Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kids will dive into penguin adventure, dude.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Surf's Up
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 19 parent reviews
Based on 26 kid reviews
Kids say this animated movie is amusing and visually captivating, appealing to younger audiences with its humor and positive messages despite some edgy content that may go over the heads of very young viewers. Many reviewers appreciated its unique mockumentary style and clever storytelling, while noting concerns about a few inappropriate scenes that could be uncomfortable for older kids.
- humor
- animation quality
- positive messages
- age-appropriate concerns
- unique storytelling
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
This is a fresh take on an otherwise overexposed animal. 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 it does feature a cool soundtrack of surfer tunes, impressive oceanic action visuals, and a cast of droll characters.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 7, 2007
- On DVD or streaming : October 9, 2007
- Cast : Jeff Bridges , Shia LaBeouf , Zooey Deschanel
- Directors : Ash Brannon , Chris Buck
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures Animation
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Ocean Creatures , Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild language and some rude humor.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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