Perfect Wave, The

MPAA Rating: PG

Entertainment: +4

Content: +2

Scott Eastwood, Cheryl Ladd, Rachel Hendrix, Patrick Lyster. Surfing bio/drama. Written by Roger Hawkins, William A. Wood III, Billy Wood. Directed by Bruce MacDonald. Coming to DVD on Sept. 16th.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Based on a true story: A young surfer dude seeks the greatest wave experience of his life. He sells his car and, despite his parents’ misgivings, travels the world’s beaches as he seeks not just the perfect wave, but that moment that comes closest to “touching eternity.” During his subculture sojourn, he develops friendships and experiences young love with a beautiful but troubled free spirit. Just before he returns home, he is badly injured and has a near-death experience, which in turn has a life-changing effect on him.

PREVIEW REVIEW: The sea-and-surf movie genre is often used as a metaphor for life. The Endless Summer, Soul Surfer, Chasing Mavericks, these films are about young people finding themselves, distinguishing themselves, and seeking life’s true meaning. The Perfect Wave also addresses those themes. Plus one more.

Being a good-looking, easygoing 18-year-old male who spends most of his days on a surfboard is bound to make a guy popular at beach parties and with members of the opposite sex. But young Ian McCormack senses there is something more to life than babes on the beach. His journey to find a transcendent moment leads him to love and a spiritual realization.

The film is well acted, the worldwide locations are beautifully photographed, and the storyline is completely engrossing. But perhaps the most significant element to this production is the representation of the importance of prayer. A devoutly religious mother continues to pray for her son, despite his rejection of church and his disbelief in God. She has lived a life that acknowledges and reverences God and makes sure her son knows that “No matter how far away you are from God, if you call out from your heart, He will hear you and forgive you.”

Lately, I’ve been reminded of the value of praying for others despite the seeming lack of results. Continuing to pray despite the apparent negative results reveals faith in God. And what pleases God more than trusting in Him? Nothing. Pray earnestly and be sincere in your own walk. Then trust. The rest is in His hands. This film reveals the spiritual payoff for a lifetime of prayer. Ian McCormack didn’t believe in the sacrificial gift of Jesus Christ. Then, he did. And after that fateful night, he became a minister; in the past 29 years, he has told his story of conversion to more than 60 million people.

DVD Additions: The Endless Summer. Made in 1966, it is still considered the essential surfing documentary. Filmed on beaches around the world, beautiful to look at, with an amusing narration.

Chasing Mavericks

Soul Surfer.

Read an interview with stars of The Perfect Wave.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor:
Divine Inspiration

Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.

Crude Language: None

Obscene Language: A couple of mild expletives, but I caught no harsh language.

Profanity: None

Violence: A near-death experience may disturb little ones.

Sex: There is some sensuality, revealing the lead character’s early life of parties and bikini-clad girls, but the film implies more than it shows.

Nudity: None

Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: None

Drugs: Some drinking.

Other: None

Running Time: 94 minutes
Intended Audience: Teens and Up


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