Surf's Up (DVD, 2007, Special Edition; Full Frame)

Sony Pictures Animation ups the bar with SURF'S UP, but not without a few minor snags... so let's start with those.
First, a predictable, over-done storyline (likeable, misunderstood slacker makes good with the help of long-time hero), but hey, it's a kids movie, still there are no elements to the plot that even make it remotely unique.
Secondly, it drags a bit at times. It took my 5 year old daughter two sittings to get through it. In all fairness, it WAS a few days after Christmas and her attention was being pulled in a lot of different directions.
What was good about it? Where do I start?
Animation... WOW! Visually, this movie is a real treat. I'd be hard pressed to come up with a better example of the 'true art' of animation. The motion is so fluid and precise; the colors are vibrant and almost overwhelming; the backgrounds, the water, the skies- perfect.
Next- the characters and the actors behind them. The vocal casting is inpeccable with Shia LeBeouf (Transformers, I, Robot, etc...) as the voice of Cody Maverick. He delivers a believeable, energetic performance and the synchronization of the vocals and animation is spot on. Some of the expressions the characters display are at times heart-felt and hilarious. Jeff Bridges (Big Z/Geek) and James Woods (as Reggie, the Don King of the penguin surfing world) lend opposing viewpoints to the 'sport', and the potrayal of Chicken Joe by Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite, Blades of Glory) is an off-beat, quirky classic. Other standouts include Zooey Deschanel (Lani), Dietrich Bader (Tank) and Mario Cantone (Mikey).
The 'mockumentary' style of the movie does add an intresting element, but not enough to call it unique. The inclusion of real-life surf heroes Kelly Slater and Rob Machado was a nice touch. Even directors Chris Buck and Ash Brannon get into the act as the voices of the film crew.
Soundtrack? Excellent! The blend of both classic and contemporary tunes adds a touch of nostalgia while keeping the overall feel current and upbeat.
All in all, a great movie for parent to enjoy with their kids... the only things that kept me from rating it 'excellent' were the occasional slow points and lack of originality in the script.

Teenage penguin Cody (the too-deep-for-a-young-hero voice of Shia LaBeouf) pursues his life-long goal of becoming a professional surfer. Structured as if a documentary is being made about Cody's experiences, this computer-animated flick also features the voices of Zooey Deschanel, Jeff Bridges, Jon Heder, James Woods and Diedrich Bader.

Big question: After last year's "Happy Feet," do we need another penguin movie about following your dreams?

"Surf's Up" is too laid-back to really boogie--as if it prefers sipping pina coladas to catching waves--and not funny enough to compensate for merely average animation. There are better ways to entertain kids, like actually spending time outside and learning how to surf.

If you want an animated movie with animals who don't sing and dance. You'll be ecstatic when Cody proclaims he can do neither!

Some imagination is put into the occasionally amusing documentary approach--a sea urchin's gripes after being stepped on earn a hearty chuckle--and a little creativity goes a long way in today's animated kingdom. But being better than "Meet the Robinsons" and "TMNT" isn't a major accomplishment, and the best thing to say about the disposable but not annoying "Surf's Up" is, well, it's not terrible.

Directed by Ash Brannon and Chris Buck; screenplay by Don Rhymer, Brannon, Buck and Christopher Jenkins; senior animation supervision by David Schaub; edited by Ivan Bilancio; music by Mychael Danna; produced by Jenkins. A Columbia Pictures release; opens Friday. Running time: 1:25. MPAA rating: PG (for mild language and some rude humor).

Cody Maverick - Shia LaBeouf

Chicken Joe - Jon Heder

Lani Aliikai - Zooey Deschanel

Big Z - Jeff Bridges

THIS FILM IS A RENTAL FOR SURE!

A special, small and underrated film, Surf's Up didn't make much of a splash amidst the brasher summer blockbusters, but with it's spectacular scenery, breath taking animation and dead-on performances, it deserves a second look.
Perhaps the more intimate setting of the living room will give viewers a chance to appreciate the understated nature of the film...the jokes are funny without being frantic, the sentiment genuine and not overbearing.
And of course the story and characters all play against an animated landscape that, once one gets beyond how beautifully the scenes are rendered, instantly brings the viewer into the movie and allows for that suspension of disbelief that makes for a perfect evening's escape.
I can only hope that enough people will give this understated and under-rated gem a viewing and raise it to the status of animated classic that it so richly deserves.

It was a reality show theme.
"Big Z" was Cody's idol. No one believed in Cody to be an awesome surfer but he met Z once when he was really young and Z told him never give up on your dreams and that's what got him through to the time of trying out for the competition and the actual competition. Also, everything in between.
It is a nice movie I have allowed my young children to see it. There was only 1 small part that I didn't really care for but it did go along with the movie. When Cody wiped out over the reef/fire urchins.
Oh, And there's a part with "Tank" in his bedroom-nasty!
Overall, yes this is a movie I would recommend there's alot of good songs!
Parents may want to watch first to make sure you're comfortable allowing your children to see something so grown up - innuendos.(The scene with Tank in his room)

I love this movie!!!
Even thought this is about the main character Cody, every single character is just as important as him and without them, I don't think the movie would've been successful. Cute characters, good story, good music, just a great movie!!!
And little games in bonus feature is great for little kids: )