Oh Bullshark! Great teen girl movie.

DVD Fox 2000 Pictures
Language: English
Length: 103 minutes
DVD extras include deleted scenes, audition footage, featurettes, and commentaries

Rated PG for mild language and sensuality.
Parents Note: there was 1 use of the "b" word, you know barnacle. Oh, I forgot bullshark too.
Adult Note: Yes, it's a wholesome tween girl movie.

Directed by:
Elizabeth Allen

Produced by:
Susan Cartsonis
Steven R. McGlothen

Cast:
Emma Roberts (Unfabulous and the future Nancy Drew) .... Claire
JoJo (pop star Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque also in RV) .... Hailey
Sara Paxton (many tv series) .... Aquamarine
Jake McDorman (Bring It on 3: All or Nothing) .... Raymond
Arielle Kebbel (The Grudge 2) .... Cecilia

Setting:
A beautiful, small Florida beach community, during the summer break.

Summary

Claire and Hailey, two 13-year-old best friends, are sad because it seems they must part due to Hailey's mom getting a new job. During their last days together, the girls do not wish to be separated. After a huge storm, they discover Aquamarine(Aqua), a mermaid, was washed by waves into the pool of their small beach club, where Claire lives with her grandparents. Aquamarine explains her situation to the girls. Aquamarine then falls in love with Raymond, the cute, young boy who is a life guard and helps out with the beach club cleaning and set-up. The girls set out on a quest with Aqua and discover the value of true friendship. Their quest is made harder when the town rich, "it" girl, Cecilia, is also fighting for Raymond's attention. Her daddy is the local town weatherman, while Aqua's dad is the not seen, Neptune (who makes storms). In the end, the movie becomes nicely unpredictable. Everyone discovers what life, love, and friendship are about.

The story, has real portrayals of early-teen fears and friendships. The subject of losing parents through death and divorce is intermingled into the story.

This movie is a fun, silly teen flick. The teens can relate to the stars and the music. Some funny parts include, Aqua rubbing cotton candy on her face because she didn't know to eat it, Aqua makes Hailey's fish come out of a cave in the fish tank and Claire asks if she can make boobs come out of hiding, and just be yourself, without the tail. Cute references to the ocean include a scene with talking starfish earrings whispering compliments in Aqua's ears to give her confidence and the Aqua's choice of words when she is angry. Bullshark!

Conclusion:
The story and acting were good, the location was gorgeous (the Australian water is indescribable). The director could have had a few more scenes with adults. Emma Roberts and JoJo Levesque have a believable chemistry. Sara Paxton shines as Aquamarine. Jake McDorman has the look, likability and acting skills to have a bright acting career.

Other classic mermaid or underwater movies, include:
Splash (1984)
The Big Blue (1988)
Disney's The Little Mermaid (1989)
The Secret of Roan Inish (1995)
Sea People (1999)
The Thirteenth Year (1999)