Review of Surf's Up (2007) by Bryanbezter — 13 May 2020

The animation, character designs, world-building, sandy beaches, humor, and character development are wonderful. The movie is emotional and gives great message about friendship. Great performances by Shia LaBeouf as Cody Maverick, Jeff Bridges as Zeke Big Z/Geek Topanga, Zooey Deschanel as Lani Aliikai, Jon Heder as Chicken Joe, Mario Cantone as Mikey Abromowitz, James Woods as Reggie Belafonte, and Diedrich Bader as Tank The Shredder Evans. The movie is extremely similar to Cars.

If not because of this movie's similarity to Cars, it would score higher. Both lead characters are young male sportsmen who want to be champion in their respective field. The movie tells about the characters' development in just few days before their respective competitions. Both characters are stuck in a new place, meeting a beautiful, brave and significant female character who become their girlfriends. The female characters have close relation to an older male character who serves as the lead character's mentor. Later on, these mentors are revealed to be a legend, in which people thought they were dead after an accident when they are performing in their own sport competition. These mentors hide, and through spending some time with the lead actor, they decide to help and train the mentee and finally show up in their mentee's competition. Their message is the same that the trophy is not the most important thing, and they should actually enjoy their sporting activities. In the end, both lead actors do not win their competition but are respected because they choose to save their friend, although they have the chance win. Their arrogant and talkative rival wins end the end but does not get the credits that they expect.

Messages from the movie:

1. We should never abandon our friends when they need us or when we are celebrating success.

2. The most important thing about sport and competition is not about winning, it is about our determination and effort. We should always play fair, relax, and enjoy the whole process. Do not let our ego take over.