Surf's Up (2007)
The animated mockumentary that took penguin surfing to the big screen with heart, humor, and genuine soul.
Surf's Up - Movie Information
- Original Title: Surf's Up
- Release Year: 2007
- Directed by: Ash Brannon, Chris Buck
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Family
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 8, 2007 (Brazil - L), June 8, 2007 (United States - PG), August 10, 2007 (United Kingdom - PG), September 12, 2007 (Germany - 0), October 24, 2007 (France - TP), September 13, 2007 (Australia - G), August 17, 2007 (Mexico - AA), August 14, 2007 (Spain - A)
- Alternative Titles: Reyes de las Olas (BO), Surfs Up (US), Dia de Surf (PT), Locos por el surf (ES), 서핑 업 (KR), Surf's Up: reyes de las olas (MX), Divoké vlny (SK), Les rois de la glisse (FR)
- Production Companies: Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation
- Production Countries: United States of America
Surf's Up - Plot
A young surfer enters his first contest, hoping a win will earn him respect. But an encounter with a laid-back local forces him to rethink his values.
Surf's Up - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the waves come alive:
A Major Ocean Picture
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Surf's Up - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ash Brannon
- Chris Buck
Main Cast
- Shia LaBeouf
- Jeff Bridges
- Zooey Deschanel
- Jon Heder
- James Woods
- Diedrich Bader
- Mario Cantone
- Kelly Slater
- Rob Machado
- Selema Masekela
Writers
- Ash Brannon
- Don Rhymer
- Chris Buck
- Christopher Jenkins
- Christian Darren
Producers
- Christopher Jenkins
- Lydia Bottegoni
Surf's Up - FAQs
What is Surf's Up about?
Surf's Up follows Cody Maverick, a young penguin with big dreams of becoming a surfing champion. Shot in mockumentary style, the film blends laughs and heart as Cody heads to a legendary surf competition and meets a reclusive mentor who teaches him that winning isn't everything.
Is Surf's Up a mockumentary?
Yes! Surf's Up is presented entirely as a documentary-style film, complete with handheld camera effects, talking-head interviews, and a behind-the-scenes feel. It's a clever twist on the animated family film formula, giving the story a fresh, comedic energy that sets it apart from typical animated features.
Where can you stream Surf's Up?
Surf's Up is available to watch for free with ads on YouTube Free and Tubi TV. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Spectrum On Demand also offers it as a rental option.
Who voices the main characters in Surf's Up?
Shia LaBeouf voices the eager young surfer Cody Maverick, while Jeff Bridges brings laid-back charm to the legendary Big Z. Zooey Deschanel voices Lani, Jon Heder plays the hilariously clueless Chicken Joe, and James Woods turns up the menace as the scheming Reggie Belafonte.
Did real professional surfers appear in Surf's Up?
They did! Surfing legends Kelly Slater and Rob Machado both lent their voices to the film, playing animated versions of themselves. Their involvement gave the movie an authentic surf-culture credibility and added a fun layer for fans of the real-world surfing scene.
Is Surf's Up suitable for young children?
Surf's Up is rated PG, making it a solid pick for families with kids of most ages. The humor works on multiple levels, with enough wit to keep adults entertained alongside younger viewers. There's mild action and some competitive tension, but nothing too intense for little ones.
Was Surf's Up nominated for any major awards?
Surf's Up earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 80th Oscars, competing against Ratatouille and Persepolis. While it didn't take home the trophy, the nomination was a strong recognition of the film's inventive storytelling and its fresh mockumentary approach to animation.
Does Surf's Up have a sequel?
Yes, a direct-to-video sequel called Surf's Up 2: WaveMania arrived in 2017. It takes Cody Maverick on a new adventure alongside a group of WWE wrestling superstars reimagined as surfers. The original voice cast largely didn't return, but it carries on the wave-riding spirit of the first film.
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