Siestas & Olas: A Surfing Journey Through Mexico

Fans of "Endless Summer" will appreciate the documentary feel of this film about two guys and a second-hand Chevy Suburban that travel through Mexico on vacation looking for perfect surfing spots. Along the way, they make new friends at each stop, trying true Mexican home-made cooking, and generally experiencing a good surfing adventure. And we're along for the ride. That's the reason its become a classic cult film in the surfing world.

A simple, no-frills, good-time film that gives the audience a chance to experience a taste of a surfer's dream - to travel, surf, eat, sleep, and surf some more. Its kind of like watching someone's Summer vacation home movies, but with better camerawork, better narration, and a vacation that is actually interesting and entertaining. If you're thinking of going to Mexico, you'll want to see this film so you'll know which spots to visit.

No nudity (except for one scene where the guys wear T-backs on a beach as a result of losing a bet with a friend), no harsh language, no gore (except for a bit of blood when one of the guys finds a rock in the surf zone with his head), and no violence. Nothing offensive whatsoever. A good family movie, and you don't need a family to enjoy it.

I'm no surfer, but I appreciate watching people enjoy their own pursuits. "Siestas & Olas" was strangely compelling viewing, even for a non-surfer like me. Part of the appeal was the very Disney travelogue/"60s surf movie" narration (quite humorous), which also led to much confusion on my part, because there was nothing in the movie that really allowed me to peg the year it was made. The warm, orangey color tone of the film said 60s; the checkerboard Vans said 80s; the guys' haircuts (except for the Aussie) said "any time after 1950." And I don't know anything about the surfers themselves, so they were no help. It's good, wholesome, light entertainment. All of which means that "Siestas" will stand the test of time much better than your typically dated enthusiast movie.