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Movies / On DVD / Nim's Island
Nim's Island

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Nim's Island (2008)

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Reviews Counted:5

Fresh:3

Rotten:2

Average Rating:5.9/10

Consensus: Despite good intentions, Nim's Island flounders under an implausible storyline, simplistic stock characters, and distracting product placement.

Rated: U [See Full Rating] for mild adventure action and brief language.

Runtime: 1 hr 36 mins

Genre: Action/Adventure

Theatrical Release:02-05-2008

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

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1 - 5 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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The movie gets plain silly, but at least it's lively, and young girls will enjoy Nim's lifestyle in her eco-friendly and frolic-packed tropical paradise.

Full Review Source: Daily Telegraph | comment Comment
05/02/08
Tim Robey
Tim Robey
Daily Telegraph
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Its characters, especially the youngest one, are engaging, and few adults are immune to childhood fantasies about secluded tropical isles.

Full Review Source: Hollywood Reporter | comment Comment
04/04/08
Kirk Honeycutt
Kirk Honeycutt
Hollywood Reporter
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

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.

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
04/04/08
Jeannette Catsoulis
Jeannette Catsoulis
New York Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

An eye-filling and heart-warming story

Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | comment Comment
04/03/08
Nell Minow
Nell Minow
Chicago Sun-Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Nim's Island is a picturesque adventure-comedy that quickly capsizes under the weight of its obnoxious slapstick, pedestrian dialogue and general unwillingness to rise above stock ideas and situations.

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
04/03/08
Justin Chang
Justin Chang
Variety
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1 - 5 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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