Impressive and overly formulaic at the same time

Rating: 8/10 (18 August 2002)

The most interesting part of the film is the human underside of luxury hotel management it reveals.
It does break traditional formulas in several ways. For example, contrary to the Rocky approach, the competition is mostly supportive and friendly. Yet, the challenges seem to come straight from some over-preserved can of Hollywood plot.
On the impressive side again, the camera work and visuals are both technically well done (vivid) and innovative. It would be interesting to see a documentary on how they managed to film the surf scenes. Of course, the Hawaii locale provides for beautiful scenery. But it's one thing for a cinematographer to make you feel like your actually on the back of a motorcycle, and another to make you feel like your riding a surfboard on some large, nasty waves.
The audio FX and soundtrack, while both fitting and well-done, lack anything innovative. The music largely seems like well-placed Coke bottles and X-box logos.
The acting is well-done. The young teen (Mika as Penny) seems forced. The football players do a great job, bringing an honest, natural feel to the film in general.