Movies You Might Have Missed Monday

…or as I’d like to call it today, This Movie You Don’t Want to Miss Monday!

I’ve been looking forward to seeing Soul Surfer for some time now, and Friday I got that chance as it hit theatres.

Based on a true story, it chronicles Bethany Hamilton, a promising competitive surfer who lost one of her arms in a shark attack, and shows her amazing journey of acceptance, adjustment, heartache and triumph. Without being cheesy or preachy, this film sets a high bar for the faith-based genre. It spotlights the impact point of rubber meeting road, asking the hard questions of actual situations, inspiring audiences to walk in someone else’s shoes on a path most of us would never dream of treading. And it puts in perspective the circumstances in our own lives, showing us what counting your blessings really means.

AnnaSophia Robb, you might remember her as a little girl in Bridge to Terabithia or Race to Witch Mountain, gives a credible performance as Bethany in her teens. Other faces you’ll recognize are Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt and Craig T. Nelson who lend experience and professional weight to a well-written, well-made movie.

To be honest, much of this movie caused tears to well up in my eyes. Bethany’s testimony humbled me, at the same time challenging me. She and her family unashamedly glorify God in a tragic set of circumstances that would bring so-called stronger, even more “spiritual” people to their knees. Her story defines victory because the people in it choose to look at life through the eyes of Jesus, to trust Him in all things, and even to thank Him for all things. This is as real as life and faith get. And we can all learn from it.

Set aside a few dollars and a little bit of time to support Soul Surfer in theatres, for their sake, but also for yours. You won’t be sorry.

(photo by photobucket.com)