OK for kids 7+
Book-based tropical adventure is good family fun.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this kid-friendly adventure movie has some intense moments of peril (particularly during two scary storms) but is ultimately a positive story with a great role model for tween girls (and boys!). The book-and-science-loving 11-year-old heroine is left alone on a tropical island by her father (her mother died when she was a baby, which is explained in the opening sequence) and has to fend for herself when he's delayed in getting back to her. She gets scared and upset and even hurts herself, all of which may bother some young and/or sensitive kids, but she's also resourceful and not afraid to ask for help.
- Families can talk about whether this kind of movie is as entertaining as one with lots of special effects and/or animation. Kids: Which kind of adventure do you like better, and why? What makes Nim different from many other kid characters in movies and TV shows? Do you think she's a good role model? What about Alex Rover? What do Alex and Nim learn during the movie? What would you do in Nim's situation? Do you think it was right for her father to leave her alone on the island? Families who've read the book can compare and contrast the two. Which do you like better, and why?
The good stuff
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Messages: Nim is a strong, independent, resourceful girl who loves reading, nature, and science -- in other words, she's a great tween role model. Alex overcomes a lifetime of fears to help Nim. In helping each other, they both learn how to "be the hero of your own life story." On the downside, Jack does leave Nim alone on the island, but neither of them anticipates what will happen, and he works tirelessly to get back to her. Australian tourists are presented as a loud, oblivious, selfish horde, which is used to justify Nim's attempts to trick and scare them.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: Several intense storm sequences in which boats are capsized and/or destroyed and people are in danger. Sharks threaten Jack's boat. Jack is knocked out at one point, and Nim scrapes up her knee pretty badly (some blood is shown) falling down a mountainside. The volcano rumbles and spews steam and ash, putting Nim and some tourists at risk. Nim uses a machete for lots of her island tasks, and Alex's hero carries ammunition. Some of the fantasy sequences he's in include fights with swords and other weapons, as well as life-threatening peril, but it's not very scary. The opening credits explain that Nim's mom died when she was a baby (it's told via animation but is still sad).
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Sexy stuff: Tourist beach scenes include some women in skimpy suits and/or showing cleavage.
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Language: Very mild. Words include "dang," "bloody," and "stupid."
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Consumerism: Fairly obvious product placements for Purell hand sanitizer and Progresso soup. Other brands include Mac computers, Expedia, and National Geographic.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Nim's Island by 6y987
This is one of the best "Family" movies we have seen in a long time. It was exciting to watch (never a dull moment) and it shared a great message for kids, which is "Never give up - always try". We all left feeling happy and motivated and wanting to see it again!
5
Nym's Island by judart
Super family movie. My husband and I enjoyed this movie and will recommend it to others. I feel sorry for those who judged this movie poorly by just reading about it or watching the previews. They are missing a fine movie. Good story plot. This is one I will buy on DVD to watch again.
5
Nim's Island rocks! by oberholtz
I took my 10 year old daughter to see Nim's Island on a whim. It turned out to be the best young adult movie I have seen. the comedy was funny and Jody Foster brought pathos to it as well. the animal friends warmed mydaughter's heart and we really worried about the Dad making it back from his adventure. All in all, excellent!
5
We really enjoyed it! by juliekf17
My friend and I took our girls, ages 9, 9, and 6. We all enjoyed it. There were some intense moments but they never lasted too long. I will probably buy it on DVD.
4
Nim's Island rocks by NYC-movie
Clearly a movie for kids between the ages of 6 and 40, Nim's Island is a combination of magical journey, a fight to survive, and a story of how people fight to protect what they love. very well done all around.
5
loved it! by adancerforever
I loved this movie! I wasn't sure at first. but then once it got going I was really into it!
5
Nim's island by solorenergy
I took my 9 year old daughter to see this movie over Memorial Day weekend, and she was the one that picked it. I really don't remember the previews for this movie, but it is surely one of the better "kids movies" that are in theaters this summer. It's more than that, it's a good family movie overall and we were not disappointed! To me is was simply an enjoyable and fun movie with a good underlying story behind it. It is just pure entertainment and that is all I expected from it. Jody Foster is very entertaining in this film! I highly recommend taking your young ones to see this movie.
5
Nim's Island by artbijune
Three generations of us thoroughly enjoyed it. A refreshing movie - no horror, violence, bad langueage or nudity. For a change.
4
Nim's Island by WR CEO
Took my 7 year old daughter and 4 year old son and we all thoroughly enjoyed it! It was a good family movie with no cursing or nudity to be fearful of. Strongly recommend it.
5
Nims Island by Cyn City
GREAT for the whole family !