
Animation at it's BEST!!!

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.
Review ID: 10000000004982360

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