Yawn. Poorly Filmed Snooze Fest.

A Major Disappointment

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Every Line is forced, and very unnatural. Every actor, especially the younger version of Ian, deserve a Razzle for worst actor. Actually, everything about this deserves a Razzle. This is a bad movie. Maybe the worst I've ever seen. The story is in a league all by itself. I mean seriously, who wrote this. They have no future. The big event wouldn't even happen in real life. I literally found myself laughing in the most dramatic part of the movie. I cried once, but not because it was moving, but because I laughed so hard from how bad it was. I'm ashamed to say Christians can actually dare to make someone's real experience so terrible. I mean, I feel guilty for laughing, but it was so poorly done, that I couldn't help it.

I can't remember having ever seen such a bad acted film. Ever! Wooden acting throughout by all, really all, actresses/actors. Awful music choice. Too loud and too bad.The no longer young man starts out to find his perfect wave. You don't know where from he actually starts out until they mention it way into the film. If I would have had that mother I would not have waited until I was 24 - I would have run away as soon as I could. Dear, she was either stupidly grinning or telling her story how she found Jesus, or crying or praying while crying and rolling on the floor. You sit there and watch and think what is that all about? I can understand a strong bond between mother and child, but that was so over-dramatic and inexplicable - it just left one wondering and hoping that they finish that scene soon.Is that film just a way to sell religion? The end was seriously the worst choice in a film full with bad choices from the beginning. Why do you have to get the man who inspired the movie to get his 3 min of preaching time? And write the name of his church in the screen credits, should I go and donate money for a sequel? Join the club, because I converted? Only watchable were the scenes with pure nature without any interruption by bad acting.And who on earth casted the very untalented son of Clint Eastwood? That man should go and find a profession that does not involve talking to an audience.This film proofs there is no god, she would never let us suffer that much.

The Perfect Wave comes packaged as a Christian or religious movie however one could easily change the title to 'The Perfect Family Movie' and be pretty close to the truth. Based on the true events of a young surfer who quits home in pursuit of his dream of the perfect wave it has the potential to be a bit of a yawner, far from it. The story line, while never rushed or compressed kept me riveted from the first frame to the last. It is beautifully written with just the right amount of clichés, like pepper and salt in the soup one needs to be careful as to what amount is added and in this case it tasted just fine. The power of the acting was outstanding yet understated with very little ham, near perfect timing plus natural facial and body expression. However, the exceptional performances of Scott Eastwood (Ian McCormack) Rachel Hendrix (Annabel) and Cheryl Ladd (Mrs McCormack) were the key ingredient that transformed this potential cheesecake into a zesty Pavlova. They harpooned my heart and pulled me along to engage with the story, identify with the situations and feel for the characters as events unfolded. Indeed I was wiping away my first tear surprisingly early on in the film. Another amazing thing about this movie is the way it transformed a relatively sedate early story line into such a dynamic and watchable experience leading up to the hugely dramatic ending with such panache. The praise for this must go to the production team. The cinematography, (especially the wave scenes) the editing, (just one small continuity distraction) the sound, the music (you will want to buy the DVD if it comes out), the lighting, the locations, the effects all perfectly and sensitively encased the story with great creativity and care. This could never therefore be a movie known for its great this or that but for the way in which this and that pulled together to create a beautiful movie. There is a Christian message conveyed in the movie but done is such a way that it will not offend even the most anti-religious individual but if it did, what a pity it would be to allow one's views of religion to have one miss out on such a wonderful movie experience. Like The Passion of the Christ I believe this film can be enjoyed by all and loved by many. Yes this is a truly remarkable true story and as such, could even become one of the most touching and memorable films you will see. I know, as I am writing this with the effect of the film still stirring my mind and I do not believe the impact of this film will be diluted by the passage of time. So to sum up this is a film that embraces all that is beautiful about the silver screen, all that is heart rendering about powerful acting and all that is unique in a true story, a story about The Perfect Wave.Derek Keith

Surfing tour following the true story of 24 year old New Zealander, Ian McCormack, via some of the best spots in the Southern Hemisphere in search of the perfect wave and then finding a wave of a different kind. Full marks for excellent cinematography, editing and music. The movie awakens all your senses. Superb footage of NZ, Australia, Bali/Indo, South Africa and Mauritius. Inspires me to travel more. As a non-surfer, it inspires me to surf too. What epic waves and rides. The storyline is gripping and life-changing. Acting was up there too. Main actor is the son of Clint Eastwood. Carried his role very well. I always enjoy movies based on true events. And the main message is thought provoking.