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Nim's Island
Directed by: Jennifer Flackett & Mark Levin
Starring: Abigail Breslin
Genre:
Fantasy/Adventure
Run Time: 96
min.
Release Date: April 2008
On The Web:
Official
Site
Teaser:
Movie Trailer
Reviewed by
Byron Merritt |
Having seen Abigail Breslin in her fat
suit in
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, I was intrigued to learn that she
obtained the main role of Nim Rusoe here. I loved her in Little Miss
Sunshine. Her tireless upbeat attitude was infectious. And I’m happy to
say that’s what makes this film bearable. Well ...that and Jodi Foster
(INSIDE MAN).
The cute factor is exceptionally high, so if you’re not into the
‘cute-and-fuzzies’, don’t say you haven’t been warned. But one must
realize the audience this film was targeted at: six to eight year olds.
Dancing seals, intelligent pelicans, and near verbal lizards are all
present on Nim’s Island, making the cute-and-fuzzy barometer tilt far to
the right. The story is also exceptionally trite, with hardly any danger
or suspense. When Nim’s dad Jack Rusoe (Gerard Butler,
BEOWULF & GRENDEL)
gets ‘lost at sea’, there’s really little doubt he’ll survive —
especially with the help of Galileo the Pelican.
Also, when Alexandra Rover (Foster) is forced to decide between her
agoraphobia and saving Nim from a life of possible solitude on an
uncharted island, there’s no doubt she’ll overcome her fears and be
forced out into the world (it’s also entertaining to see how she
experiences life outside of her small apartment where she types away on
action-adventure books that Nim loves to read).
There’s not much point to the story, either. Simply exploring Nim’s
world is the basis for everything, but it’s a fun world and one that
kids will enjoy watching. The playful animals and the
child-growing-up-in-isolation themes are easy for children to follow,
and are things parents won’t find upsetting in the slightest.
But if you’re child likes challenges, or you’re an adult looking for
escapism, this might not be your best choice.
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Image from Nim's Island
DVD cost: $24.71
Purchase:
Tower.com
(Blu-Ray)
Film Review Stew
Favorite? No.
Stew Poo-Poo? No.
Newsworthy: The
Australian sea lions used in the film are named Spud and Friday. Both
reside at Sea World Australia, and shared the role of Selkie.
Movie Quote: "You
came here all the way from San Fransisco and you don't know how to do
anything."
Other Actors/Actresses
from Nim's Island
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