Chasing Mavericks [DVD]

What a great beach town was the early 1990s Santa Cruz, and a place still magical enough that young people could embrace the wild beauty of nature with athleticism and enterprise. This movie, in its greatness, has captured a semblance of the culture embedded in the details of its hidden population. I applaud the hard work and attention to a place I considered my home, even during the Loma Prieta quake, and even as I too had been tumbled in the waves at Its Beach until I thought my life was done. Death is not as sorrowful as not living life, fully... Santa Cruzans never had feared a clean death... this message was clearly imparted to me from the 5 star efforts of these movie makers. I recommend watching this movie on a large screen with a good sound system at home because it is difficult to feel as much from small screens.

When we were watching this I emailed a great friend in our area that had moved from Santa Cruz and yes, knew Frosty and the great Maverick legends and surfed with them all over the world. He said it's a very good portrayl of the characters and many of the surfers are real and our friend is pictured in the end with the magical 4 Maverick riders (his friends). You definitely want this in blue ray. The waves are magnificent and the story is tender & crazy with a lot of courage and/or stupidity, however you want to see it. I saw courage and an incredible "high" or "rush" that comes from the ride. There is no dozing with this movie!

So, yes, this movie version of Jay's life starts out like the Karate Kid, the grouchy older guy teaching the "kid" all those life lessons complete with the bullies and the messed up Mom, but this movie is more than all this typical stuff. Why? because they somehow managed to capture the spirit of Jay Moriarity, a young man whose smile Johnny Weston, who played him, managed to capture. This is a movie about a nice young man, even the "bully" is won over (without getting "beat" up), who went for his dream and made it happen. I've been lucky enough to have actually been to Mavericks as a spectator (2008, and things were pretty crazy), and in the '60's I actually surfed long boards at the Wedge (Newport) and Little Corona right after the quake in Alaska, but those waves I ended up under were nothing to what I saw at Mavericks. I gave this movie 4 stars because the real story of Jay's life and his relationship with Frosty didn't need the whole Karate Kid type angle. No sex, no bad words, no violence, this is a movie about a young man striving for something he really wants to achieve, and yes, the end will leave you with a lump in your throat and maybe tears but watch it with your family. And, then, check out the Mavericks and look up Jay, they still love him in Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. Oh, watch out for those sneaker waves, they will get you.

Surprised and delighted is what turned out to be, when we finished watching this movie. The cinematography is downright majestic, and the acting mostly specially good. What a story! It seems that Jay Moriarity was an outstanding human being, with a passion for the sea only known to true surfers. The acting in this movie is right on cue and well worth enjoying. There is something to be said about these waves, but I believe that seeing them is the best way. Mother nature manifests itself with tremendous impact when it comes to mavericks, places in the world where these gigantic waves appear. I know that in Peru, in a place called Pico Alto, there is a wave that many of the sturdiest surfers from around the world, challenge once a year, or at least it used to be.Whatever configuration creates these monsters, only the few selected can hope to venture in and remain unscathed, and one can only imagine the stamina and strength required to challenge these waves.Truly a very fun time at the movies, in the comfort of your warm or air conditioned home, being witness to the kind of people that Frosty and Jay are, a breed apart to be sure! 4.5 Stars!

Underrated surf flick. Nicely acted and the story is sold, especially for those of us who were fans of Jay Moriarty. Sure, the movie takes some Hollywood liberties, but overall it is a vey well-made movie the forgoes (most of) the inaccurate and corny surf lifestyle depicted by Hollywood. I am a surfer and I still remember getting the Surfer Magazine in the mail with Jay on the cover. I followed his career and his untimely passing. This is a biopic that does both Jay and the world of surfing justice.

Accurate and family-friendly, mature depiction of the heart of surf culture in Santa Cruz. Shows the danger and drive of those who live on the edge as well as their beauty and spontaneity. What made this a poignant film for me was to see the realistic depiction of life in a single parent home and the way it could affect a child's drive for accomplishment and recognition, as well as his sense of responsibility and relationships with others. Ends tragically and warns indirectly about the dangers of extreme sports, but contains many positive life lessons on family and love--for personal passions and for people-- and opportunities for discussion.

I am not a surfer, but I have lived near the ocean, including Santa Cruz where this movie takes place, so it was interesting to me at least to see the locations featured in the movie, including Mavericks. While surfing is the over-riding theme here, this movie will appeal to more than just surfers. Cinematically this was a well made movie that really delivered in sight and sound quality. The storyline did feel a little "Disneyish" at times, but not in a bad way. It was a touching and inspiring movie that I highly recommend. Gerard Butler does a fine job in the role as the sage surfer mentor. And no, I am not going to try and ride a Mavericks wave now ! but I will for sure watch this fine movie more than once. Do yourself a favor and watch this on as big a screen as you can to get the full effect of these monster waves !

A captivating and autobiographical account of the life of the large wave surfer, Jay Moriarty, and his mentor, Frosty Hesson. The movie describes the inherent dangers and thrills of riding the waves at Mavericks, in Half Moon Bay, in northern California. Jay was a young man with great courage and integrity. I recommend this movie to a teenage or adult audience, and to those thrill seekers who have a keen interest in large wave surfing.

Really touching film that bought a tear to my eye. Makes you think about life in general. Really moving movie. Great buy.

Really good moving movie inspired on a true story. If you are young and like surfing, it's a great watch.

I enjoyed this film, but was taken surprise by the ending, LOOKING FORWARD to more of Gerard Butler films

I absolutely love this film. Moving, inspiring, deep, just great. It is my new favourite film, on par with if not 10 times better than Point Break. I don't know what success this movie had I was a year or so behind finding out about it - but I was incredibly moved and inspired by it - I hope it and everyone involved got the success and accomplishment they wanted from it because it's worth it.

Came across this Movie while browsing for 3D films. Three years since its release so was going for a great price.What a great choice as this is a great movie, based apparently on a true story.Well worth the purchase and the soundtrack, especially the tidal wave scenes, had my wireless sub-woofer working overtime.

Decent cinematic version of surfing prodigy

Had seen this movie previously but the Blu-Ray I ordered was brilliant and enhanced the viewing experience. I felt as if u were part of the movie.

Brilliant movie:) Gerard Butler, surfing, & based on a true story:) what's not to like?

I've seen quite a few surfing movies (or supposed surfing movies) but what I love about this one is that it actually hits my emotions. People can get very critical and technical when it comes to specific genre movies and sometimes miss the big picture. For me, the story (based on true story) was great, interesting and believable - taking me back to days I spent hanging out at the beach. I thought the surfing scenes were good and the soundtrack was awesome. Will watch this one over and over for years to come!

Amazing movie

A really great and moving film about a young lads obsession with learning to surf, and his mentor a top surfer teaching him slowly so he will succeed in the end in surfing the biggest waves, the Mavericks. Based on a true story, well recommended.

. Based on a true story. stick with it as it gets better - well worth watching. amazing photography.

good film to watch

This film might not be what Gerard Butler fans expect, but it is a solid story, of true events, and the acting quality is very good. A welcome change from shoot em up movies filled with CGI special effect. Gerard Butler puts in a great performance as Frosty and boy can the man surf.