If there’s anything about “Soul Surfer†that absolves its sins as a by-the-numbers biopic, it’s the honesty it approaches its principal character with. It discovers there’s more to Bethany Hamilton than her encounter with a shark that took her arm, and concerns itself with the challenges she faced afterward as an adolescent with dreams of making it big as a professional surfer. It doesn’t cut out the importance of Christianity in her life, which is admirable in light of how easy it would’ve been to avoid going too deep, as any number of biopics are guilty of doing. (“Julie & Julia†was more enjoyable, but you know about the real-life affair Julie Powell had, right?)
Of course, considering the grandeur of a story like this, it could’ve had a little more drive. Still, at least it gives its terrific cast something to work with – as Bethany, AnnaSophia Robb communicates an enthusiasm for surfing that enters other areas of her life, like her kinship with pastor Sarah (Carrie Underwood) and her time with the family she holds dear. Surfing clearly runs in the family, given that her brothers Timmy (Chris Brochu) and Noah (Ross Thomas) acquired the same love for it that their mother (Helen Hunt) and father (Dennis Quaid) developed. Me adding “It’s their love for each other that’s important†comes across as hokey in print, but there you go.
While a shark attack would be enough to convince anybody to give up surfing, Bethany can’t wait to start catching waves again. Before long, though, she finds out how difficult it is to do with only one arm, along with other activities like opening a bread bag or cutting fruit. After a while, her appearance begins to affect her self-esteem, and for all her faith in the Almighty, she can’t help but wonder if he actually cares about her. Then again, you know what they say about the big guy working in mysterious ways.
Biopic law dictates Bethany will have a change of heart, not without suspense. The cast, though, approaches everything with the freshness it demands and brings some gravity to it, making “Soul Surfer†that much more engaging. The most effective performance probably comes from Hunt, who understands there’s a difference between a mother and a cheerleader – her coming to terms with the aftermath of the attack is almost as difficult as what Bethany deals with because of the connection they have. With a family as close as this one, it’s no wonder Bethany found the nerve to go back in the water.
This article was originally published on AllMediaNy.com
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