Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Surfing flick is a feel-good friendship story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Blue Crush 2
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 for straight-to-DVD sequels of movies that came out nearly a decade earlier, but this one 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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 7, 2011
- Cast : Elizabeth Mathis , Sasha Jackson , Sharni Vinson
- Director : Mike Elliott
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 112 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : a fight sequence, brief nudity and a sexual reference
- Last updated : September 21, 2019
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