Surf?s Up is an animated feature that goes behind the scenes of the high-octane world of competitive penguin surfing. The film profiles Cody Maverick, an up-and-coming surfer as he enters his first pro competition. Inspir... more »ed by his hero, a legendary wave rider named Big Z, Cody leaves his family and his town of Shiverpool, Antarctica to travel to Pen Gu Island for the Big Z Memorial Surf Off. Cody believes that winning will bring him the admiration and respect he desires. But when he unexpectedly comes face to face with a washed up old surfer named The Geek, Cody begins to understand that the greatest champion isn?t always the one who comes in first« less
Amanda D. (sophiesperspective) Reviewed on 2/13/2013...
I almost didn't watch Surf's Up because I thought it be lame, ho-hum, and just another penguin movie...kindof along the lines of Happy Feet(which this movies does reference, much to my amusement).
Surf's Up was funny, entertaining, had good graphics, and I actually like the story/moral for the most part. Not that I can say all of the movie was entirely appropriate, and there were some parts they could have cut out, but it was certainly worth seeing. They also got the right people to do the voices (which is, naturally, a big asset). Part of what made the movie was the filming technique used to get the "documentary" feel, and the way they recorded the dialogue.
Oh, and I don't care what their little disclaimer said about none of the events or people bearing similarity to real life unless it be coincidental. I mean, two of the characters were playing "themselves." But that aside there were obvious references to real events that took place as recorded in the surfing documentary Riding Giants. And since I'd seen the documentary it made the movie that much more enjoyable.
Matthew M. from WAILUKU, HI Reviewed on 5/22/2010...
I thought it was fun... really liked it.
Linda M. (CodyKi) Reviewed on 11/1/2009...
very cute, my kids love it especially my son "Cody".
Movie Reviews
BEAUTIFUL ANIMATION AND FRESH APPROACH MAKE 'SURF'S UP' !
! MR. KNOW IT ALL ;-b | TRI STATE AREA | 11/04/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"'Surf's Up' is one of the best animated films I have ever seen or at least in the CGI era of animation. The Mockumentary style and incredible animation keep the story fresh, funny and amazing to look at! Even if your not a fan of animated films, this one may change your mind. The film also has a hip and appropriate soundtrack. The DVD transfer is excellent and this is a must see movie!.....Cowabunga!"
A wonderful, wonderful movie
John Brumit | Edmond, OK | 08/15/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When trailers for this movie were being shown in theaters, I groaned and felt that this would be a film riding on the success of the fantastic Happy Feet film. I was sure that it wouldn't stand on it's own, that it had no soul to it, it was just going to be fluff.
And I was proven wrong, and I'm glad for that. Surf's Up really makes itself stand on it's own, it truly is an individual in the penguin movie crowd. It doesn't NEED to ride on Happy Feet's coattails, it creates its own beautiful world and really stays strong throughout the (sadly short) film.
I was struck with how beautiful the scenery was, and how alive every character was. It's completely fantastic how real and believable everyone is, and that is thanks to the documentary style, without a doubt. The documentary style is a true asset to this film's heart and soul. You're not just watching events unfold, you feel like this actually happened, the filming, the location, the Pen Gu contest, that they're living and breathing. It's really impressive.
I watched Surf's Up three times while it was in the theaters, and I can't wait to own the DVD. Don't listen to yourself if you think it's just another penguin movie, it isn't.
Beautiful, beautiful movie, as Cody says "You'll wanna watch it over and over!""
Best animated film ever (Well maybe second to Nemo...)
Jim Ratajski | Michigan | 08/15/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I stack this next to Nemo. Granted, I like other "films" like Cars, Toy Story and Incredibles, However....
Surf's up took me and my three children (7,5,3) by surprise. I personally hated happy feet. Not sure what all the hype was about with that one. A big name cast and a lot of marketing was all that one had.
This is fresh and completely captured my dream of what surfing and the whole idea of being free is all about.
Also recommend "Step into Liquid". Bought that DVD (actual surfing documentary) after seeing this one because some day (Lord willing) we will be taking the kids to Hawaii or some exotic local... And all of us will learn how to surf."
Beautiful, Thoughtful movie. Gorgeous in 3-D
beta | 10/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was more thoughtful and appealing than I ever expected. And the colors and animation were gorgeous, especially in 3-D. TV Eyes 3-D Glasses: Watch any movie in 3-D Everything was more vivid and impressive. Penguins on a tropical island should have been ridiculous, but it wasn't. It was a very lovable, heartwarming story. The settings and background were very lush and detailed and the ocean scenes, sunsets and waves were all rendered fantastically well. There's one scene at the end where the young penguin finally gets to go "in the tube" that mystical experience that all surfers long for where you are actually inside the wave, with the water rising up as a wall beside you and arching over your head, completely encasing you in an enchanting microcosm of water and light. And this looked great in 3-D! It really enhanced it. I saw the movie first in 3-D then went back and watched it regular to compare. There was no comparison, the scene and the visuals are much more powerful in 3-D. At least to me.
This is really a coming of age story. The usual "young man finding his own path and strength" type movie. It's done so well you don't even notice they're penguins half the time. But there's also loads of laughs. Chicken Joe is worth seeing this movie for all by himself. He's your typical, mellow, surfer dude. Even down to the slouch and the language. But unlike most TV "dudes" he's not at all irritating. In fact, he's wonderfully funny. He's so calm and unruffled that he even takes being kidnapped by cannibals in stride. (And rememeber, he "tastes like chicken") But he's a great friend, and his adventures alone in the jungle are hysterical.
The one group of people who also contribute greatly to this movie, are one's you never see, the camera crew. They follow Cody and Chicken Joe around all over the place "filming" for posterity. And they come in for their own portion of abuse in the antics they are observing. Even the cameraman is not immune to cannibals. And a lot of their "off camera" comments are totally funny.
This was a good hearted, thoughtful, feel good movie, mixed in with lots of pratfalls, goofy takes and unlikely adventures that keep it fun for the kids and the young at heart. The scenery is beautiful, the characters are diverse (they're not all penguins) and the surf culture background is well researched, even down to giving some of the penguins Hawaiian tattoos.
It's those kind of details that make it great. Definitely worth a watch. (Warning! You may never get your younger kids to STOP watching it.) And definitely see it in 3-D, it adds a lot. This is not just another Happy Feet (another great movie that you should also see in 3-D, very cool.) The two movies are far apart in tone, but should definitely sit side by side on your shelf. Great fun! "