This is a mediocre movie based on an amazing true story about perseverance and family.

If you stick through 45 min, you will figure out it is an ok movie, but nothing more.
Major mistakes are that it is too drawn-out, and too much focus on the holy-Jesus-****. That and too many tanned brain-dead surf-douche supporting actors makes it very corny (And you want to bite your own arm off in frustration after 1 hr).
But the main actress makes a solid effort, which is worth it. Shoot the rest, and feed them to the sharks.

I generally don't do sports in my spare time, but I can appreciate movies centered around them, especially if they glorify God, i.e., _Facing the Giants_. This particular film is based on a story that had everyone talking back in the day; I knew of Bethany Hamilton's faith early on, after the lead singer of Christian band ApologetiX mentioned in his e-mail list that Bethany's brothers were fans of the band. Her story is very inspiring, and makes me want to try harder at things that I've avoided in the past for fear of failure. I have what some would consider a disability...but, after seeing what she went through, I have nothing to complain about. The fact that I can easily type this review or hold a book with both hands means that I have much less to overcome than she ever did.

That said, the production values weren't the best; the acting was poor at times, and some of the dialogue was rather stilted. Also, for some viewers, there may be too much inappropriate eye candy; guys without shirts and girls in tiny bikinis are seen throughout, which could make this inaccessible for some folks. Think about whether you can refrain from violating Matthew 5:27-28 while watching this before buying or renting it.