Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable

Poignant and inspiring, this documentary explores how Hamilton's deeply held faith, persistent optimism, and passion for surfing help her succeed against all odds. Hamilton is a fascinating figure: She doesn't dwell on the attack or her missing arm but instead single-mindedly believes that her new body can and will not only surf (which anyone familiar with Soul Surfer knows she can do) but also compete on a global scale. Through intensive, disciplined training, Hamilton -- with the unwavering support of her close-knit family; her husband, Adam; and various coaches -- prepares to tackle some of the world's most famous waves. While the movie's interview footage doesn't reveal anything too surprising (everyone genuinely seems to love and respect Hamilton), a couple of her friends do admit that they didn't think she could return to surfing competitively -- first because of her accident and then because she got married and had a baby in her early 20s. And the movie doesn't shy away from showing how Adam (and the rest of her family) have to step up and work hard to support Hamilton's efforts to fulfill her professional surfing and public-speaking obligations.

The action/surfing cinematography in Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable is thrilling and entertaining; you'll feel like you're in the water with Hamilton. Audiences will be awestruck by the different styles of waves in different famous surfing spots. Hamilton and her family are evangelical Christians, so the movie also has faith-based messages and themes. But whether viewers are churchgoers or not -- or whether they're managing their own physical challenges or not -- there's no denying that Hamilton is a motivational and remarkable athlete and individual.