Blue Crush

Movie review by Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Blue Crush Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Surfer heroine story has some profanity, drinking, drugs.

PG-13 2002 105 minutes
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 6 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Blue Crush is a 2002 movie about a young woman in Hawaii determined to be a champion surfer. The lead character, Anne Marie, shows determination and perseverance to overcome the naysayers who don't think she can compete in what has historically been a male-dominated sport. She is also trying to raise her tween little sister, who is now frequently getting into trouble, going to parties, drinking alcohol, and smoking marijuana. Main characters have sex. Some gross-out scenes occur: While working as a maid in a hotel, one of the lead characters steps on a used condom that gets stuck to her shoe. Vomit and excrement are shown in a trashed hotel room. There's some profanity: "s--t," "a--hole," "pissed," "bitch," "hell," "nut hugger," and "p--n." There's also some violence and peril: The memory of Anne Marie wiping out and injuring her head by smashing into a coral reef is shown several times throughout the movie.

Community Reviews

sb34chick
sb34chick Adult
November 21, 2009
age 13+

Teens Approved

The main role model in this story is a young adult, surfergirl, dropout who is struggling to raise her kid sister and instill values that she isn't exactly living out. Through this story the girls mature and grow together, building a positive relationships and overcoming fears. Questionable moments in this flick: The young sister does make some poor decisions and is found smoking and drinking and partying. The older sister and friends are housecleaning and find condums in one of the hotel rooms and quit their jobs over the issue.

This title has:

Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
jumpinbini
jumpinbini Adult
April 9, 2008
age 13+
This movie has a "You can achieve, if you just believe" (I know, corny)message to it. The main character has a handful of obstacles that she has to overcome throughout the movie in order for her to reach her goal, which is to become a professional surfer. She has real life responsibilities including taking care of her younger adolescent sister and paying the bills on time. A true story of struggle and determination. I highly recommend this movie to teens and older.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Set in Hawaii, BLUE CRUSH centers on Anne Marie (Kate Bosworth), a tough-on-the-outside but vulnerable-on-the-inside surfer girl who has what it takes to be world-class if she can just (1) get over the fear she has had since almost drowning, (2) manage to train for her big chance while supporting herself and her younger sister, and (3) not get distracted by Prince Charming, a cute quarterback named Matt. Pals played by Michele Rodriguez and real-life surfer Sanoe Lake provide support.

Is It Any Good?

Blue Crush offers no special insight or freshness. But oh, the visuals! Hawaii's glorious natural resources, including many very pretty girls in tiny bikinis, are lovingly photographed. The surfing scenes are breathtaking, and the water is the most vivid and memorable character in the movie, but some may find the MTV-style camera tricks annoying.

The three actresses have a nice, easy camaraderie and it's easy to believe that they have lived together forever with a mixture of familial bickering and unquestioned loyalty and understanding. On the other hand, amid the female empowerment, there are some issues that make the characters less than ideal role models. Anne Marie accepts a lot of money ($1,000 for "surfing lessons") and expensive gifts from the quarterback, and has sex with him after knowing him for a couple of days. Still, teen surfing fans will enjoy the ride.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the obstacles Anne Marie must overcome – not just finding a way to support herself and doing all the training, but also overcoming her fears of failing and of succeeding.

  • How does the movie show the reality of a young woman trying to make a living while raising her rebellious tween sister?

  • This movie was based on a magazine article called "Surf Girls of Maui." What do you think would be the challenges in taking a magazine article about the life of a group of female surfers in Hawaii and turning that into a movie?

Movie Details

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