drama, Christianity is going to be included in this movie. If you don't like Christians, or Christian inspired movies, why would you bother watching this? Just so you can review it negatively? If it means that bloody much to ya, go find an inspirational story that surrounds non-Christian people.
I found the fact that the real life Bethany & her family had direct input into this movie, as well as some brief cameo roles, and as has been proven before with other bio-dramas, when the family is involved it always makes a better, more true story.
I like to read trivia on movies and some of the trivia for Soul Surfer was interesting - such as the shark attack. Many reviewers complained it was not dramatic enough, glossed over too quickly, not gory enough, etc etc. But it was portrayed exactly as it occurred; quickly and without warning, and furthermore Bethany herself said everyone indeed remained calm & acted quickly.
What I did question was the other surfers hanging on to their boards while getting her out of the water - yet would naturally, most certainly bust out a locked truck window to get to the phone to call 911.
I mean . . . Let the surf boards GO. . . . I dunno. Is that a surfer culture thing? Like, you don't let go of your board under ANY circumstances? . . . o... 'k.
As for reviewers who thought Bethany's mission trip was a cheezy insert of measly benevolence or to seem 'like an angel' . . .
I guess some don't understand just how impactful a trip like that can be to a young person. In fact, it's probably something everyone should experience first hand if it would affect one's thankfulness in a positive way, and desire to be more helpful & kind in general.
That impact on Bethany is the vein the movie focused on to help illustrate her gratefulness to have survived. If it means so bloody much to you, may I ask, where have you travelled to help others? What are you doing to help people in third world countries? At your age?
Anyway - I could go on - but if you like Christian-based inspirational movies you will enjoy this. The fact that it's a true story and the production included key input by Bethany & her family is icing on the cake.
Also, the DVD has great special features with Bethany herself. What an amazing person she is.
Not one to reiterate the synopsis - I will just tell you what I liked, and what I questioned, and try to clarify some things low reviewers pointedly hated.
I like the cast & the production. The movie moves along steadily and is well put together.
I do kind of wondered why there were not more indigenous people, but there were a few and they were def not shown as 'bad'. There was the boy who invited the girls to night surf and had the fireworks, and one of the event announcers, and several others in the background. But here we had a true story focusing on this girl, her family, and her church group, and within that framework were people prominent to the specific story - so I don't think people should scream racism or exclusion. This movie has zero to do with race. If it means that bloody much to ya, go find an inspirational story that surrounds your favourite race.
Meanwhile, regarding the criteria I just outlined was the fact that church & faith were an integral part of this girls life. Since it is HER bio-drama, Christianity is going to be included in this movie. If you don't like Christians, or Christian inspired movies, why would you bother watching this? Just so you can review it negatively? If it means that bloody much to ya, go find an inspirational story that surrounds non-Christian people.
I found the fact that the real life Bethany & her family had direct input into this movie, as well as some brief cameo roles, and as has been proven before with other bio-dramas, when the family is involved it always makes a better, more true story.
I like to read trivia on movies and some of the trivia for Soul Surfer was interesting - such as the shark attack. Many reviewers complained it was not dramatic enough, glossed over too quickly, not gory enough, etc etc. But it was portrayed exactly as it occurred; quickly and without warning, and furthermore Bethany herself said everyone indeed remained calm & acted quickly.
What I did question was the other surfers hanging on to their boards while getting her out of the water - yet would naturally, most certainly bust out a locked truck window to get to the phone to call 911.
I mean . . . Let the surf boards GO. . . . I dunno. Is that a surfer culture thing? Like, you don't let go of your board under ANY circumstances? . . . o... 'k.
As for reviewers who thought Bethany's mission trip was a cheezy insert of measly benevolence or to seem 'like an angel' . . .
I guess some don't understand just how impactful a trip like that can be to a young person. In fact, it's probably something everyone should experience first hand if it would affect one's thankfulness in a positive way, and desire to be more helpful & kind in general.
That impact on Bethany is the vein the movie focused on to help illustrate her gratefulness to have survived. If it means so bloody much to you, may I ask, where have you travelled to help others? What are you doing to help people in third world countries? At your age?
Anyway - I could go on - but if you like Christian-based inspirational movies you will enjoy this. The fact that it's a true story and the production included key input by Bethany & her family is icing on the cake.
Also, the DVD has great special features with Bethany herself. What an amazing person she is.