Among sports, I believe surfing may be the most cinematic, '50s camp with studio bound beaches and hilarious use of rear projection notwithstanding. This drama, directed for the most part by Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential, 8 Mile) before a medical problem sidelined him, is a testament to my belief; the plentiful surfing scenes, consisting largely of sustained, wide shots showing the athlete's grace and the power of each big wave, are a true delight. The power of the visual experience renders the spiritual component of the script (surfing as art, surfing as the answer to the big question, surfing as a way of life) moving rather than groan-inducing, even for those ignorant of surf culture. Gerard Butler delivers one of his best and most authentic performances as hero Jay's troubled mentor. A few of the peripheral stories (Jay's best friend's drug experimentation, for instance) lead nowhere and could be excised without impacting the overall experience, but the film in general is a charming and satisfying drama.

B+