HD Trailer

Watch It

On DVD: Now | On Blu-ray: Now

Soul Surfer Review

Release Date: Apr 08, 2011
Rated: some thematic material and an intense accident sequence
Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min.
Genres: Documentary Drama, Drama
Director:Sean McNamara
Cast:AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, Lorraine Nicholson, Carrie Underwood. Full cast + crew

Movies.com Critics

2.5

Dave White Profile <h3>Dave White</h3> <p><strong>Your Movies.com Man at the Multiplex</strong></p> <br /> <p>Dave White's first movie review was of the animated feature Snoopy Come Home. He was seven years old...<a href="http://www.movies.com/movie-reviews/dave-white">Read full profile</a></p>

The cross and the surfboard Read full review

2.0

Grae Drake Profile <h3>Grae Drake</h3> <p><strong>Movie maven about town</strong></p> <br /> <p>Grae Drake began her love affair with cinema as a wee bairn, as she spent every weekend corralling her friends over to the local...<a href="http://www.movies.com/movie-reviews/grae-drake">Read full profile</a></p>

As inspiring as expected Read full review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

3.0

53

out of 100

Metascore^®
Mixed or average reviews
based on a weighted average of all
critic review scores.
50

out of 100

USA Today Claudia Puig
The inspiring story of surfer and shark attack victim Bethany Hamilton deserves a better dramatization.

Read Full Review
60

out of 100

The Hollywood Reporter Kirk Honeycutt
A true story of courage, determination and guts that deserves a more exciting approach.

Read Full Review

75

out of 100

Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman
Soul Surfer, while formulaic in design, is an authentic and heartfelt movie.

Read Full Review
See all Soul Surfer reviews at Metacritic.com

View MoreView Less

For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 10+

Earnest sports biopic tugs at heart despite cliches.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this inspiring true story about a promising young surfer who was attacked by a shark could give tween and teen viewers lots to think about -- from trying to figure out their purpose in life (even at a young age) to trying to come to terms with adversity. With the exception of the attack itself -- which, although quick, unfolds in a gory, violent manner -- the movie is squeaky clean, with no iffy language, sex, or drinking/drugs content. And the main character is an extremely positive role model, responding to tragedy with grace and kindness instead of bitterness.

Families can talk about the movie's messages about facing life’s challenges. Do you think you'd be able to respond to a life-changing tragedy the way that the main character does? How do you think she manages it?
What does Bethany learn from her experience, and what does she teach others?
The movie is based on a true story. Do you think that means that everything happened exactly the way it's shown here? Why might filmmakers change some facts while making a movie?

The good stuff

Messages: The movie's strongly positive message is that you can get over the worst of tragedies with perspective, self-determination, and the support of friends and family.
Role models: Bethany is a very positive role model, choosing to respond to enormous loss and tragedy with grace and kindness to both herself and others. Instead of dwelling on what she doesn't have, she focuses instead on what to give to others.

What to watch for

Violence: A shark attacks a young surfer. It happens quickly but ferociously, with lots of blood and some gore.
Sex: Flirting, girls in bikinis.
Language: "Jerk" and "oh my God."
Consumerism: Brand names and logos for surfing sponsors, including Rip Curl and Red Bull. Also Spam (the food, not the junk email).
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue

Common Sense Media

An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology.

View MoreView Less

Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 4.762

Read all reviews Write a review at Fandango

wonderful by diet pepsi
well i for one held off on seeing this movie in the theaters due to the fact that i hate most documenterys but no one could have prepaired me for what i was in for when i actualy watched this movie i realy loved easly one of the best of 2011 if not the best and loved the christian message in the movie as well i say see it if you have not already seen it

by gorejos

by sandypinto24

Soul Surfer review by Kari_03
I loved this movie. Very touching and inspirational. Bethany is so strong and such a great role model!

by jodinjaz

by livelaughluv
I'm 13 and I love this! I read the book but they added a few things not mentioned, (they were true though) there were a few moments where she was riding a wave tunnel and staring at this light and it was anjelic where I was like "seriousley!?" but other than that it was great! Don't worry about scary scenes or anything the shark attack scene is very quick and it's the only scary part!

Soul Surfer review by goodell
Went to see it the day it opened, and we'll buy the video the day it comes out. Awesomem, amazing movie that everyone will enjoy!

Read all Soul Surfer reviews at Fandango