Review of Chasing Mavericks (2012) by Lisa Ann N — 22 Oct 2012

All these surfing films are the same - deep philosophy & respect for the waves, spectacular footage as boards & surfers race inside massive walls of water, but the story is landlocked & caught up in simplistic, melodramatic plot devices.

This one's based on a true story & the performances by leads Gerard Butler & John Weston are fine. I just wish the conventional romance, dealing with daddy issues, bullies & an alcoholic mother were skipped over since they leaden the plot - with very predictable outcomes.

Documentaries of the surfing lifestyle work (Riding GIants, Step Into Liquid, Endless Summer); dramas one the topic fall short (Soul Surfer, Surfer Dude, Point Break, etc.). I did enjoy the 90's soundtrack (haven't heard Butthole Surfers & Mazzy Star in a long while!), but coming from acclaimed directors Curtis Hanson & Michael Apted, I hoped for so much more.