Review of Chasing Mavericks (2012) by Bhawk — 26 Oct 2012

As a late-blooming (yet bona fide) beach bum, The Hawk was anxious to catch Chasing Mavericks on the big screen before its inevitable quick turnover to dvd. Fully knowing that this one would not be a potential Oscar contender in a any category what-so-ever, and that the family-friendly film would likely have a routine, formulaic dramatic arc to it, with few (if any) surprises, didn't matter at all. If its got gigantic, ocean waves in it, with pro surfers taking them on like bareback bronco riders in a wild west show, The Hawk would be there. This true story of a young 16 yr-old surfing prodigy and his courage to face one of the largest waves ever recorded on film was a thrillingly inspirational experience. However,...if you're looking for a flick that fits the definition of film as art that will remain in your mind for years to come for its originality and creativity,... one will need to look elsewhere.

Despite its one-dimensional characters and strictly perfunctory direction and acting, the jaw-dropping. hardcore, surfing scenes (of which there are many) are beautifully shot, giving a graphic sensation of the power and majesty of the ocean surf like no film that I've seen before. The cinematography in this film both made me want to jump right into the thick of it, as well as stay as far away as possible from the danger and terror of the ocean's insurmountable power as I could get, all at once. One has no choice but to be impressed with the courage and confidence these athletes must have in order to take on such monstrously treacherous dragons that these infamous waves at legendary Mavericks near Santa Cruz, CA are.

Chasing Mavericks is very hard not to like, if you love being on, in, and around the ocean as much as I do. Even those whose idea of going to the beach is limited to eating boardwalk fries, riding carnival attractions, and building sandcastles will likely appreciate the magical setting of the west coast shore and those that take to riding its wildest waves like water cowboys on untamed stallions. Grade = B.