Surf’s Up
If at first those “happy feet” didn’t succeed, the recent craze of those tiny, adorable, and furry little penguins tries and tries again. This time they finally hit one out of the park. In “Surf’s Up,” they are not only in the movie; they are the movie. This delightful mockumentary (fake documentary) about a surfing penguin named Cody Maverick takes its viewers on a journey across the continents and doesn’t forget to give you something to laugh about. The narrative is simple and predictable, but there really is nothing better than the outrageous comedy that “Surf’s Up” surprisingly delivers.
From amidst the sea of over-hyped sequels and lackluster entries in the box office of 2007, there emerges a tiny little film that gets its kicks from whole-hearted laughs. From the opening scenes of “Surf’s Up,” it is evident that even through the development of the story the producers stop at nothing to deliver the laughs. We are introduced to Cody, a penguin stuck in Shiverpool, Antarctica who dreams of making it big as a surfer. As a kid, Cody was inspired by the greatest surfer there ever was: the legendary Big Z. Even through all of this storytelling, there is always something going on in the background like a penguin getting clobbered by a random flying object. While the mockumentary style flows at breakneck speeds, keep an eye out for tiny Arnold as he gets himself into loads of trouble. Your head will surely be jarring in laughter once you realize these penguins seem as happy to get on camera as the next bird.
The voice talent is impressive and dead on target. Shia LaBeouf voices the cocky Cody Maverick as he shows his strengths with limitless delivery and ease. Jeff Bridges seemingly reprises his role as “the Dude Lebowski” while he plays a giant laid back sort of penguin named Geek who brings unconventional help to Cody. Fans of the television series, “Lost,” may see images of the always likable castaway, Hurley, etched into their minds from of Bridges’ lovable character. The film is further enlightened by the voice of the always flirtatious and friendly Zooey Deschanel, probably most known by the target audience from her role as Jovie in “Elf.” Here, Zooey lends her voice as lifeguard Lani, whom Cody has an affection for. Napoleon Dynamite’s Jon Heder even lends his voice to the equally spacey Chicken Joe as shows his talent in crafting a lovable animated voice.
Sony’s animation talent has improved from their last efforts in “Monster House” and “Open Season.” The digital ocean waves they’ve created cut as crisp and deafening as the real thing. With its jagged documentary-like camera, delightful characters, and unmistakably constant theme, Surf’s Up makes Happy Feet look like a mockery.
Overall, this is a much needed breath of fresh air among the undeserving box office contenders. If you are at all upset by the recent downfall of summer blockbusters of this season, consider taking this film for a spin. It’s a sure fire surf board of fun that the entire family can enjoy.
Surf’s Up
Rated PG for mild language and some rude humor
Runtime: 85 min.
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Zooey Deschanel, Jon Heder, James Woods, Diedrich Bader, and Jeff Bridges
Directed by Ash Brannon and Chris Buck
