The biographical film tells the coming-of-age story of teen surfer Jay Moriarity (Jonny Weston), who conquered Mavericks - a surfing hotspot in California, known for its monstrous waves - aged only 16.
Jay's neighbour, Frosty Hesson (Gerard Butler), saves the teen one day when he is dragged from shore by a massive wave. Frosty becomes Jay's surfing hero; when Jay learns that Frosty surfs at Mavericks, he wants to learn from him.
The directors do a tremendous job of capturing the epic nature of, and fear caused by the all-engulfing waves. Panning shots of the powerful water and of agile surfers conquering towering waves are breathtaking.
Unfortunately, the top-notch videography is marred by a mundane - almost cheesy - father-and-son storyline, and poorly timed music, which obscures potentially thought-provoking lines.
Nonetheless, with its touching messages, it still makes for a great family movie.
YP Rating: 2/5