SURF'S UP, 2007
Movie Review

A behind-the-scenes look at the annual Penguin World Surfing Championship, and its newest participant, up-and-comer Cody Maverick.

Robert's Review

A stylistically daring CGI feature, "Surf's Up" is based on the groundbreaking revelation that surfing was actually invented by penguins. In the film, a documentary crew will take audiences behind the scenes and onto the waves during the most competitive, dangerous, and heartbreaking display of surfing known – the Penguin World Surfing Championship. The story centers on up-and-comer Cody Maverick (Shia LaBeouf) who leaves his home and family in Shiverpool, Antarctica and travels to Pen Gu Island for the Big Z Memorial Surf Off. Along the way, Cody meets surf nut Chicken Joe (Jon Heeder), a famous surf promoter Reggie Belafonte (James Woods), surf talent scout Mikey Abromowitz (Mario Cantone), and a spirited lifeguard Lani Aliikai (Zooey Deschanel), all of whom recognize Cody's passion for surfing, even if it sometimes goes too far. Cody believes that winning will bring him the admiration and respect he desires, but when he unexpectedly comes face-to-face with a washed up old surfer named Geek (Jeff Bridges), Cody begins to find his own way, and he discovers that a true winner isn't always the one who comes in first.

"Surf's Up" is an awesome movie and my favorite animated movie of the year! It's fresh, fun and the animation is absolutely stunning. The animation is so good that I wasn't sure if the water, waves and lush greenery on the island were CGI or not. I loved the story and it had a great message for kids about being a true winner, not just someone who gets first place. The voice acting was excellent all-round and Shia LaBeouf did a phenomenal job. I'm liking him more and more with each passing movie; that kid has some serious talent and he's going to be a megastar some day soon. Plus at only 85 minutes… "Surf's Up" is perfect for

All in all, I'd give this movie 4.5 STARS (out of 5). Re-watch value: HIGH (I'll see this again in theaters for sure).

Brett's Review

"Surf's Up" is an animated comedy about the high-octane world of competitive surfing. The film profiles teenage Rockhopper penguin Cody Maverick (Shia LaBeouf), and up-and-coming surfer, as he enters his first competition. Followed by a camera crew to document his experiences, Cody leaves his family and home in Shiverpool, Antarctica to travel to Pen Gu Island for the Big Z Memorial Surf Off. Along the way, Cody meets surf nut Chicken Joe (Jon Heeder), a famous surf promoter Reggie Belafonte (James Woods), surf talent scout Mikey Abromowitz (Mario Cantone), and a spirited lifeguard Lani Aliikai (Zooey Deschanel), all of whom recognize Cody's passion for surfing, even if it sometimes goes too far. Cody believes that winning will bring him the admiration and respect he desires, but when he unexpectedly comes face-to-face with a washed up old surfer named Geek (Jeff Bridges), Cody begins to find his own way, and discovers that a true winner isn't' always the one who comes in first.

I was very pleasantly surprised with this movie, at first I thought it was going to be another penguin movie, however it just has penguins in it. I really enjoyed the movie and thought the CGI was really excellently done; the story itself was good and could have been told from any perspective. I think the adults and kids will enjoy the movie and really get something out of it. I found this movie less political than "Happy Feet" it also brings forth an easier to understand message for the kids not "rise against the power" but more of a "never give up" attitude. Between the kids jokes, the adult jokes, and the soundtrack it really was a good movie.

Overall Rating: 3.5 Stars (out of 5). Re-Watch Value: Moderate (I will probably purchase on DVD.)

Trivia: The film's translation in Russia is "Catch the Wave!"

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