Soul Surfer
Saw Soul Surfer yesterday. Maybe I shouldn’t admit this–being a preacher and living among evangelicals hungry for Christian entertainment–but I was reluctant to go. The last time I saw a movie made by Christians–Fireproof–I came away disappointed. It wasn’t that I disagreed with anything in that movie: Porn is a terrible scourge. Marriages are coming apart like wet tissue. Jesus is the answer. I just thought Fireproof made a much better visual aid to a marriage seminar than it did a movie. I was worried, therefore, that that was what SS would be.
I was therefore pleasantly surprised to find myself engrossed in the story of Bethany Hamilton, pro-surfer wannabe, devout Christian, shark-attack victim. Oh, I wasn’t entirely satisified. I had a strong sense of deja vu as the by-the-numbers plot unfolded: tragedy, rekindled hope, struggle, epiphany, triumph. That seemed less true-to-life and more a typical Hollywood product. Then there was that unnecessary element thrown in, a villainous female rival clad in black yet. Also, I wonder whether, as she recovered from her trauma, the real teen-aged Bethany had more bad days than the movie shows. It seems to me that losing an arm to a shark would do that to you! Yet, I didn’t have the same feeling Roger Ebert did about the heroine. In his review, he suggests that Bethany’s faith is almost eerie, her resolve inhuman. I wouldn’t go quite that far. There are a couple scenes that seem to indicate, if only in shorthand, that she went through her dark night of the soul. SS does show a struggle. I was moved by Bethany’s struggle and thrilled to see her win out over adversity, especially since I knew that part to be true.
The Hawaiian photography was marvelous. Of course, much of the surfing competition footage was computer generated (in addition to some footage of the real Bethany), but that was to be expected–as were the highly sophisticated effects that enabled Anna-Sophia Robb to look and move like an amputee. You really have to admire the technical skill and dedication of those who work behind the cameras.
A movie should be a movie, not a sermon, not a Sunday School lesson. I still believe in Sunday School, and, brother, I am definitely committed to preaching. These have their place, a vital place. But a movie is a piece of art. Not all movies are good art; many are trash. Nevertheless, in a movie theatre, I’d rather see “good” trash that takes me out of myself for a couple hours than watch a visual aid to spiritual understanding. If I have to subject myself to that then, at the very least the refreshments ought to be free–like they are in church! No six-dollar popcorn there!
Though the Hamilton family’s strong Christian faith was displayed, as well it should have been, it didn’t overpower the film. All in all, Soul Surfer was an enjoyable experience and I recommend the movie.
