Not just another Mermaid Movie!

Aquamarine is so much more than just another mermaid story. For those who watched Splash!, I would say that this movie takes the whole concept of Splash! up to another level. In fact, while Splash! is more romantically-centered, Aquamarine can be described as one of the best friendship movies ever. The instant chemistry between Emma Roberts, Sara Paxton and Jojo keeps shining as a strong bond is depicted between these three friends. From what you might gather of my other reviews, I am quite fond of chick flicks and this one definitely lived up to my expectations! I would rather say that this is neither a romantic-comedy as many consider it to be, nor will the majority of the male audience appreciate it. Aquamarine is basically a story of deep friendship with a bit of fantasy thrown in through the depiction of the mermaid.

The plot opens at the end of the summer holidays, where two best friends, Claire and Hailey are trying to make the best of their last days together. Hailey’s single mother is a marine biologist and that means that the two of them are constantly changing countries so that she can work on her assignments. This time, however, Hailey is extremely reluctant to leave since she struck quite a deep friendship with Claire. On one stormy night, both girls playfully evoke a prayer to the Gods of Thunder and plead for Hailey to stay. The following day, they discover a mermaid in the swimming pool and the latter promises to grant them any wish if they help her by making the local lifeguard fall in love with her.

Like I mentioned above, what I particularly loved about this movie is the way that they depicted the friendship that exist between the two girls and the mermaid. While the plot might sound stupid or childish to many, I would say that this movie has a quiet charm all of its own. It does contain most of the major characteristics of any typical chick flick: a dash of romance, lots of boy tips, great fashion display and some really corny-in-a-nice way dialogue.

The feel good factor in Aquamarine is certainly present all throughout. There are some really humoristic scenes mingled with the element of fantasy in the movie and while the film holds quite a shallow atmosphere to it, I would say that there certainly is a little dose of seriousness. For example, there is the fact that Claire and Hailey might be separated all through the movie, and this sentiment is only echoed by the way that the closeness between the two of them is portrayed.

The only drawback that I personally found in Aquamarine is that I certainly feel that they could have developed a more romantic side to the movie. In fact, I would say that this is the only element lacking in order to make this a truly great chick flick and/or romantic comedy. There are however, certain unexpected twists and turns to the plot and this is guaranteed to keep anyone captivated till the very end.

The acting was good- it was maybe a little forced at times but overall it flew well. I guess that the charm of this movie was enough to cover these particular scenes up.

DVD Extras include:
• Commentary by Director Elizabeth Allen and Producer Susan Cartsonis
• Scene Specific Commentary by Actresses Emma Roberts, JoJo and Sara Paxton:
• Deleted Scenes
• Auditions Footage

This is one of the rare DVDs where all the extras impressed me. I particularly liked the specific scene commentary by the three actresses. I left the scenes titles out on purpose so as not to give anything away, but you have my word that the commentary for these scenes was just outstanding.

While I will not particularly recommend this move to those of you who enjoy real romantic comedies or serious movies, this is something which I would advise anyone who is looking for some escapism with just a hint of reality to watch this movie.

Thanks for reading!