Nim's Island [DVD]

This film has gained plenty of thumbs up from children and parents - and plenty of bad reviews from critics.

So - what's it really like?

This is a good old fashioned adventure story with some 21st century technology thrown in - like the solar panel powered Mac computer Nim and her dad have on their tropical island paradise. The film has enough fun characters to keep children of all ages happy. Jodie Foster turns in a great comic performance as Alex Rover, the agrophobic author of the Alex Rover adventure books. The Alex Rover of the books is a likable guy - with obvious Indiana Jones parallels. The animals that help Nim and her father as the story infolds are a delight too. Nim herself is reasonably played by 11 year old Abigail Breslin.

So why the bad reviews?

I have sat through - perhaps endured is too strong a word. On second thoughts - no it isn't! I have endured enough bad children's films to know a decent one when I see it. Full marks for no syrupy sentimentality or manipulation of young children's emotions here. Full marks for no hit you with a sledgehammer moral of the story either. This is just under 100 minutes of old school adventure and fun.

As long as you suspend your disbelief enough.

This plot has holes in it large enough to steer the Titanic through. I don't mean contradictions - I mean huge gaping holes. Let's by pass the question - how does an Island remain `undiscovered' that is regularly resupplied and is 21st century enough to have Mac computer on it. More disconcerting is the way that plucky little Nim bounds up and down an active volcano several thousand feet high as if it were a pile of rocks at an adventure centre. Biggest question of all (letting pass many others) - would our Dad loving hero really not send out a Mayday call to a real rescue service when her dad fails to show up???

The film ends with everything screaming `Sequel!' And sure enough the author of the book the film is based on has come up with another story for Nim. I'm sure it will be at a cinema near you before too long.

Nim (Abigail Breslin) lives with her father Jack (Gerard Butler) on an isolated island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. They've lived there since discovering it on one of their around the world cruises after Nim's mother died. Even though they are alone, they aren't lonely. Nim has made friends with several of the island's animals. They have tons of books. Somehow, they have the internet (that's never explained). And every few months a ship comes by and drops off supplies, including the latest Alex Rover novel.

Jack is a marine biologist always on the trail of a new species of microorganism. When he gets a lead, he takes off for two days. Nim insists she stay behind since her sea turtles eggs are about to hatch. Two days turns into longer when a fierce storm comes up and partially destroys his boat.

While Jack's away, Nim gets an e-mail from Alex Rover asking for help in research for the next book. When things begin to go wrong, the upset 11 year old pours out her heart to Alex, asking for help.

What Nim doesn't know is that Alex Rover is really Alexandra Rover (Jodie Foster) the author who created the hugely popular character. And Alexandra is afraid of everything and never leaves her apartment. Can Alexandra overcome her fears and come to Nim's rescue?

From the previews, I expected a story set on an island. And part of it was. But the story is as much about Alexandra's journey to the island as it is what is happening on the island. When I realized this, I had to shift my expectations. And I'm glad I did because I enjoyed the movie.

It is filled with the kinds of stuff deserted island fanciers will love. The house that Nim and her dad live in is wonderful. The animals are exceedingly cute and the scenery is beautiful. If it were real, I'd be on the next plane out for a vacation on this island.

As long as we're talking about fantasies, there is a fantasy sequence near the beginning that this reader loved. You'll know it when you see it. I was grinning stupidly the entire time that scene was on.

Ultimately, this movie is about finding the courage to be a hero. It's something that Nim, Jack, and Alexandra must do in various ways. What I like about it is that all three face that need in different ways

But this isn't a preachy film. Instead, it's hidden in a film filled with adventure and laughs. It could have been broad and over the top, but it never falls into that trap. That is partially thanks to the wonderful acting by all involved.

Now I will admit that the movie is a bit far fetched. But while you are watching it, you'll want to believe every second because you are having so much fun.

The one flaw the movie has is the climax. Quite a few things were glossed over in the rush to get there, and it is over much too quickly.

The movie is PG. I'm guessing because it is because of characters in peril. I don't remember any language issues. Frankly, I think this is a movie that kids of all ages will enjoy.

So if you are looking for a family friendly movie, give this one a chance.

The film started with an interesting plot...

Nim and her father are living alone on an island when one day her father takes a trip out on his boat and gets lost at sea. Nim asks for help by emailing her favourite author Alex Rover (Jodie Foster).

Alex Rover who is scared of everything sets out to save the day with the help of her favourite self-imagined adventure character.
This was executed well and acted brilliantly by Jodie Foster. What lets the film down though is the way the ending seems rushed, the father returns too quickly at the end. The film focuses only on the journey and not at all on the destination. It would have been nice for Alex and Nim to have some sort of adventure together and explore that relationship more thoroughly before Nims dad had returned.

However it's a cute story and though there are a few obvious plot holes it's an old-fashioned tale of adventure that will capture the imagination.