SOUL SURFER

This biopic about 13 year-old Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb) who lost her arm in a shark attack in 2003 is not your typical surf-film, nor is it a terrifying shark thriller. The director takes a horrific accident and turns it into an inspirational tale of survival and hope. With the help of the man upstairs and his downstairs spokeswoman – Carrie Underwood – who makes her film debut as a youth church leader, Bethany returns to the water, determined to compete single-handedly in the surfing competition was qualified for. Sure, it’s inspirational, rejecting a head-start offered to her, she takes to the water beautifully – she’s the Venus de Milo of the waves. But as an audience member, the waves of telemovie corniness eventually drowned me. Even Kevin Sorbo, (AKA Hercules) the hilariously heroic neighbour couldn’t save me. (AH) **