Surf's Up

Like surfing movies? Like "Riding Giants"? Like CG animation? Like penguins? If you said yes to 2 or more of these, you will most likely enjoy this movie. I did.

We don't get many CG mockumentaries. This one sets the bar pretty high. There are some obvious references to one of the best surf documentaries of all time, Riding Giants. There are also enough beach and surf movie cliches to bring back some funny memories. This "cartoon" was good enough to earn an Oscar nom in for Best Animated Picture. Impressed yet?

Shia LaBeouf and Jeff Bridges play the two main characters. This is a very nice paring of voice talent with characters, and both have a unique sound. Zooey Deschanel and Jon Heder play the love interest and comic support perfectly. James Wood plays the Don King of surf promoters. Very funny.

References to other penguin movies of early and often. Both Happy Feet and March of the Penguins are spoofed here.

Watch this with someone who has spent time playing in or riding waves.