When a film is based upon such a widely known story it's a real challenge for film makers to do justice to both the original story and to an audience who expect to be entertained. I feel they delivered on both counts. So, thank you.

Of course, the core of the story is the terrible shark attack that happened to Bethany Hamilton. That kind of thing is universally thought to be so horrific that merely surviving at all would be a triumph of human will. But Bethany Hamilton transcended that by leaps and bounds to become an international icon for what it means to be courageous in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds. Her courage, strength, perseverance, dedication, work ethic, professionalism and just plain bare faith have become a model for success to a large number of people all over the world. She has justly earned every accolade, every compliment and every success that I feel sure she feels privileged to have received. Oh, and she's gorgeous too.

With that incredible young woman's story as the fodder for the film it was a walk in the park for the film makers. All they had to do was tell the truth and let the facts speak for themselves. But that is something Hollywood has a lot of trouble doing. But this simple formula seems to be what they did, and did masterfully. The setting for the film is one of the most breathtaking on earth, so that was easy to enjoy. The cinematography was excellent as was, of course, the special CGI effects. Makeup and costuming didn't have much of a stretch, letting the beauty of the islands, its people and the athleticism, beauty and youth of the principal actors deliver what artificiality never could.

The cast was well chosen with the petite AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany Hamilton and Lorraine Nicholson as Bethany's lifelong friend Alana Blanchard. Much of the story centered on these two girls so it was a lot for them to carry. I can imagine how it must have been difficult for Robb to try to give credence to a part depicting someone who is so genuinely bigger than life - even legendary. I think she did a terrific job. I was taken in by watching her nuances of emotion throughout the film. She's no rookie but this was a real challenge that she met with talent and grace.

Nicholson was a perfect fit as Hamilton's friend; adding a few smiles to the tension we all certainly felt watching the story unfold. Real friendships should never be underplayed and she came across as a solid, loving friend to Bethany. Then Helen Hunt as Bethany's mother Cheri Hamilton and Dennis Quaid as her father Tom Hamilton both did outstanding work, but that's what I've come to expect from them. I think I'd be genuinely shocked if either of them ever did poorly in any role. They were ably backed by Kevin Sorbo as Alana's father Holt Blanchard and Craig T. Nelson as Dr. Rovinksy, Bethany's attending physician. All of them made the film that much better and I enjoyed every minute each was on screen. Perhaps the most interesting to me is watching Quaid. He's become quite a versatile and talented actor.

Last but not least was Carrie Underwood as Sarah Hill. This is the first time I've seen her do any acting and I can say she did a terrific job. I really liked her playing the part of someone who was so important to Bethany's success and she did so with genuine warmth and friendliness.

I was very well entertained as was everyone who attended the screening with me. I left the theater with the thought that I wish much success to the film - it's a masterful character tale for all young people the world over - and ever increasing success to Bethany Hamilton herself. She deserves no less.

By Bruce L. Jones http://webpages.charter.net/bruce.jones1/

"Soul Surfer" is a wonderful film and true story about an avid ocean surfer who lost an arm in a shark attack, but fought back to become a legend in surfing. Bethany Hamilton wrote her autobiography in 2004, "Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board." This biographical drama is her story, with 17-year-old AnnaSophia Robb playing the part of Bethany. A solid casts rounds out the film with Dennis Quaid as her dad, Tom Hamilton, and Helen Hunt as her mom, Cheri. The rest of the cast playing her three brothers and friends are all very good.

This is an uplifting film about the human spirt. It's hard to imagine why some wouldn't like it. Well, audiences did but the film critics were mixed. It amuses me when the critics who make a living out of reviewing movies so heavily praise Hollywood films that push the envelope of acceptability and tolerance in many aspects, but then lament the "Hollywoodian" treatment of some films - especially uplifting or morale-boosting stories.

Well, this was one smashing success that audiences enjoyed immensely - in spit of some of the naysayers who get paid to tell audiences which movies are good and bad, and which ones they should go to see and which ones to avoid. It's interesting that the story, screenplay, superb camera work and filming of surfing didn't at least get award nominations from any of the major movie organizations. The surfing scenes were shot in Hawaii and Tahiti in 2010. They are the best I've ever seen on film.

I saw this movie in the theater and also got it on DVD for family and friends. It's a superb film that most people should enjoy - from young kids to seniors.