Soul Surfer

Dir: Sean McNamara (Bratz, Raise Your Voice)
Cast: AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Lorraine Nicholson, Ross Thomas, Kevin Sorbo, Carrie Underwood, Cody Gomes
USA, 2011

Seen: April 9, 2011 at AMC

Reason to see: Looked inspiring, based on a true story and a girl surfer. That's a yes-yes-yes!

I'm a huge fan of Gidget (It's a lock on my top 5 films list), so it should come as no surprized that I raced out to see Soul Surfer, a biopic on surfer Bethany Hamilton who faces some pretty extreme challenges in her surfing career which is much as I can say and keep this spoiler-free, something of an extra challenge with biopics!

Bethany is played by AnnaSophia Robb (Race to Witch Mountain), who does a great job of presenting her as a positive, inspiring youth surfer who even during trying times maintains an amazing outlook that was one of the key factors in winning me over in the film. I was completely over-the-moon happy to be watching a film that's a female-protagonist biopic on an athlete. I wish we saw more films with this focus, I know I would go to them!

Now, the film has two semi-warnings that I feel the need to mention and that is one to just lightly say that some of the issues are difficult to see which sadly often goes hand-in-hand with inspiring film, but in this case I totally felt it was worth it as it feels like it really honours Bethany's story. I also feel the need to mention that there is some religious content in the film, also something that goes hand in hand with inspiring film, but it didn't feel overbearing for those who are of different faiths. Again, it felt fairly presented and important to the film, but I know it can be something either reels in or repels viewers, and in this case I felt like it will be an added bonus for like minded believers, but doesn't push out anyone who follows a different beliefs.

I loved the story of the film, the honesty of Bethany's journey which including both vast challenges as well as a wealth of support from her family and the family dynamic really won me over, it felt very true and very tender. I also think Bethany's journey is so inspiring and really touched me, and it's one that I think people can really benefit from hearing and seeing what she went though. It may read a bit sweet for some people, but can't we all use a little more sweetness in our lives? I know I can.

See also: Podcast review of Soul Surfer

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I already want to watch it again
I'd recommend it for fans of inspiring films, sport films and female protagonist films

Also see: All 2011 Films Reviewed and All Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011

Soul Surfer

Dir: Sean McNamara (Bratz, Raise Your Voice)
Cast: AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Lorraine Nicholson, Ross Thomas, Kevin Sorbo, Carrie Underwood, Cody Gomes
USA, 2011

Seen: April 9, 2011 at AMC

Reason to see: Looked inspiring, based on a true story and a girl surfer. That's a yes-yes-yes!

I'm a huge fan of Gidget (It's a lock on my top 5 films list), so it should come as no surprized that I raced out to see Soul Surfer, a biopic on surfer Bethany Hamilton who faces some pretty extreme challenges in her surfing career which is much as I can say and keep this spoiler-free, something of an extra challenge with biopics!

Bethany is played by AnnaSophia Robb (Race to Witch Mountain), who does a great job of presenting her as a positive, inspiring youth surfer who even during trying times maintains an amazing outlook that was one of the key factors in winning me over in the film. I was completely over-the-moon happy to be watching a film that's a female-protagonist biopic on an athlete. I wish we saw more films with this focus, I know I would go to them!

Now, the film has two semi-warnings that I feel the need to mention and that is one to just lightly say that some of the issues are difficult to see which sadly often goes hand-in-hand with inspiring film, but in this case I totally felt it was worth it as it feels like it really honours Bethany's story. I also feel the need to mention that there is some religious content in the film, also something that goes hand in hand with inspiring film, but it didn't feel overbearing for those who are of different faiths. Again, it felt fairly presented and important to the film, but I know it can be something either reels in or repels viewers, and in this case I felt like it will be an added bonus for like minded believers, but doesn't push out anyone who follows a different beliefs.

I loved the story of the film, the honesty of Bethany's journey which including both vast challenges as well as a wealth of support from her family and the family dynamic really won me over, it felt very true and very tender. I also think Bethany's journey is so inspiring and really touched me, and it's one that I think people can really benefit from hearing and seeing what she went though. It may read a bit sweet for some people, but can't we all use a little more sweetness in our lives? I know I can.

See also: Podcast review of Soul Surfer

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I already want to watch it again
I'd recommend it for fans of inspiring films, sport films and female protagonist films

Also see: All 2011 Films Reviewed and All Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011

African Cats

Dir: Alastair Fothergill (Earth) & Keith Scholey - feature film directorial debut
Documentary
Narrated by: Samuel L. Jackson
USA, 2011

Seen: April 22, 2011

Reason to see: I love cats. Big, small, wild, domestic... doesn't matter. I love 'em all.

I'm a big cat lover. I love cats, especially big cats so deciding to see African Cats which follows two cat families was a very easy decision. I usually only see documentaries at film festivals, and certainly rarely see family-friendly nature documentary (although I think Nénette and Sharkwater would qualify...more on the nature side of things), so retrospectively I shouldn't be surprized at the constructed narrative to create structure on the film. I can understand that, even if I didn't really dig the building voice over in anticipate of exciting action moments, as nature in action is exciting enough on it's one. But, I understand how that helps the audience along if need be. But I couldn't quite get my head into believing the story itself, as it really humanized the cats relationships which makes them more relatable but it also strips away their catness. I'm no expert in wild cats but a lot of what they presented as almost epic conflicts felt like pretty normal life-in-the-wild behaviour and certainly very cycle-of-life oriented.

I'm all for making things more dramatic, but not if it doesn't start with what's real and I couldn't tell what was story and what was real. This is where the 'family centric' nature of the film comes in, as it very focused on the mom-cats, but extremely vague on how they go from not being a mom to being a mom-cat. I also kept finding myself thikning "Is that really what that lioness was thinking?", and after a few times I started to lose confidence in what I was being told about the cats themselves. I didn't believe they knew what they were thinking, although I'm sure big cat behaviour has been followed and studied, I don't think we know what they are thinking. Instinct, actions, moments and desires can be analyzed, but thoughts? I'm not convinced.

But, what drew me to the film was the awesome, gorgeous, wonderful cats and or that it delivers. I thought I would be all over the lion family, but I was actually completely won over by the cheetah family - they are absolutely fascinating felines and I really appreciated seeing their story. Lots of cute big cat moments and gorgeous imagery throughout the film, which is what got me there in the first place. This cat-owner had more than a few "aww!" moments, but also had lots of disbelief, which isn't the best response for a documentary. I did enjoy lots of what I saw, but wanted to love it start to finish.

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it, but wanted to love it
I'd watch it again just to see the cheetahs
I'd recommend it as a family-friendly documentary

Also see: All 2011 Films Reviewed and All Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011

African Cats

Dir: Alastair Fothergill (Earth) & Keith Scholey - feature film directorial debut
Documentary
Narrated by: Samuel L. Jackson
USA, 2011

Seen: April 22, 2011

Reason to see: I love cats. Big, small, wild, domestic... doesn't matter. I love 'em all.

I'm a big cat lover. I love cats, especially big cats so deciding to see African Cats which follows two cat families was a very easy decision. I usually only see documentaries at film festivals, and certainly rarely see family-friendly nature documentary (although I think Nénette and Sharkwater would qualify...more on the nature side of things), so retrospectively I shouldn't be surprized at the constructed narrative to create structure on the film. I can understand that, even if I didn't really dig the building voice over in anticipate of exciting action moments, as nature in action is exciting enough on it's one. But, I understand how that helps the audience along if need be. But I couldn't quite get my head into believing the story itself, as it really humanized the cats relationships which makes them more relatable but it also strips away their catness. I'm no expert in wild cats but a lot of what they presented as almost epic conflicts felt like pretty normal life-in-the-wild behaviour and certainly very cycle-of-life oriented.

I'm all for making things more dramatic, but not if it doesn't start with what's real and I couldn't tell what was story and what was real. This is where the 'family centric' nature of the film comes in, as it very focused on the mom-cats, but extremely vague on how they go from not being a mom to being a mom-cat. I also kept finding myself thikning "Is that really what that lioness was thinking?", and after a few times I started to lose confidence in what I was being told about the cats themselves. I didn't believe they knew what they were thinking, although I'm sure big cat behaviour has been followed and studied, I don't think we know what they are thinking. Instinct, actions, moments and desires can be analyzed, but thoughts? I'm not convinced.

But, what drew me to the film was the awesome, gorgeous, wonderful cats and or that it delivers. I thought I would be all over the lion family, but I was actually completely won over by the cheetah family - they are absolutely fascinating felines and I really appreciated seeing their story. Lots of cute big cat moments and gorgeous imagery throughout the film, which is what got me there in the first place. This cat-owner had more than a few "aww!" moments, but also had lots of disbelief, which isn't the best response for a documentary. I did enjoy lots of what I saw, but wanted to love it start to finish.

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it, but wanted to love it
I'd watch it again just to see the cheetahs
I'd recommend it as a family-friendly documentary

Also see: All 2011 Films Reviewed and All Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011

Poll Results: What April Release Are You Most Looking Forward To?

Bit late getting the results up but the April Release Are You Most Looking Forward To is an overwhelming 44% to Hanna! Looks like women kicking butt is a trend people like, and it's hard to argue with that!

Here are the detailed results:
44% - Hanna
11% - Tie: Apollo 18, Arthur, Your Highness
7% - Insidious
3% - Tie: Prom, Soul Surfer, Source Code, Water for Elephants

Thanks for voting!

Poll Results: What April Release Are You Most Looking Forward To?

Bit late getting the results up but the April Release Are You Most Looking Forward To is an overwhelming 44% to Hanna! Looks like women kicking butt is a trend people like, and it's hard to argue with that!

Here are the detailed results:
44% - Hanna
11% - Tie: Apollo 18, Arthur, Your Highness
7% - Insidious
3% - Tie: Prom, Soul Surfer, Source Code, Water for Elephants

Thanks for voting!

In a Better World / Hævnen

Dir: Susanne Bier (After the Wedding / Efter brylluppet, Brødre, The Things We Lost in the Fire)
Cast: Mikael Persbrandt, William Jøhnk Nielsen, Trine Dyrholm, Markus Rygaard, Ulrich Thomsen
Denmark/Sweden, 2011

Seen: April 19, 2011 at Varsity

Reason to see: This year's Oscar winner for foreign film, and I love Susanne Bier's films, especially After the Wedding / Efter brylluppet

In a Better World / Hævnen is an extraordinary film. It's a heart-wrenching drama that presents, poses & pushes the boundaries in terms of power, control and the use of violence. It's odd because that is 100% true, but it doesn't always feel like that is the film you are watching as it's mostly through scenarios involving the two families that make up the majority of the ensemble cast. The family dynamic are powerful and as interesting as all the control and power play throughout the film.

One of the things I love about Susanne Bier's films is that you instantly understand the emotional relationships between the characters in the film, before they are explained - if they even are explained. The performance from the actors are so strong that they instantly draw you in and make you want to know more. A dynamic is created and understood, but you want to know the why behind it. I found this the strongest between the father/son relationship of Claus (Ulrich Thomsen of Fear Me Not / Den du frygter) and Christian (William Jøhnk Nielsen), where you can easily feel the power imbalance but continue to wonder why. We also see an interesting family dynamic through the young and bullied Elias (Markus Rygaard) and loving mother Marianne (Trine Dyrholm) and father Anton (Mikael Persbrandt), a doctor who often travels abroad to and treats villagers. With this family we see less inner turmoil but more dealing with being outsiders in several scenarios which makes them on the receiving end of tension quite often.

Internal and external forces are at work here, and as much as we see the families cope and struggle with their own support systems, they they also deal with external factors which can bright heightened tension into the mix and the question of morality comes strongly to the surface. Also questions come into play of when principle is pushed from concept to an actual real scenario, will people stand by their words, or succumb to reacting outside their comfort zone. What pushes people to act out, to lash out and to hurt others, or to choose inaction over action. Is it ever justified? Who gets hurt? What does that say, how does that feel, and what does that teach? What example is set? Who learns from it, if anyone?

It's a fascinating, and tough question to ask and the film is very brave in how it tackles these questions. The characters and complex, compelling and brought to live by the extraordinary cast, in particular William Jøhnk Nielsen who gives an amazing performance for someone so young. I absolutely loved the journeys, even though they were often harsh and challenging, but they always felt true. I believed every action, emotion and moment in the film. I highly recommend it, although want to know that there are a few disturbing ideas and images that aren't easy to take in and might tip people over the edge. But for me, the power and value of the journey was well worth it.

Warnings: Disturbing ideas & imagery

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I'll own it
I highly recommend it, but note the warnings

Also see: All 2011 Films Reviewed and All Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011

In a Better World / Hævnen

Dir: Susanne Bier (After the Wedding / Efter brylluppet, Brødre, The Things We Lost in the Fire)
Cast: Mikael Persbrandt, William Jøhnk Nielsen, Trine Dyrholm, Markus Rygaard, Ulrich Thomsen
Denmark/Sweden, 2011

Seen: April 19, 2011 at Varsity

Reason to see: This year's Oscar winner for foreign film, and I love Susanne Bier's films, especially After the Wedding / Efter brylluppet

In a Better World / Hævnen is an extraordinary film. It's a heart-wrenching drama that presents, poses & pushes the boundaries in terms of power, control and the use of violence. It's odd because that is 100% true, but it doesn't always feel like that is the film you are watching as it's mostly through scenarios involving the two families that make up the majority of the ensemble cast. The family dynamic are powerful and as interesting as all the control and power play throughout the film.

One of the things I love about Susanne Bier's films is that you instantly understand the emotional relationships between the characters in the film, before they are explained - if they even are explained. The performance from the actors are so strong that they instantly draw you in and make you want to know more. A dynamic is created and understood, but you want to know the why behind it. I found this the strongest between the father/son relationship of Claus (Ulrich Thomsen of Fear Me Not / Den du frygter) and Christian (William Jøhnk Nielsen), where you can easily feel the power imbalance but continue to wonder why. We also see an interesting family dynamic through the young and bullied Elias (Markus Rygaard) and loving mother Marianne (Trine Dyrholm) and father Anton (Mikael Persbrandt), a doctor who often travels abroad to and treats villagers. With this family we see less inner turmoil but more dealing with being outsiders in several scenarios which makes them on the receiving end of tension quite often.

Internal and external forces are at work here, and as much as we see the families cope and struggle with their own support systems, they they also deal with external factors which can bright heightened tension into the mix and the question of morality comes strongly to the surface. Also questions come into play of when principle is pushed from concept to an actual real scenario, will people stand by their words, or succumb to reacting outside their comfort zone. What pushes people to act out, to lash out and to hurt others, or to choose inaction over action. Is it ever justified? Who gets hurt? What does that say, how does that feel, and what does that teach? What example is set? Who learns from it, if anyone?

It's a fascinating, and tough question to ask and the film is very brave in how it tackles these questions. The characters and complex, compelling and brought to live by the extraordinary cast, in particular William Jøhnk Nielsen who gives an amazing performance for someone so young. I absolutely loved the journeys, even though they were often harsh and challenging, but they always felt true. I believed every action, emotion and moment in the film. I highly recommend it, although want to know that there are a few disturbing ideas and images that aren't easy to take in and might tip people over the edge. But for me, the power and value of the journey was well worth it.

Warnings: Disturbing ideas & imagery

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I'll own it
I highly recommend it, but note the warnings

Also see: All 2011 Films Reviewed and All Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011

Book to Film Club April 2011 Film: Water for Elephants

Water For Elephants, our March book and April film selection for the Book to Film Club came this weekend. Have you had a chance to check it out yet? I'm really looking forward to seeing it and planning to very soon, I'm so curious about how the casting plays out and I'm actually quite looking forward to seeing the animals. I'm also very curious to see how faithful an adaptation it is. We will know soon! The film adaptation stars Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, James Frain, Hal Holbrook and Paul Schneider, directed by Francis Lawrence (Constantine, I Am Legend). I'm looking forward to hearing people's thoughts!

Here are some things to ponder when thinking, writing and/or journaling about the film:

• Did you enjoy the film?
• Was the film what you expected from reading the book?
• How did you feel about the tone of the film?
• Did you feel that the captured the time period well?
• How did you feel about the casting? Were the characters what you expected?
• Were there characters, moments or ideas you liked better in the book? If so, what were they?
• What was your favourite thing about the book?
• Were there characters, moments or ideas you liked better in the film? If so, what were they?
• What was your favourite thing about the film?
• Was there anything you understood more after seeing the film?
• Was there anything you felt was missing from the film?
• Did the film capture the spirit of the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?
• Who would you recommend the film too?
• Are you happy you read the book before seeing the film?
• Would you recommend people read the book before seeing the film?
• What was the impact of reading the book before seeing the film?

If you don't have a site of your own, you can always start a blog or posterous site or share your thoughts and connect though Good Reads (feel free to friend me on Good Reads here).

Water for Elephants Film Reviews by Book to Film Clubbers:

• Shannon
• Norlinda
  

Book to Film Club April 2011 Film: Water for Elephants

Water For Elephants, our March book and April film selection for the Book to Film Club came this weekend. Have you had a chance to check it out yet? I'm really looking forward to seeing it and planning to very soon, I'm so curious about how the casting plays out and I'm actually quite looking forward to seeing the animals. I'm also very curious to see how faithful an adaptation it is. We will know soon! The film adaptation stars Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, James Frain, Hal Holbrook and Paul Schneider, directed by Francis Lawrence (Constantine, I Am Legend). I'm looking forward to hearing people's thoughts!

Here are some things to ponder when thinking, writing and/or journaling about the film:

• Did you enjoy the film?
• Was the film what you expected from reading the book?
• How did you feel about the tone of the film?
• Did you feel that the captured the time period well?
• How did you feel about the casting? Were the characters what you expected?
• Were there characters, moments or ideas you liked better in the book? If so, what were they?
• What was your favourite thing about the book?
• Were there characters, moments or ideas you liked better in the film? If so, what were they?
• What was your favourite thing about the film?
• Was there anything you understood more after seeing the film?
• Was there anything you felt was missing from the film?
• Did the film capture the spirit of the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?
• Who would you recommend the film too?
• Are you happy you read the book before seeing the film?
• Would you recommend people read the book before seeing the film?
• What was the impact of reading the book before seeing the film?

If you don't have a site of your own, you can always start a blog or posterous site or share your thoughts and connect though Good Reads (feel free to friend me on Good Reads here).

Water for Elephants Film Reviews by Book to Film Clubbers:

• Shannon
• Norlinda