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entertaining u newspaper: your weekly guide to entertainment
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Seen, Heard, Noted & Quoted
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by morgan henley freefunk322@aol.com
A Rated PG 85 min.
Well, first off, and most importantly, do not dismiss Surf’s Up as another penguin movie. It’s probably going to be the summer’s biggest non-sequel blockbuster. The movie, which was made to mock a surf documentary, features a young penguin, Cody, who lives on the tropical Pen-Gu Island. Cody enters a surf contest that features other surfing penguins who resemble, and are voiced by, actual pro surfers Kelly Slater and Rob Machado.
The quality of the picture and amazing CGI animation will sometimes make you wonder if this is the real thing or animated. There’s a lot you can do with the fur of a penguin and the clarity of a sparkling blue wave. In a world where HD quality is the norm, Surf’s Up doesn’t disappoint. Hailed by some as being one of the most advanced animated movies ever made, the details are impeccable. If you’ve never watched a surf documentary, they’re pretty well known for having a crystal clear picture, which is obviously reflected into Surf’s Up.
The documentary style really gives the film more humor and a niche. The news crew from the SPEN channel covers the surf contest, along with the documentary-makers who are following Cody. The characters throughout narrate the events with personal interviews. Cody’s surfer attitude shines through and makes him all the more loveable.
The soundtrack also helps add to the realistic approach. Playing family friendly, chill rock songs helps give the film a beachy feel. You’ll probably leave the theater thinking how the soundtrack would make perfect day-at-the-beach music. The soundtrack calls on such artists as 311, Lauryn Hill, Incubus, and Pearl Jam.
The film really and truly is your best bet for a family pleasing summer movie. Who doesn’t love penguins, honestly? After the success of films like March of the Penguins and Happy Feet the popularity of these tuxedo-clad waddle kings has soared. Kids will enjoy the do-gooder message and talking animals. Teens will appreciate the surf culture of the film along with the sly humor from Chicken Joe, Cody’s surfing chicken friend that adds constant laughs as the wacky, sidekick. Parents will also get a kick out of the characters and constant laughs throughout. The jaw-dropping quality of the picture will also leave everyone happy.
It’s got a Pixar animation quality and a Disney-esque plotline, with a little edge of it’s own that’s going to give the Sony Animation film an extra boost. This is only Sony’s second major animated movie after last year’s Open Season.
Cody is voiced by former Disney Channel star, Shia Lebouf, who provides the perfect voice for the young and inexperienced surfing penguin. Tank Evans, Cody’s too-cocky rival, is great with his blatant disregard for modesty and intimidating moves. Cody’s love interest is a cute penguin named Lani, voiced by popular actress Zooey Deschanel, who helps Cody get out of a rough time by comforting him and introducing him to surfing legend “Big Z”, voiced by Jeff Bridges.
Throughout the movie, there are interviews that sound like they are actually from real surfers, which give the movie more of a factual appearance, although the whole “talking penguin” thing clears the way for any possible misinterpretations.
Overall, it’s fun, it’s cute, and it’s perfect for the family.
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EU Critic’s Choice Awards
