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[Back to index of May 2008 articles]
By Judy Russell
Washington Window
Vol. 77, No. 5, May 2008
Nim’s Island (Rated PG)
If you are looking for a fun family film, this may be the one for you. It has adventure, fantasy, and just a bit of mild danger now and then which is a good formula for a mixed age group. Based on a novel for children by Wendy Orr, the story intertwines the lives of a young girl, Nim Rusoe (Abigail Breslin), who lives on an isolated island; her father, Jack Rusoe (Gerard Butler), who has an accident at sea; and an author, Alexandra Rover (Jodie Foster), who lives in a large city far from Nim’s Island and who is almost consumed by agoraphobia. Their lives touch via Alexandra’s Alex Rover adventure novels and the internet.
Nim’s island is a beautiful place inhabited only by Nim, her father, and some lively animals with whom she magically seems to be able to communicate. It does take a rather large dose of suspension-of-reality, but once the audience accepts this premise, they can sit back and enjoy riding a cuddly sea lion under a beautiful sea, planning a “tourist assault” with scheming lizards, and talking with an extremely intelligent pelican named Galileo. Saving the father from a hurricane damaged boat, the island from disrespectful tourists, and Alexandra from her self-doubts fills the story with funny and insightful moments. The adult members of the audience will enjoy the witty banter between Alexandra and her fictional alter-ego, “Alex” (also played by Gerard Butler), as he teases, badgers, and mocks her into “being the hero of her own story.”
Nim’s mother’s death (while conducting scientific research at sea) is mentioned several times during the story; this may offer an opportunity for discussion with younger children about accidents and life in general. This movie does appear to follow an old formula for children’s films of years ago, but the current generation will find the storytelling exciting and rewarding.
Leatherheads (Rated PG-13)
Ever wondered how a football game would be played if the only rule was to get the ball into the end zone? “Leatherheads” will show you in a most joyful manner! This romantic comedy is set during the 1920s when pro-ball was just getting started, and there were very, very few rules; the few rules that were in place could change during the game!
The film follows Dodge Connolly (George Clooney) as he works to restart his team after they lose their sponsor. The whole league seems ready to collapse until Dodge convinces Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski), a college ball star and World War I hero, to join his team.
Immediately the country’s attention is grabbed, the stadiums are filled, and money comes pouring in. But some people in the newspaper business think this handsome football playing hero seems just too good to be true, so Lexie Littleton (Renee Zellweger), a beautiful, brash newswoman, is sent to get “the real story” about him. This film has a wonderful 1940s story style as both of the two football stars fall for this cub reporter and become serious, but very funny, rivals for her attention.
Football fans will enjoy seeing some razzle-dazzle plays (such as the Statue of Liberty), a unique way of dealing with a referee, and an amazing last-play-of-the-game (and the movie) which could not have happened without the field being a mud pit!
The film may not hold the attention of very young children, but those who play some type of organized sports will find the game parts funny. Adults who enjoy “boy-gets-girl/happy ending” movies will want to see it twice!
Judy Russell teaches music and performing arts at Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School.
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