Surf no Havaí

I agree with several other reviews concerning portraying locals as thugs and thieves, and that this isn't an Oscar quality movie. However, it was this movie that first showed me how beautiful O'ahu is. I ended up moving here from Virginia in 1992. The scenery was (and is) breathtaking, and watching the surfing was (and is) fantastic. As a haole, I got an education from the movie which kept me from making the mistakes Rick Kane made when he first got to Hawai'i.

If you live on O'ahu, or are visiting, and you find yourself in Waikiki on a Sunday when the waves are flat, come visit me at Hope Chapel-South Shore (at the Waikiki Community Center) - The entire pastoral staff surfs, along with most of the congregation. It is wonderful to hear God's word taught with surf illustrations.

Aloha!

Wayne

Wheter or not the film is a "b" movie or not this is a definite classic! Regardless of the absence of a blockbuster budget, there is much to be taken from this film. And yes it does portray some of the locals in an accurate light. (Some of the locals are very rude and extremely territorial over certain areas of Hawaii). All in all, the rite of passage made by the main character is very heartfelt. Although it may be a little cheesy and even dated, this film is A CULT CLASSIC! A must for surfers, especially 80's kids! Do not overlook this film's position in your DVD library. Even if you do not surf, there is a great love story and explorer's feel to the film. Enjoy it.

Both the Rick Kane character and Turtle embody a fresh innocence rarely captured on film. This was what made this film truly golden. Gregory Harrison played his character with the gravitas of a veteran actor. Just when you thought he would venture into pomposity, he reeled it in and made you smile. Credit goes to the writers and director for that as well.

This was NOT a surfing movie. This was a coming-of-age film. Rick is green in almost every sense of the word. By the end of the film, he has learned a bit about life, love, and himself.

The crown jewel of the movie, by far, is John Philbin's portrayal of the character of Turtle. He defies any stereotypical characterizations. He is real. He's an underdog from L.A., just trying to make his way and take life day by day. He cares about others and responds to caring from others. How often do you see a surfer portrayed this way? Nia Peeples portrayed the Hawaiian girl-next-door to perfection. She loved her family, loved horses, and her boyfriend too. Like something out of a Tom Petty song.

I loved the movie. Cheesiness is artistic in and of itself. Two thumbs up.

This is a nice, if somewhat stupid, comedy and surfing B-movie. It had it's fair share of laughs and some great one liners, not to mention fabulous surfing scenes. It was entertaining enough and worth a rental if you're looking for a funny cheesy B-movie. A bit of a cult classic eh, yeah?.....yeah?.........no.

Good 80's formula movie which illustrates the North Shore Hawaii atmosphere well.Some weakness in script but still delivers due to educational tor of North Shore surfing lifestyle for that particular time.Good surfing cinematography here as well which makes this movie a cult classic.Not for people who do not like love stories and surfing.....