 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Surf's Up
- Review Date: October 8, 2007
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Kids will dive into penguin adventure, dude.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this animated comedy has been heavily marketed to kids, and those who liked Happy Feet will be particularly interested in seeing it. Although there's not much violence, there are a few mildly perilous scenes during the surfing competition and in old photos/footage. And (big surprise for an animated story) the main character has a dead parent -- in this case, a father who was eaten by a shark. There's some unfortunate potty talk (which parents might want to manage at home), a harmless flirtation between two penguins, and a surfing champ's bizarre attachment to his trophies, which he refers to as his "girls."
What's the story?
A clever homage to surfer flicks and documentary-style comedies, SURF'S UP follows the adventures of misfit penguin Cody (voiced by Shia LaBeouf) as he tries to become a surfing legend. Crediting his tenacious spirit to a childhood encounter with legendary late surfer Big Z, Cody (followed by a camera crew) ends up in Hawaii for a major surfing competition held in Z's honor. Cody eventually meets a hermitic penguin named Geek (Jeff Bridges), who's modeled exactly after Bridges' iconic alter ego The Dude from The Big Lebowski. Obviously, Geek is Big Z -- who never really wiped out after all -- and eventually, Z and the fatherless Cody get on the same wavelength. Jon Heder adds extra comic relief as Chicken Joe, Cody's laconic rooster surfing buddy who's so chill that he doesn't realize a tribe of penguins is trying to stew him, not give him a hot bath. Also adding to the comedy mix are Lani Zooey Deschnael, a beautiful lifeguard who's smitten with Cody, greedy surfing promoter Reggie (James Woods) -- an otter with a Don King hairdo -- and the competition's egomaniacal champ Tank Evans (voiced by comedian Diedrich Bader).
Is it any good?
Penguins have been all the cinematic rage since the Academy Award-winning documentary March of the Penguins became a surprise summer blockbuster in 2005. Next came 2006's coming-of-age musical -- and fellow Oscar winner -- Happy Feet. Surf's Up doesn't surpass the award-winning caliber of previous penguin films, but with its soundtrack of surfer tunes, impressive oceanic action visuals, and cast of droll characters, it's a fresh take on an otherwise overexposed animal.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the current penguin craze. Why do you think there are so many movies and cartoons featuring them, from March of the Penguins to Madagascar? Are newer movies just copying the older ones, or do they all have different things to offer? Families can also discuss sportsmanship and determination. Is it more important to enjoy a sport or be competitive at it? Can you be both without placing winning above all else? What does Big Z teach Cody about idolizing role models too much? Why do we place professional athletes on a pedestal?
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AGE
Beyond expectations!
Honestly, the premise of this movie had me avoiding it for months! I was so sure it would suck because of the idea of penguins surfing, then when my best friend in the whole world recommended it, I had to give it a shot, and it was WAY BETTER than I had anticipated. Yeah, it's cliched, unoriginal and not really a family movie, but it is just so funny and kept me laughing all the way through. I highly recommend this, ignore the neigh-sayers.
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AGE
Iffy potty language, penguin unination...necessary???
Superb animation, cute story. Why must we have to muck it up with so much poop, pee talk and farts etc? The penguin urinating on the other penguins foot while the girl penguin stands by was a little much. Good movies really can stand on their own without so much attention to bodily functions.
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AGE
Surf's Up, and my IQ is down...
If you're kids are young and still like animated movies, then take them to this. But be warned, while the animation is sweet, the movie will bore you to tears. I am an avid fan of penguin movies, and I was disappointed by this. Very cute, but very boring.
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AGE
Really not worth the hassle.
This show had too many sexual inferences for my taste. In one scene, a penguin was practically drooling over these trophies that he had named after women, and his tone, the way he behaved, was a bit over the top. And a statement made while a male and female penguin were showering together was inappropriate for a children's movie.
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AGE
Of the mish mash of penguin films, this is easily the best
This movie blows that really boring penguin film, Happy Feet, off the stage. With likable characters and a plot you actually care about, it succeeds on an emotional level, as well as having lots of laughs. The animation is good and the soundtrack is solid. Rent this and steer clear of Happy Feet.
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AGE
Cory learns that being your best means putting in a lot of hard work.
My children loved this movie. Yes, there was some humor that went over their heads, but in general the movie was great. When you can take a 2 year old and an 8 year old to the movies and they both come out happy...I say it is a winner!
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AGE
good for little kids
o my god where to start with this movie it was pretty crappy, but its not that bad it had good parts, but the only problem really is a little bit of language nothing too bad typical of a pg,and some sexaul stuff between the main characher and a love interset, and some mild vilogence with surfing accidents otherwise im sure your little kids will love this movie
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AGE
A superb (and utterly breathtaking) animated movie
When I was going to see Surf's Up for the first time, I didn't have high expectations. After watching the entire 88 minutes, I came out pleasantly suprised. Surf's Up is a fun animated comedy with heart, wit, and charm. The CGI is amazing, and kids (and parents) won't be disappointed by its engaging story. After seeing Ratatouille, Surf's Up rose my expectations on movies rivaling Pixar, as this was probably better than the former. Parents should keep in mind that there is a bit of language for a family-animated comedy. And some scenes are startling for younger kids.
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| Topics: | sports and martial arts, ocean creatures, wild animals |
| Studio: | Sony Pictures Animation |
| Directors: | Ash Brannon, Chris Buck |
| Cast: | Jeff Bridges, Shia LaBeouf, Zooey Deschanel |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 89 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | June 7, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | October 9, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | mild language and some rude humor. |
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