Biblical references were temporarily edited out of “Soul Surfer,” a movie based on shark attack survivor Bethany Hamilton, in an effort not to alienate non-Christians. “Soul Surfer” director Sean McNamara's latest film “Hoovey” will not have that issue.
The production company “has supported my vision for everything including Bible references, because they’re appropriate. The Elliott family is Christian, and so they are in the film,” he told Fox News. “’Hoovey’ is a natural story of a family that can only be told through the 'faith lens'.”
Like "Soul Surfer," “Hoovey” is based on a true story and tells the tale of a promising high school basketball player Eric “Hoovey” Elliott, who collapses on the court from a life-threatening brain tumor. Hoovey survives high-risk surgery, and is forced to re-learn the fundamentals of life from walking and reading, to even seeing clearly. And as his mother and father teeter on the brink of falling apart amid medical bills and stress, the entire family must rely on faith, tenacity and love to get through their darkest days.
“I fell in love while reading the book (written by Hoovey’s father Jeff Elliott) that first night. It’s a story of adversity and challenges resolved through the perseverance and faith,” McNamara said. “It can be summed up with this line: ‘Faith makes it real.’”
According to the film's star, there is plenty to be gleaned from believers and non-believers alike.
“It confirms that love and trust are the greatest gifts on earth,” said former “Hannah Montana” star Cody Linley, who plays the title role of Hoovey. “If you are willing to work as a team, then problems turn into an opportunity for all to grow and live better. Everyone has questioned their own purpose in life, and when we deal with near-death experiences it allows us to see ourselves more deeply.”
Fellow 'Hoovey' star Lauren Holly said she's honored to be part of a film that has a positive message.
“All of us know the power of family; we all know how to root for good against evil. We feel good when there is a happy ending, especially when the story is true. It gives us all hope,” she said. “And for me personally, I am proud to be in a film that I want my whole family to see, one that all of us would enjoy.”
