Review of North Shore (1987) by Timothy S — 08 Dec 2011

There isn't much of a plot to be found in "North Shore", but there is a lot of pretty cool surfing footage and if you're watching this film that's probably all you're interested in anyway. There's plenty of pretty scenery, lots of pretty girls and a whole script-full of some pretty terrible dialogue, but not much substance.

You won't have to look very far to find a couple dozen of films with a similar variation on this same plot at your local video store, and while it may not be the worst film you're likely to see, it is pretty lazy and uninspired. You have to call Matt Adler a star simply because he has the lead role in this, but he lacks any of the charisma or acting talent it would take to actually make him a star. Gregory Harrison plays the film's Mr. Miyagi, but his low-key and laid back performance didn't do much to help him make the transition to movie stardom either. Pretty newcomer Nia Peeples is sweet and great to look at, but she isn't given much to do besides of being pretty and sweet.

The colorful characters are all stereotypical surfer dudes, but the film doesn't give you much insight into their culture. It's more interested in making their easy-going lifestyle look glamourous. The surfing footage is admittedly impressive, but that just doesn't make a movie. The actual surfing champions are more natural in front of the camera than the so-called professional actors.

"North Shore" is a slight and forgettable effort with a lot of pretty pictures but little else. You'd be better off with a documentary.