It's an updated teen version of Little Mermaid -Aquamarine is looking for True Love to prove to her dad that it exists so that she doesn't have to marry some seadude that she's not in love with.
At the end of the story -the true love that she finds is the love that the two girlfriends show to her.
My girls all gave it a thumbs up and you'll find yourself humming the song as you leave this light hearted romp.Demographically speaking, "Aquamarine" has a clearly defined target audience. Young girls from the ages five through fifteen will think that this is the greatest movie ever. For the rest of us, meaning anyone over the age of fifteen, this is still a pretty cute film with likeable characters and decent acting.
The story goes like this: Two young friends are about to be worlds apart when one of them's mother gets a grant to work in Australia. They pray to the weather gods in typical silly sleepover fashion in hopes to remain together. Luckily, a mermaid washes up in the local public pool and agrees to grant them their wish if they can help her prove that love exists by getting the local lifeguard dreamboat to fall in love with her.
Sounds sort of silly, right? Well, it is, but not so silly that this flick is unwatchable. The three lead actresses, Emma Roberts, JoJo, and Sara Paxton, are all very likeable. Roberts and JoJo convincingly play best friends who are afraid of losing each other. JoJo can be accused of over-acting at times, but both she and Roberts do very well in the acting department. Arielle Kebbel plays the local mean/popular/spoiled girl that frequents films like this. Jake McDorman plays heartthrob Ray, the apple of the mermaid's eye. The real standout here, however, is Sara Paxton as the title character. She's a lovely young lady who can pull off goofiness with pure Cameron Diaz flair. Her character goes from snappy princess to giddy teenager with the flip of a switch.
The story moves at a decent pace, and the special effects are actually pretty good too. There are a couple of "girly" montages that include a trip to the mall and studying teen magazines that did sort of grate my elder nerves, but I survived through them and the film was worth it in the end. This whole film plays out with a sugary sweet charm that's expected of films of this nature.
Overall, I'd have to say that this flick is a safe bet for anyone who's hosting a sleepover party for their young daughter and her friends. Another decent flick for this demographic is the conveniently titled "Sleepover," which also features Sara Paxton, who plays the mean/popular/spoiled girl opposite "Spy Kids" alum, Alexa Vega.
Highly recommended to anyone who falls in or has family members in the five to fifteen demographic, or anyone who enjoys sweet and silly teen romances. Aquamarine is a feel-good movie aimed at young teenage girls, but from a different demographic I still found it amusing, pleasant, and original enough to keep my interest. There's lots of young people, the beach, fireworks, the hit song "Island In The Sun," and a mermaid. If you're sick of winter in the midwest, it's a pleasant escape.
It's about two girlfriends, one of which is about to move away, who discover a mermaid washed into a swimming pool by the previous nights severe winds. The mermaid will grant them a wish if they help her find love within a few days. Her father is forcing her to marry someone she doesn't love, because the Mermen (?) don't believe in love. She has just a few days to prove it exists, and she picks out the local life guard whom the two young protagonists also admire.
There's a bit of romance, a bit of humor, even a bit of suspense as the boy's previous girlfriend jealously interferes, and a few poignant moments as well. The romance is appropriate for kids; it's not one of the funniest movies out, but amusing enough for the whole family.
Read Best Reviews of Aquamarine (2006) Here
I took my kids to see this last night and while they enjoyed it, especially my daughter, I have to admit that it was much better than most "family" films that have been coming down the pike lately. Let's face it, the filmmakers weren't out for a sweeping drama that would leave you awestruck, they intended to entertain a younger audience, while not lulling the parents to sleep. And this they accomplished.It wasn't as good a movie as 8 Below to ME, but my kids liked it better.
And on a side note, the theater was packed with hundreds of 10-14 year-old girls who loved it as well.
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As a pre-teen boy in the early 60s, I secretly watched The Brady Bunch and never told my friends. Later on, I was a closet devotee of Little House On The Prairie. I don't know how many other boys in my generation also snatched the guilty pleasures of syrupy pop (Bradys)and downright excellent TV with a positive message (Little House) but from an early age I have always been a sucker for girl flicks.What a joy to have two daughters of my own now (10 and 7), and to be able to do what I daresy few dads can enjoy a movie like this with their girls.
It is mostly a wholesome picture, soiled only slightly by the proverbial modern butt and boob references, (but done appropriately for our times and the intended audience), that yes, the adolescent in me found funny.
I love the repartee between the two main characters, Hailey and Claire (not even sure I remembered their names right). But I have seen these two girls on TV and love their wisecracking.
The boy hunk of the movie, a lifeguard named Raymond, is the type of polite but athletic youngster that even a protective Dad would like.
Of course, it's no Gone With The Wind but my daughters were mesmerized from front to finish, and, well, I couldn't keep my eyes off it either even peeked in frequently when they watched it a second time.
Dads with daughters buy it for your girls, and watch it with them!
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