Butler is Nim’s father, a world-renowned marine biologist who has come to this island to study the nanoplankton in the ocean. He has brought his 11-year-old daughter and made a home with her while he continues his work. In the meantime, Nim learns by spending time with the animals on the island and reading books about other places. Her favorites are the Alex Rover adventure stories, a series of books about a rugged and inventive explorer. The writer of these books is Alexandra Rover (Foster), a woman who lives exclusively in her apartment because she is afraid of the outside world. When Nim’s father goes on a short exploratory mission and doesn’t come back, Nim and Alexandra make contact by e-mail. Nim convinces Alexandra she is in trouble and needs help, which threatens to take this agoraphobic writer vastly outside her comfort zone.
The movie is based upon the book by Wendy Orr and directed by two novice filmmakers, whose control over the emotional content of the film is impressive, as they get legitimate range from their lead actors and child star. While Foster’s character was initially off-putting, her growth within the context of the story became quite appealing. There is a fantastical element in the movie in that both Nim and Alexandra have a vivid imagination, and believe that the fictional Alex Rover (also played by Butler) is sometimes there to lend them a word of encouragement. While not always well-woven into the movie, Alex becomes a comforting face during the most adverse situations. This is a nice family film: It shows that children can do things independently, but reinforces their need for parental comfort and companionship.
Rated PG for mild adventure action and brief language.
