The movie opens with wonderful Gospel music, in a very happening, live Christian service in a tent on the beach. Bethany wins a surf competition, beating her best friend, Alana, played by Lorraine Nicholson, Jack Nicholson’s daughter, and her fiercest rival, Malia Birch. As a result, a sponsor approaches Alana and Bethany for their surfing career. Bethany decides not to go on a mission trip, disappointing Sara Hill, her youth group leader.

On Halloween Day, Bethany is surfing with her friend, Alana, and Alana’s family near a remote beach. A 14-foot tiger sharp leaps out of the water and eats her arm. Alana’s father, Holt, played by Kevin Sorbo, and the other members of her family rush Bethany to the hospital. Everyone is praying fervently to God. Miraculously, she survives.

When Bethany leaves the hospital, she finds out life has changed irrevocably. Simple tasks are now almost impossible. She tries surfing again and struggles, but shows some promise. After a dark night of the soul, where she questions God’s verse that says that we can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13), she decides to go on a mission trip to an area of Thailand hit by a big tsunami. There, she learns God uses all things together for good to those who love Him. She returns home, with new resolve to become a champion surfer again.

SOUL SURFER has some very poignant moments that will bring tears to your eyes. The screening room audience walked out of the theater filled with joy at Bethany’s victory. It is one of those strong endings that make a movie work. That said, some of the movie is very lightweight. Some of it is intentionally shot like a home movie, and some other scenes seem like a home movie. And, some of the dialogue is soft. None of this matters, however, because the whole is greater than all of its part, and the whole is a powerful, inspirational story of real courage overcoming all odds.

The good news is that the real courage comes from deep faith in Jesus Christ, not just willpower. There are powerful church scenes in SOUL SURFER, but they shouldn’t alienate a secular audience because they are extremely real. The movie asks the profound theological question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Bethany finds an answer that is inspirational.

Many of the cast and crew are known for doing faith-filled roles. Many of them were quoted in the press notes saying that meeting Bethany and hearing her story as well as meeting her family was a life-changing experience. SOUL SURFER is a highly recommended movie.