Surf's Up (U) 2007 - ****Dir: Ash Brannon, Chris Buck
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Jeff Bridges, Zooey Deschanel
Synopsis: A documentary-style animation going behind the scenes at the yearly penguin surfing competition from Pen Gu Island, Surf's Up follows Cody Maverick (LaBeouf) as he tries to fulfil his life's dream of winning the contest.
Verdict: It tends to be the way with kids films that they appeal to adults as much, and this is definitely one of those heart warming films that puts a smile on your face.
Yes there are an abundance of clichés that fill up the plot, as you would expect from a film aimed at a younger audience, but these don't matter as they are expected and are part of what makes this genre of film so enjoyable.
The comedy is the sort of thing that appeals to children and grown-ups, from general slapstick that all enjoy, to some jokes that parents will understand more than the younger viewers. You know the jokes and you know what will happen so you don't really have to think too much.
The voice-acting talent is very well suited to the film. Jeff Bridges, commonly known as 'The Dude', fits the bill brilliantly for an ageing surfer, and LaBeouf's voice works as the young, cock-sure kid. Alongside the voicing is the soundtrack, which features some classic pop-rock, surf style and feel good music.
The other nice thing about this film is that it came out before the new fad for 3D came out, and the effects are focused on the animation - which shows. The CGI waves are the stand out feature of the animation, but the character and scenery animation is also very good, despite taking the back seat.
A good film to watch with the family on this long Bank Holiday weekend, or indeed at any old time on DVD.
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