Review of Chasing Mavericks (2012) by Thomas W — 07 Apr 2013

Wanting to be motivational and heartfelt, Chasing Mavericks ends up being neither as the two central characters aren't developed well-enough onscreen for either of them to come across as realistic or overly like-able (something necessary when the story is based on a set of real life people).

Jay Moriarty is a 15 year old surfer who has just recently learned of some "epic" waves that come ashore near his own home in Santa Cruz, California. In able to surf them, he enlists the help of a surf master played by Gerard Butler.

The characters come across as rather shallow which is unfortunate as the central character, Jay, was actually well-liked and motivational. The film fails to enspire and it actually makes surfing out to be a rather selfish sport -- do any of these people work or do they simply get to "play" all day? The film is disappointing, disappointing, disappointing.

A film with potential becomes little more than a movie that is barely watchable.