So why does Nim’s Island feel so charmless and rote? Perhaps it’s because the film feels like an amalgam of other movies’ plotlines.
Nim's Island (2008)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:95
Fresh:47
Rotten:48
Average Rating:5.7/10
Consensus: Despite good intentions, Nim's Island flounders under an implausible storyline, simplistic stock characters, and distracting product placement.
Rated: PG [See Full Rating] for mild adventure action and brief language.
Runtime: 1 hr 36 mins
Genre: Action/Adventure
Theatrical Release:Apr 4, 2008 Wide
Box Office: $47,912,652
Synopsis: Based on the popular children's novel of the same name by Wendy Orr, NIM'S ISLAND follows the adventures of Nim Rusoe (LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE's Abigail Breslin), a spirited young girl who lives on a... Based on the popular children's novel of the same name by Wendy Orr, NIM'S ISLAND follows the adventures of Nim Rusoe (LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE's Abigail Breslin), a spirited young girl who lives on a remote island with her scientist dad, Jack (300's Gerard Butler), and a host of animal companions, including an iguana, a sea lion, and a sea turtle. Nim's idyllic life gets shaken up, however, when her father goes missing while on an ocean outing. Seeking help to find Jack, Nim contacts her favorite literary hero, explorer Alex Rover (also played by Butler), who, in reality, is uptight--and distinctly unadventurous--author Alexa Rover (Jodie Foster). Against her better judgment, Alexa journeys to Nim's faraway home, setting a series of thrilling and funny moments in motion. Directed and written (in part) by the husband/wife team of Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett, NIM'S ISLAND revels in its fanciful premise, never getting hung up on its unrealistic plot points. (E-mail on an extremely secluded island?) While Breslin and Butler are charming, the real revelation is witnessing the oft-serious Foster ham it up in a role requires plenty of slapstick, fish-out-of-water moments. Although teens might roll their eyes at NIM'S unapologetically sugary scenes, younger children will enjoy the giddy mood present of the ISLAND. [More]
Starring: Jodie Foster, Gerard Butler, Abigail Breslin
Starring: Jodie Foster, Gerard Butler, Abigail Breslin
Director: Jennifer Flackett, Mark Levin
Director: Jennifer Flackett, Mark Levin
Screenwriter: Paula Mazur, Joseph Kwong, Jennifer Flackett, Mark Levin
Producer: Paula Mazur
Composer: Patrick Doyle
Studio: Fox-Walden
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Reviews for Nim's Island
Nim's Island is a pleasant-enough jaunt for a family outing, but it never fully arrives at that 'perfect, secret world.'
for all the curiosity of seeing Foster in a rare comic rôle, her neurotic, tic-afflicted, accident-prone Alexandra annoys more than she engages, which is a problem for a character who contributes so little to the actual plot apart from diversion
The first half is really cute and imaginative. Unfortunately, the second half isn't quite as good.
I haven't felt this embarrassed for a star since Robert DeNiro donned a tutu and did the can-can in Stardust.
Despite its welcome emphasis on the heroism of two female characters, 'Nim's Island' is one of the most disappointing and disjointed films so far this year.
"Nim's Island" is pure, unadulterated, escapist fantasy, the sort of roiling adventure film that kids will love but parents will simply have to endure.
A headache-inducing film that grows more obnoxious as it plays, but the most piercing element of the movie is Foster.
Racist fantasy is never a good start for a children's film, or any film, for that matter.
This supposed adventure movie could use a little more wind in its sails.
Despite its heart being in the right place, Nim's Island is a strikingly far-fetched and cloying picture that tries way too hard to be alternately juvenile and bittersweet.
For adults, a grueling exercise in patience and endurance, especially in watching actors that we know can do better lowering themselves to try to mold themselves into some fictitious kid-friendly formula.
I'm not going to quibble too much with a harmless adventure flick meant for tween girls. Then again, I'm not going to knock myself out recommending it, either.
I'm not sure what's more depressing: seeing potential tween megastar Abigail Breslin underused or watching Jodie Foster clutching a Progresso soup can for dear life and smacking head-first into a tree.
A children's movie obviously straining to be magical that falls far short of the goal.
Jodie Foster isn't the first Oscar winner to be defeated by the deceptively simple demands of slapstick comedy. Only the most recent.
Foster/Breslin provide warm/funny moments but the story sinks in the middle
If Nim’s Island were anything but a children’s movie, the casting genius who suggested Jodie Foster as a potential love interest for Gerard Butler would be looking for a new occupation.
There are some thrilling sequences, but it's equally groan-inducing as well.
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