"Blue Crush" is a combination of some of the things I truly enjoy about life.. Hawaii, surfing, and girls. I've been a fan of this movie since it came out in 2002 and today I got to watch the 'yet to be released' Blu-ray thanks to a friend. The Blu-ray visuals and sounds are mind blowing and it made me feel like I was actually in Hawaii surfing pipe.
For those that that haven't seen it.. "Blue Crush" is based on the Outside magazine article "Surfer Girls of Maui" by Susan Orlean.
Nothing gets between Anne Marie and her board. Living in a beach shack with three roommates including her rebellious younger sister, she is up before dawn every morning to conquer the waves and count the days until the Pipe Masters surf competition. Having transplanted herself to Hawaii with no one's blessing but her own, Anne Marie finds all she needs in the adrenaline-charged surf scene ... until pro quarterback Matt Tollman comes along. Like it or not, Anne Marie starts losing her balance - and finding it - as she falls for Matt.
"Blue Crush" stars Kate Bosworth, Michelle Rodriguez, Sanoe Lake, and Mika Boorem.. it tells the story of three friends who have one passion: living the ultimate dream of surfing on Oahu's famed North Shore.
I will concede that the quarterback story with Matthew Davis is a bit hokey, but the surf scene and the soundtrack are incredible.
The movie was shot primarily on the island of Oahu including the North Shore, Mākaha, Waikīkī, and the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina.
If I'm losing you yet.. I always try to make an 80's connection with newer movies that I enjoy this much.
So how about these:
The director is John Stockwell who you will probably remember as an actor in 80's films like "Top Gun", "My Science Project", and "Quarterback Princess".
Actor/Pro Surf Instructor John Philbin was Kate Bosworth's trainer for the film. Philbin played the hilarious Turtle in the 80's flick "North Shore" which was shot on the island of Oahu as well.
And finally.. Cindy Mancini might know this already, but one of Meredith Salenger's best friends in Nikka Costa who has a great tune called "Everybody Got Their Something" that is featured in the film.
Back to the movie:
The production depended heavily on local talent. Many of the characters in the film are portrayed by real surfers found on the North Shore. Ruben Tejada, who plays J.J., was found by director John Stockwell outside of a grocery store. He liked him so much that he cast him in the movie. The fresh talent lent some raw energy to the film and kept the action real. Stockwell insisted that all the surfing takes place in the ocean.. no green screens or tanks were used.
While the actresses did learn to surf, some of the more difficult surfing scenes were not only dangerous, but impossible for them to perform. Some of the world's top female surfers, including ones featured in the original magazine article, surfed the larger waves for the film. However, Michelle Rodriguez did all her own jet ski stunts, including towing Kate Bosworth's stunt double out to the biggest waves.
Former surfing world champion Tom Carroll appears early in the film as a surfer with a cut eye. According to producer Brian Grazer, this is a real injury (Carroll had wiped out on the reef just seconds earlier) and it made Kate Bosworth and Michelle Rodriguez nervous about going in the water.
If you haven't seen "Blue Crush" before.. please watch this awesome clip to the Lenny Kravitz tune "If I Could Fall In Love":
Wow.. I just watched that clip again and it has me craving another Maui adventure!
[ 23. March 2011, 04:13: Message edited by: Valley ]
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
Tell me someone at least watched the youtube video?
If you ever get the chance to visit Maui it will change your life forever!
Posted by Kash (Member # 297) on :
So this is what Cougar did after quitting the air force! I haven't seen this movie, Val dude but if you give it a thumbs up its probably worth a watch. The only Surf films I've seen are Point Break (technically more of a heist/undercover cop/ surf movie) and Big Wednesday will have to look out for this sometime...
Posted by aTomiK (Member # 6575) on :
Just watched the Kravitz video and the trailer. This looks like a nice flick to watch during the wintertime. You can dream of the Maui beach while it´s freezing cold weather outdoors.
Posted by oneyedwilly (Member # 8730) on :
right - time to back up Valley on this one...If you havnt seen this film your basically missing out...simple!! Your own fault. Valley has sold this movie really well. Iv seen it loads of times but must admit although im bias due to growing up as a surfer in australia, it really doesnt matter.
The soundtrack is awsome which also features a remix of bananaramas 'cruel summer' 'rockstar' by jason Nevins -great remix and 'if i could fall inlove' by lenny K.
When i was introduced to this movie when it first came out i thought to my self (lookng at the cover) this is gonna be crap! Girls surfing - no way...i was completely shocked how cool this movie was and how good the acting in it was...it portrayed the typical surfing lifestyle i grew up in perfectly. Its got a nice little love thing going on and there are a couple of scenes i know the guys are gonna love...trust me.
Posted by oneyedwilly (Member # 8730) on :
and girls, your nuts not to watch this too. Youll swoon at the guy chasing the girl in it - great tale of cat and mouse going on. Its worth the buy.
Posted by Bernie_Lomax (Member # 8571) on :
Ok, it's been sold. I did know about Turtle being Kate's surf teacher, cos I love North Shore - how's it? I didn't know if this was any good though but will check it out.
I am definitely checking out Hawaii after I finish my degree. Maybe meet up with Vince 'Gerry (Mr. Pipeline) Lopez' Moalaka, and catch a 'perfect tube.'
Posted by aTomiK (Member # 6575) on :
Ok, i just bought the dvd. What about the other Stockwell flick Into the Blue (2005), should i get that one too?
I´m not looking for masterpiece, just good simple fun.
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
I would not recommend "Into The Blue" .. visually stunning.. but no substance.
But I think you will enjoy the wicked surf scenes in "Blue Crush" and as Willy mentioned.. the tunes are outstanding.
When you see how the Lenny Kravitz tune "If I Could Fall In Love" is used in the movie you will understand why I posted it.
Posted by oneyedwilly (Member # 8730) on :
im with valley on 'into the blue'. I cant express how much i love the water and the feeling i get from being in it but i grew up in the ocean basically so i would feel some kind of afinity with any movie thats based in the ocean.
'Into the blue' is great visually and its easy to watch and a must see for its calming effects by just watching it, but as valley says, its not terrific and lacks substance. Worth the bargain if you can find it though. 5-6 out of 10 as a movie really
Posted by Ronnie (Member # 465) on :
anyone going to watch Soul Surfer based on the true story of bethany hamilton?
starring AnnaSophia Robb (who played Violet in charlie and the chocolate factory..cute actress), Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt.. and i think i saw country music star Carrie Underwood in the preview.
i would like to see it, but might wait for the dvd.
Posted by kevdugp73 (Member # 5978) on :
I liked Blue Crush as well. Actually didn't mind Into The Blue....Jessica Alba in a bikini throughout the movie....I'm sold!
I like the line in Blue Crush when the big football player asks if anyone wants to see his da da da da's....funny!
I'd like to see Soul Surfer Ronnie, but like you, can't imagine rushing to the theatre to see it. Not a Carrie Underwood fan either...not liking her music is a given, but she seems stuck up too!
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
Count me in Ronnie for the DVD.. I saw the previews last week!
Anna Sophia Robbs was amazing in "Bridge To Terabithia"!
Posted by oneyedwilly (Member # 8730) on :
quote: like the line in Blue Crush when the big football player asks if anyone wants to see his da da da da's....funny!
your so right kev, that line is hilarious...the relationship between the jocks and the surfers is fantastic isnt it. There is no hostility there except for one particular scene.
quote:anyone going to watch Soul Surfer based on the true story of bethany hamilton?
its got the word surfer in the title - im sold!
Posted by Logan 5 (Member # 1467) on :
quote:Anna Sophia Robbs was amazing in "Bridge To Terabithia"!
You're gonna start me crying!
Posted by aTomiK (Member # 6575) on :
Just watched Blue Crush and it was awesome! Two thumbs up for the great John Stockwell.
Absolutely stunning camera work in this movie! How did they do it? I suppose that i will learn more when i check out the extras.
Loved the cast, lots of energy.
Some nice tunes on the soundtrack and the rest of the score was composed by Paul Haslinger. He´s a great dude and a member of Tangerine Dream from 1986 to 1990.
I just wish for once that they could not throw in a a pathetic looking new age gay guy poser type to play the love interest in movies like this. I really can't handle that anymore.
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
Just got the Blu-ray in the mail last week! Can't wait to watch "Blue Crush" in 1080p!
Ronnie.. I put it on the list for you to think about ..
I still want to see "Soul Surfer" too though. I just realized Helen Hunt is in that movie!! wow
Posted by Ronnie (Member # 465) on :
thanks Val. i haven't checked my list in a while but i think i should, to see what all you've added.
Blue Crush was a miss for me for two reasons, i don't really care for surf movies and Michelle Rodriguez..i have a hard time watching her in any movie.
it's been on cable all month, and i caught a piece of it the other day...the beginning actually, where they are rounding up to catch the gnarly waves. haha
the only thing i did like about it though, was Matthew Davis! he plays a vampire hunter on my show, The Vampire Diaries. he's awesome in it.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
So this is what Cougar did after quitting the air force! I haven't seen this movie, Val dude but if you give it a thumbs up its probably worth a watch. The only Surf films I've seen are Point Break (technically more of a heist/undercover cop/ surf movie) and Big Wednesday ![[Cool]](cool.gif)
will have to look out for this sometime...
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)