“Be the hero of your own life story!”

“Don't hand me that line - I wrote that line!”

In Nim’s Island, audiences can enjoy a unique escape to a special island that attracts several characters for different reasons. Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine, The Ultimate Gift) plays Nim Rusoe, the incredibly resourceful daughter of a marine biologist, played by Gerard Butler (P.S., I Love You, 300) in this fantasy adventure. Via her father Nim gets the best of both worlds as she has the freedom to directly apply her academic/book knowledge in the real world.

This close-knit duo live by their own rules in their “own secret world” full of wildlife and intelligent, helpful animals including a turtle, lizards, a pelican named Galileo, and a sea lion. Their past family tragedy, told as a separate story in early scenes, provides heartwarming strength and creative memories that continue to inspire them.

Jodie Foster showcases her considerable talent in a role full of subtle nuance and comedic moments as Alexandra Rover, the reclusive author of Nim’s favorite book series. “I don’t want to touch the world, it’s not sanitary,” Alexandra says as she works alone in her San Francisco apartment. The main character of Alexandra’s popular book series, Alex Rover, also played by Gerard Butler, could have used a better introduction, but functions as a creative narrative technique. Foster provides some great situational comedy while anchoring the film in reality, otherwise it might float off like a balloon and audiences might not know what to think.

The narrative stays true to its own structure and doesn’t throw the audience for a loop with plot twists or unnecessary melodrama. Rising young star Breslin couldn’t have a better acting partner than Foster, as Nim and Alexandra create a lasting bond after a rocky start. “You will not be alone,” Alexandra says to Nim after Alexandra finds courage in her new responsibility — one of the most touching scenes of the film.