Review of Surf's Up (2007) by Marie-Perle R — 18 Oct 2009
Sony Pictures Animation have tried to get their foot on the ladder of CGI animated films since their first release with Open Season (2006), here they do a sort-of mockumentary about surfing penguins. It's not just another penguin film, (it came out shortly after Happy Feet (2006) and March of the Penguins (2005)), it's got an edge and heart too.
It begins in Shiverpool, Antartica, where penguin Cody Maverick (Shia LaBeouf), dreams of being a surfer, like his hero Zeke 'Big Z' Topanga. And he gets a chance to compete in the annual Penguin World Surfing Championship, ran by Reggie Belafonte (James Woods), but Cody finds himself up against the fearsome champ Tank 'The Shredder' Evans (Diedrich Bader).
Cody's confidence is dented after one big wipe out, and he encounters Geek (Jeff Bridges), a recluse aging former surfer, who agrees to teach him to beat Tank. It's an interesting idea for a film, and it's very entertaining too, quite underrated too.
It's well made, and it's just as good, if not better, than the other penguin films that stole it's thunder. The vocal cast are top notch, and nicely rounded out by Zooey Deschanel as lifeguard Lani and Jon Heder as Chicken Joe.
This review of Surf's Up (2007) was written by Marie-Perle R on 18 Oct 2009.
Surf's Up has generally received positive reviews.
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