MOVIE NEWS: Soul Surfer

Editor’s note: we interrupt our regularly scheduled programming for a word from OWL photo researcher Laura Stanley. (Craig will be back later in the week.) Enjoy!

Aloha, OWL readers! Doesn’t everyone wish their backyard was the ocean? Well, for Hawaiian surfing sensation Bethany Hamilton, that dream is a reality. But as I learned at the new movie Soul Surfer last week, not all of Bethany’s life has been dreamlike.

Soul Surfer is based on the incredible true story of the now 21-year-old surf star. In 2003, when she was just 13, Bethany suffered a vicious shark attack while surfing with friends.

The movie follows Bethany’s life from her early days through the attack and its aftermath. After the attack, Bethany (played by AnnaSophia Robb) faces all sorts of new challenges and the prospect of hanging up her surfboard for good. But with help and motivation from friends and family, Bethany trains harder than ever and teaches herself how to surf all over again.

Keep your eye on the water for a few observations about the movie:

1) The build-up to the shark attack will keep your heart pounding. But a warning: the attack is quite startling and seems to come out of nowhere. Be sure to hold on to your popcorn! And if you have a weak stomach you may want to cover your eyes through this part.

2) The entire movie is one giant rolling wave after another, leading up to — and after — the shark attack. The intense surfing competitions constantly kept me gripping the handles of my seat and had me shouting in my mind “Come on, you can do it!”

3) Soul Surfer is fueled by the power of human spirit, the will to survive, and the courage and strength of one family’s triumph over tragedy.

This is an inspirational movie for all. Beautiful scenes of blue waters and big waves with a splash of surfing competition make this incredible true story a worthwhile watch. Bethany’s ability to persevere truly makes this emotionally driven movie a must-see.

Happy watching!

Laura, owlblog@owlkids.com