Good story, Not enough for a whole film

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Nim (Bindi Irwin) and her father Jack Rusoe (Matthew Lillard) are on the island doing biological research with their nerdy assistant Felix. Jack's father-in-law Grant informs them that developers are planning to build a resort on the island. Nim comes up with the idea to find three endangered species to save the island while her father goes back to the mainland to present to the government. Edmund runaways from his bickering parents and hires a boat to go back to the island. Booker and his sons Ben and Frankie operate the boat.The actors are all new from the original. I don't want to be mean-spirited but Bindi Irwin is limited as an actress. She still fits the role in some sense. She brings her myopic focus on nature and she's pretty good at being a grumpy teenager. She and Toby Wallace have fun hate to start the teenie rom-com. However, her acting cannot take it any further. The poaching family is bothersome and takes the movie into the wrong direction. Whatever potential this movie started with is gone after the first half.

I knew this sequel was made for a TV/DVD release only and not for a theatrical release so, they used affordable unknown actors. But, Bindi Irwin is not an unknown, of course. Steve Erwin was not quite the film actor that his daughter has turned out to be. She was a good child actress in in the Free Willy: Escape from Pirate's Cove movie. But, in Return to Nim's Island, Bindi is a very capable adolescent actress with real theatrical film talent. Her Mom was very natural in front of a TV camera and Steve's acting style was mainly ramping up his enthusiasm and volume when doing Animal Planet. Maybe Bindi has the best of both parents in her acting ability. I knew this was not a real sequel, not bringing back any of the original Nim's Island actors but, this was a fresh sassy Australian produced alternative sequel to Nim's Island. Well done!

The thing that bothers me the most is the casted none of the original characters. Am I supposed to sit back and enjoy that each character does not match up with the previous movie? Jack should not be played by Matthew Lillard, and Bindi should not play Nim. Those characters should be played by the original actor and actress Gerard Butler and Abigail Breslin. And what happened to Jodi Foster's character? They just completely wrote out one of my favorite characters in the movie. I loved the original movie don't get me wrong, I watched the trailer for this movie and though to myself that it will be horrid and a waste of my time, the only reason I'm ranting about this is because of the fact my favorite characters were taken away.

Following up on the success of Nim's Island, this sequel is a great platform for Bindi Irwin, through her portrayal of Nim, to introduce young people to the importance of protecting our earth and its fragile species.Three of our KIDS FIRST! Film Critics reviewed the film and shared their thoughts with us. According to Brianna Hope Beaton, Nim teaches us "that you should do everything you can to help the marine and wildlife." Cassandra Hsiao says, "Return to Nim's Island will take families on a spectacular expedition underwater, into dark mysterious caves, and up awfully steep cliffs." And, Jailene Arias agrees with the others, that the main message in the film is "don't give up!" Check out their video reviews at kidsfirst dot org. Below is Brianna Hope Beaton's review (age 13)This film has lots of action, is very funny and is definitely great for the whole family to see.Let's return to Nim's Island to see how things are going with Nim (Bindi Irwin) and her Father (Matthew Lillard). One day they get a message that some people will be buying the island to build an attraction there, but Nim will not stand for it and comes up with some things to do to save what she calls home. She will do almost anything to protect the island and the animals that she loves so well. Everything is going fine until Edmund, (Toby Wallace), comes along to help but brings trouble. Will Nim get to keep living at her personal resort or will she have to pack up and leave?I really love this film. It's the sequel to Nim's Island. I love the underwater shots and the humor. The cast does an incredible job in interacting with the animals and making it all believable. My favorite character is Nim because she is not afraid to speak her mind, and will not let anyone push her around. My favorite scene is when Nim is going on the zip line. It looks really cool to ride and I would love to do it. I love the music as it fits in perfectly with the scenes.Brendan Maher directs Nim's Island. Author of the Nim's Island series, Wendy Orr, is the inspiration behind this film. Everyone does an amazing job – from the animals to all the cast – it makes an impact with an environmental message.The big message is that you should do everything you can to help the marine and wildlife, if you cannot, please do not harm it. Additionally, it emphasizes the idea to "never give up on what you want to do." I recommend,Return to Nim's Island for ages 7 to 14. Parents will enjoy it as much as their kids. If you love the wild you will love this film. I give this film an overwhelming 5 out of 5 stars. I love the adventure, cinematography, action and, of course, the humor.