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Blue Crush 2
- Review Date: June 5, 2011
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Surfing flick is a feel-good friendship story.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this surfing flick is a sequel to the 2002 sleeper hit Blue Crush, but it has less cursing and sexual references and stronger themes about family, friendship, and world culture (South Africa). The protagonist and her on-screen best friend are both fantastic surfers, and they're positive female role models who, rather than compete with each other, help each other reach their dreams. There's some mild romance -- flirting, dancing, and kissing -- and a few of the usual swear words ("s--t," "bitch," "bulls--t"), as well as one fistfight that leaves two guys slightly bloody faced. Overall, the movie teaches positive lessons about paying tribute to your parents and meeting your goals.
What's the story?
Dana (Sasha Jackson) seems to have it all -- a huge house in Beverly Hills, a scholarship to university, and a summer to do what she loves best, surf. But after a fight with her father, Dana decides to take a spontaneous trip to South Africa, where her late mother was born and raised. When Dana arrives in South Africa, she meets up with Pushy (Elizabeth Mathis), who takes her to a surfers' commune. There -- with a little help --- the two young women embark on an odyssey to fulfill Dana's mother's dream of surfing the legendary waves at Jeffrey's Bay.
Is it any good?
There aren't high expectations involved in straight-to-DVD sequels of movies that came out nearly a decade earlier, but somehow, against all odds, BLUE CRUSH 2 manages to be entertaining enough to merit a spot in the rental queue. It's not that the acting is remarkable; the most recognizable actress is Sharni Vinson, who was a standout in Step-Up 3D but here is just a supporting player who comes on to say snarky one-liners. No matter; the surfing scenes are still thrilling (the film was shot on South Africa's beaches), and the chemistry between the two friends is refreshingly sweet and collaborative.
Considering how many movies pit best female friends against each other as rivals, it's a pleasant surprise to see two young women who aren't vying for the same guy, job, or wedding venue. In fact, the two guys in the movie are just romantic filler; the heart of the story is how native Pushy and California girl Dana work together to catch better waves, pay tribute to Dana's mother, and help Pushy land a spot on the professional surfing team.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the movie is an example of the "hero's journey" and how everyone needs help to reach their goals.
Why are there fewer movies about female athletes? How would the movie have been different if the main characters were guys?
Although the movie is set in South Africa, most of the characters are white. How are race and stereotypes handled in the movie?
How are the two potential love interests opposites? Was the elephant poaching subplot necessary or believable?
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AGE
Great movie!
It's a great movie for Tweens and teens. It is so much fun to watch and it really embraces being a free spirit.
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AGE
yay a surf film that is very good
best surfing romance film ever made :D
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| Studio: | Universal Studios Home Entertainment |
| Director: | Mike Elliott |
| Cast: | Elizabeth Mathis, Sasha Jackson, Sharni Vinson |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 112 minutes |
| DVD release date: | June 7, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | a fight sequence, brief nudity and a sexual reference |
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