Movie Review: Nims Island

I got a sneak peek of the new kids’ movie Nim’s Island, which opens today, before interviewing the movie’s star, Jodie Foster, for our 10 Questions column. Overall, I was very impressed with the way the film is so different than other kids’ fare these days. With an emphasis on nature, shown through the title character Nim (Abigail Breslin) and her reverence for animals and her environment, I think the movie offers not only a good message, but will likely inspire kids to get outside more and do some exploring of their own. Nim’s Island is also reminiscent of classic kids’ movies such as Parent Trap and Swiss Family Robinson. The movie does a good job of providing the action and adventure kids love, without relying on gadgets, special effects and other technology.

The only drawback to the film for me is that Jodie and Abigail’s characters, while interesting and certainly role-model worthy, don’t get a great deal of screen time together. I would have liked more character interaction, and perhaps less plot complication, both of which in the end would have made the movie more satisfying. Overall, I recommend it for kids and parents alike. A Modern Mom Plus: Gerard Butler, who plays Nim’s smart and caring father, provides a little eye candy – and who couldn’t use a little of that?