Chasing Mavericks

As I've mentioned in prior reviews, films based on true stories a lot of times are gripping, intense, and well thought out. In the case of "Chasing Mavericks", not only does it have these attributes, but it also has heart.

The inspirational true story of real life surfing penom Jay Moriarty (Jonny Weston). When 15 year-old Jay discovers that the mythic Mavericks surf break, one of the biggest waves on Earth, is not only real, but exists just miles from his Santa Cruz home, he enlists the help of local legend Frosty Hesson (Gerard Butler), who also happens to be to be a neighbor, to train him to survive it. Frosty is, at first, reluctant, but through Jay's incredible positive and persistent attitude, he finally agrees. As Jay and Frosty embark on their quest to accomplish the impossible, they form a unique friendship that transforms both their lives, and their quest to tame Mavericks becomes about far more than surfing. Part of this transformation has a lot to do with Frosty's loving, understanding wife, Brenda (Abigail Spencer) who is behind the two guys all the way.

Others to round out the cast are Elisabeth Shue as Kristy Moriarty, Jay's mom, Leven Rambin as Kim, Jay's girlfriend, Devin Crittenden as Blond, Jay's buddy, Taylor Handley as Sonny, a bully, Cooper Timberline as Young Jay, Maya Raines as Roquet as Frosty and Brenda's daughter, Harley Graham as Young Kim, Greg Long as Magnificent One, Peter Mel as Magnificent Two, and Zach Wormhoudt as Magnificent Three.

This was strongly directed by Curtis Hanson ("The Bedroom Window" '87, "Bad Influence" '90, "The Hand That Rock the Cradle" '92, "The River Wild" '94, "L.A. Confidential" '97, "Wonder Boys" 2000, "8 Mile" '02, "In Her Shoes" '05, "Lucky You" '07), and Michael Apted ("Agatha" '79, "Coal Miner's Daughter" '80, "Gorky Park" '83, "Firstborn" '84, "Critical Condition" "87, "Gorillas in the Mist" '88, " Class Action" '91, "Thunderheart" '92, "Blink" '94, "Nell" '94, "Extreme Measures" '96, "Enough" '02, "Amazing Grace" '06, "The Power of the Game" (Doc.) '07, "Hallelujah" (TV movie) '11).

It was written by Kario Salem based on the story of this incredible individual by Jim Meenaghan and Brandon Hooper. The writing could have been a bit tighter, but the way Jay's build to his surfing triumph made up for any lack of cohesiveness of script.

This is a great family film about a kid who, even with many obstacles in his way, still came to a place in his life where he could really make his mark. And with all the support from friends and family, how could anyone go wrong?

Out of 4 stars: 3                        Rated: PG                      115mins.