Surf's Up (2007)

This Movie Is About: Cody Maverick (Shia LaBeouf) is a penguin in the Antarctic. He wants to be the best surfer in the world. That has been his dream ever since Big Z, a legendary surfer, came to his small little town of Shiverpool and gave him a limited edition necklace. He has struggled all this life with people not believing in him, always being the smallest guy in the fight and having a dream that no one else sees. But that's going to change when a talent scout comes looking for the next big thing and brings Cody to the biggest surfing competition, The Big Z Memorial where the 9 time defending champion, Tank Evans will attempt to get this 10th trophy. Cody is a small fish out in big waters as he's thrown over his head and the only person that can help him is a chicken (Jon Heder) and an old recluse, Geek, who is more than he seems.

You Should Watch This Movie Because: if you've seen animated movies, then you will know that any time you put penguins in animated form, they are super cute! Okay, so that will sell the female audiences, but what about you guys out there that want to see a 'real' movie? Just because this movie isn't live action doesn't mean it's not entertaining. Sure it's not as funny as some of the other animated films in recent memories and it's definitely not an instant classic like things out of Pixar but there is something special about this film that really makes it worth watching. I think it's the real human condition that this movie explores. We all want big things or have dreams that get us through our day and this movie explores that theme to the fullest. It puts us in Cody's situation and really makes us question what our dreams are really worth and if there aren't more important things, simplier things in life that should be appreciated.

What's Hot: When I turned this movie on, all I knew about it was that it was a surfing movie with penguins. I thought it was going to be stupid and no way could it be as entertaining as some of the other animated films. But as soon as the first scene came on, I realized that this is a mockumentry. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's basically a fictional movie shot like a documentry. So there is a crew that follows Cody around and does interviews with the people around him to comment on what's going on and their perspective on surfing and life in general. This was very interesting and gave the movie a whole new feeling and spin that made it real entertaining to watch not only because it was new but also helped bring the story and characters to life. There are also some serious golden moments in the background during interviews that are freakin' hilarious and that can only be achieved with this kind of style.

What's Not Hot: I'm afraid that this movie is a kids' movie, straight up. There isn't very much in here that will make people old enough to remember the Rolling Stones want to watch it. The subject of the movie is for kids and teenagers who has a dream or is so caught up in something and forgets to look at the big picture. But that's all expected when you go watch this movie but just don't go in there expecting something that you will talk about by the cooler the next day. It's fun and funny, but I'm afraid that's all it is.

Last Comments: Surf's Up while entertaining at certain parts, fails to bring that magic to cinema quite like Pixar. Part of it is the animation style but another is how the story deals with issues that might not be as universal as everyone might think. Surfing is fun and cool but not many people surf and while they do a good job in showing you all the aspects of surfing you're never really into it as much as some of the other animated films. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed watching this movie and getting lost for an hour and a bit in a world where penguins love to surf and following Cody as he tries to prove himself to his family and follow his dream. A great family film of course because it has such a sweet ending you could die.

Breaking It Down:
Story: 7.8 (Don Rhymer & Ash Brannon)
Direction: 8.5 (Ash Brannon & Chris Buck)
Voice Acting: 8.0
Animation: 7.2
Music/Sound: 6.0

Entertainment Value: 7.5 (not an average)