Associated Press
Tragedy, drama and comedy.
Three movies coming out this weekend embody each of the three elements in a way that hasn’t quite been done before.
“Soul Surfer,” based on the true story of high school surf champ Bethany Hamilton, is a new twist on a family sports drama, tying in elements of a coming-of-age tale with the tragedy of overcoming an injury.
Two other films, “Hanna” and “Your Highness,” lend themselves to a teenage and college audience because of their dramatic and comedic appeal, respectively. “Hanna,” a drama about an ex-CIA agent’s daughter, balances out the Franco-McBride comedy team in “Your Highness,” a spoof of a Dark Ages adventure that can almost be compared to “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”
Here is a rundown of this weekend’s latest releases.
Soul Surfer (PG)
What it’s about: Bethany Hamilton, a high school surfing champion, is at the top of her game both literally and figuratively ”” until she loses her arm and a good chunk of her board during a shark attack.
As she struggles to overcome this new barrier, she sets out to get back on her surfboard to ride the waves once again.
You should see it if: You found the real Bethany Hamilton’s story to be intriguing and touching ”” two things a movie should be. Carrie Underwood departs from her usual country music scene to make a starring role in this movie as Hamilton’s friend, Sarah Hill, an obvious bonus for Underwood fanatics. However, if you didn’t like Jaws, don’t see this movie.
Starring: AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Carrie Underwood and Lorraine Nicholson.
Hanna (PG-13)
What it’s about: Hanna, the child of a wanted rogue CIA agent, has lived in the frigid Finnish wilderness all her life. Soon enough, however, Hanna’s father sets in motion a series of events that take her away from the only life she’s ever known and into the hands of the CIA. Her escape and her run from the law force her to use all the skills her dad ever taught her, including how to manipulate and murder.
You should see it if: You think the idea of James Bond in a 15-year-old girl is an intriguing prospect. As Cate Blanchett’s character says in the movie, “Sometimes children can be bad people, too.”
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett, Tom Hollander and Olivia Williams.
Your Highness (R)
What it’s about: Two royal brothers, Thadeous and Fabious, couldn’t be more different. One is the epitome of a brave, handsome knight, and the other is…well, not.
When Thadeous’s fiancée, Belladonna, is kidnapped by the evil sorcerer Leezar, the two brothers must go on an epic quest to save Belladonna before Leezar destroys the kingdom. Along for the ride is Isabel, the movie’s great heroine.
You should see it if: You think Natalie Portman hasn’t made enough movies lately (this will be her fourth movie to be released in four months). For fans of Pineapple Express, the James Franco-Danny McBride combination is just as funny this time as it was last time.
Starring: James Franco, Danny McBride, Natalie Portman and Zooey Deschanel.