The Kill (1992)
A defining moment in surf cinema, The Kill launched careers, captured history, and put Santa Cruz on the surfing map.
The Kill - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Kill
- Release Year: 1992
- Directed by: Josh Pomer
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 50m
- Original Language: English
The Kill - Plot
Just as Ratboy launched the very first backside 360 air, The Kill helped launch the careers of Ratboy and Flea. The Kill came onto the surfing screen stealing the limelight from southern California and shining it directly on the northern part of the state, particularly Santa Cruz. Prior to the internet, the only way to see new surfing maneuvers was by watching the latest surf videos. The Kill includes Ratboy's famous breakout performance, which took him from an unknown seventeen-year-old to the cover of Surfer Magazine. The Johnny Boy Gomes interview would become the material of surfing lore. Pomer's interview with the most intimidating surfer in the world disarmed him in a way no one had seen before. Johnny Boy casually sucks on a lollipop as he describes his workout routine. "Play tennis, kickboxing and eating junks," says Johnny Boy Gomes.
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The Kill - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Josh Pomer
Main Cast
- Jason Ratboy Collins
- Darryl Virostko
- Rob Machado
- Kelly Slater
- Adam Replogle
- Nate Acker
The Kill - FAQs
What is The Kill (1992) about?
The Kill is a landmark surf film that shifted the spotlight from Southern California to the raw, powerful waves of Santa Cruz. It features Ratboy's career-defining breakout performance, including the world's first backside 360 air, and an unforgettable interview with the legendary Johnny Boy Gomes.
Who is Ratboy and why does this film matter?
Ratboy, whose real name is Jason Collins, was just seventeen when The Kill was filmed. His performance here was so electrifying it landed him on the cover of Surfer Magazine almost overnight, turning a complete unknown into one of the most talked-about names in the surf world.
Where can you stream The Kill (1992)?
You can stream The Kill on The Surf Network Amazon Channel. It's a great way to revisit this cult classic from the early 1990s and see why it made such a lasting impact on surf culture.
What makes the Johnny Boy Gomes interview so legendary?
Director Josh Pomer managed to do what few could — disarm the notoriously intimidating Johnny Boy Gomes on camera. In the interview, Gomes casually sucks on a lollipop while describing his workout routine with the now-iconic line: "Play tennis, kickboxing and eating junks." It became instant surfing lore.
Who are the surfers featured in The Kill?
The film features an impressive lineup that includes Jason "Ratboy" Collins, Darryl Virostko, Rob Machado, Kelly Slater, Adam Replogle, and Nate Acker. Several of these names would go on to become legends of professional surfing.
Is The Kill worth watching for surf fans today?
Absolutely. Before the internet, surf videos like The Kill were the only way to witness groundbreaking new maneuvers. This film captures a pivotal moment in surfing history — the rise of Santa Cruz's aggressive style — and features future legends at the very start of their careers.
Who directed The Kill (1992)?
The Kill was directed by Josh Pomer. His approach behind the camera — particularly his ability to capture both the athleticism of the surfers and the personality-driven interview with Johnny Boy Gomes — helped make the film a touchstone of early 1990s surf cinema.
What films are similar to The Kill?
If The Kill speaks to you, check out Point Break (1991), Chasing Mavericks (2012), Breath (2017), and Thrashin' (1986). Each captures a different angle of surf and action sports culture, from adrenaline-fueled drama to coming-of-age stories set against the ocean.
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