ViewGuide

Created Apr 08, 2008 08:16PM PST • Edited Apr 08, 2008 08:16PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Really Great 4.5

   Audiences can enjoy a unique escape to a special island that attracts several characters for different reasons. A successful extravaganza of escapism, based on the book of the same name from another collaborating couple, Wendy Orr and Kerry Millard.

4. Acting

   Great 4.0

   Abigail Breslin (The Ultimate Gift) plays Nim Rusoe, the incredibly resourceful daughter of a marine biologist, played by Gerard Butler (P.S., I Love You, 300). Jodie Foster had showcases her considerable talent in a role full of subtle nuances and comedic moments as the reclusive author of Nim’s favorite book series, Alexandra Rover. The main character of Alexandra’s popular book series, Alex Rover, also played by Gerard Butler, could have used a better introduction, but functions as a creative narrative technique. All three main characters have individual dialogue scenes where they wear their emotions out on their sleeves. Alexandra’s boat driver also makes a great impression though filmmakers should’ve used subtitles for some of his dialogue.

5. Male Stars Great 4.0

6. Female Stars Great 4.0

7. Female Costars Great 4.0

8. Male Costars Great 4.0

10. Film

    Really Great 4.5

    Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin write and direct this wonderful fantasy adventure, which was filmed in Australia. This dynamic duo make extraordinary efforts to entertain the audience by going above the call of duty with their talented crew. For example, filmmakers use creative location shots spanning the whole globe with no text instead of the traditional transition with subtitles of the locations. The appealing story animation enhances the film’s appeal while the tropical settings are realistic enough so the audience doesn’t feel like they’re on a movie set (though a couple volcano scenes don’t quite make the grade). British film composer Patrick Doyle provides a great music score and the special-effects and creative animations enhance the visual appeal.

11. Direction Really Great 4.5

12. Play Really Great 4.5

13. Music Really Great 4.5

14. Visuals Really Great 4.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.5

    A flatulent joke and some mild peril in the ocean, but no bad profanity as the unpredictable story steers clears of choppy content that might break up this all ages adventure. Filmmakers use modern elements to connect characters together. Woes usually associated with stress (911, airport security, plagarism, etc.) connect the characters even more while providing some great comic relief.

17. Sex Innocent 1.5

18. Violence Gentle 1.5

19. Rudeness Polite 1.5

21. Reality

    Fantasy 4.1

    The family Rusoe live by their own rules in a “own secret world” full of wildlife and intelligent, helpful animals including a turtle, lizards, a pelican named Galileo and a sea lion. Filmmakers anchor the film in some reality, otherwise it might float off like a balloon and audiences might not know what to think. The narrative stays true to its own structure and doesn’t throw the audience for a loop with plot twists or unnecessary melodrama.

22. Circumstantial Fantasy 4.1

23. Biological Fantasy 4.1

24. Physical Fantasy 4.1