Cast
View All
Shia LaBeouf
as Cody Maverick (voice)
Jeff Bridges
as Big Z / Geek (voice)
Zooey Deschanel
as Lani Aliikai (voice)
Jon Heder
as Chicken Joe (voice)
James Woods
as Reggie Belafonte (voice)
Diedrich Bader
as Tank Evans (voice)
Mario Cantone
as Mikey Abromowitz (voice)
Kelly Slater
as Kelly (voice)
Rob Machado
as Rob (voice)
Selema Masekela
as SPEN Announcer (voice)
Ash Brannon
as Filmmaker (voice)
Chris Buck
as Filmmaker (voice)
Brian Posehn
as Glen Maverick (voice)
Dana Belben
as Edna Maverick (voice)
Reed Buck
as Arnold (voice)
Crew
Director
- Ash Brannon
- Chris Buck
Writer
- Lisa Addario
- Joe Syracuse
Producer
- Christopher Jenkins
- Lydia Bottegoni
Reviews
Uknown
A simple comedy (mockumentary) with great visuals, and good performances.
Aug 16, 2016
Thematic Analysis
Surf's Up represents a fascinating example of Animation/Comedy/Family cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Ash Brannon brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2007, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Surf's Up took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $85.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 458 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2007, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Surf's Up shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Finding Nemo, which focuses more on action than character development, Surf's Up offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Well, Just You Wait! 5 and Darrel explore similar territory, Surf's Up stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 8, 2007
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Budget: $85,000,000
- Revenue: $149,000,000
