Endless Summer II MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +1 1/2 Content: -1

In 1964, Bruce Brown helped create and define the phenomenon of surfing with his classic documentary, ENDLESS SUMMER. His film followed the adventures of two surfers travelling around the world in search of the perfect wave. Brown tries to repeat himself in this sequel. With a voice-over narration, Brown gives us a quick update of how surfing has changed in the past 30 years. He then moves on to his subjects, Pat O'Connell and Robert Wingnut Weaver, both surfing champions. Following a route similar to the original film, Wingnut and Pat visit surfing spots around the world. In most cases they meet with current or former surf champions who show their favorite beaches. Along the way, Pat and Wingnut have non-surfing adventures and observe native wildlife. While the original film was a landmark for surfing, the sequel is a nice travelogue with lots of waves. For those still dreaming of the surfing life, it may get you stoked; otherwise, it's a wipeout.

Along with the beautiful scenery, spectacular surfing segments, and camaraderie of surfing champions, this film has a few detractions. As you might expect in a beach/surf film, there are a few bikinis, some of the thong type showing male and female posteriors. In France, women in topless suits are a common sight on the beach. The dialogue includes comments about the breast nudity, and the boys also laugh at monkeys with genitals exposed. Although the language is relatively inoffensive, a few crude obscenities creep in. Except for a number of “wipeouts,” violence is limited to a comical collision between a couple. The narrator jokes about excessive use of some native alcoholic beverages. While ENDLESS SUMMER II extols the beauty, enjoyment and widespread popularity of surfing, the nudity and suggestive comments detract from its quality.

Preview Reviewer: Paul R. Bicking
Distributor: NewLine Cinema, 575 8th Ave., 16th Flr, NY, NY 10018