Movie Reviews: Nim's Island

As if living alone in the wild wasn’t enough adventure for Nim this bright eyed lass also relishes good books. Escapist fare is what she covets and she idolizes the books written by Alex Rover. Consider this character to be the ultimate adventurer, somewhat of a cross between Indiana Jones and James Bond, with all good things in between.

Very smart story-telling allows us to follow the “real” life antics of Nim and Jack while co-mingling with the heroic pursuits of famed fiction explorer Alex Rover. Where the fun really kicks in is that we also get to see the actual writer of this famous character as she creates such award winning fiction.

Tucked away somewhere in modern San Francisco resides the creator of Alex Rover. Much to everyone’s surprise it’s a woman. Apart from this potential liability we learn early on that our Ms. Rover is about the worst nervous Nellie imaginable. Unlike the heroics of her books Alexandra Rover is truly afraid of her own shadow. Risk is something this woman wants no part of; instead, one could surmise she lives vicariously through her world-famous creation.

Against this dichotomy Nim’s Island unfolds. Through modern technology and total misfortune one author gets to meet arguably her most famous fan thousands of miles away. Just how the pair meet provides the gist to this story that if full value for good, clean-cut fun.

Handsome Gerard Butler (300) eases into his double role of caring dad and swashbuckling hero with just the right degree of charm. Oscar winning actress Jodie Foster (The Silence of the Lambs) leaves her serious tone behind and has a field day as a neurotic writer out to face her inner demons.