A biopic about the young surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm to a shark when she was 13 years old, is going to have to confront one delicate question: how to depict the attack?
The folks who made “Soul Surfer” probably did the right thing. No “Jaws” music, or ominous “Be careful out there today” speeches from her parents — just a lightning-fast flash from the water, and then the equally fast reactions of Bethany and her friends, a cool-headed response that surely saved her life.
“Soul Surfer” is at its best in that harrowing scene. The remainder of the film is a standard-issue inspirational tale, aimed squarely at tweeners and their parents, and given a dollop of religious sermonizing on top.
The film quickly sets up Bethany’s promising chances as a young surfer in Hawaii. She’s played by AnnaSophia Robb, from “Race to Witch Mountain,” who has some help from “Forrest Gump”-style digital work to portray the post-accident Bethany.
Her supportive parents are played by Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid, which certainly doesn’t hurt the movie’s chances of putting across its motivational messages. Bethany’s Christian counselor is played by Carrie Underwood, in a performance so dull and well-manicured it could only come from a former “American Idol” champion.
Bethany Hamilton’s comeback from her trauma is indeed remarkable, and you’d think that would be enough of a triumph to win the audience’s allegiance.
But no, the filmmakers have included a surfing archrival, an evil cheater (clad in black) — a plot device straight out of the Ron Howard playbook for stacking the dramatic deck.
The other source of conflict comes from the media, who gather at Bethany’s home to exploit this girl’s inspirational story. How they are doing something different from what the movie is doing is not addressed.
The Hawaiian locations are lived-in and not touristy, and AnnaSophia Robb gives a no-nonsense performance in the lead role. Her best friend is played by Lorraine Nicholson, daughter of Jack, who thankfully does not resemble her father.
“Soul Surfer” is built around can-do messages and biblical quotations, which occupy much more time than the traumatic shark attack. It’s a movie made for church auditoriums, where it will probably be shown plenty.
“Soul Surfer”
A standard-issue film about Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb), the talented Hawaii surfer who lost her arm to a shark attack at the age of 13. Aimed at tweeners and their parents, the movie is built on inspirational messages and biblical quotations, which manage to overshadow the admittedly traumatic shark attack.
Rating: PG, for subject matter
Showing: Alderwood, Everett Stadium, Galaxy Monroe, Marysville, Stanwood.
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