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Billabong Odyssey

EMAILPRINTArenaplex Entertainment

Billabong Odyssey reviews
50
9.5 User Score:

Mixed or average reviews

Based on 8 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 7 votes
Read user comments
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Movie Info

Genre(s): Documentary

Written by:

Directed by: Philip Boston

Release Date:
Theatrical: November 7, 2003
DVD: January 27, 2004

Running Time: 88 minutes, Color

Origin: USA

Summary

RATING: PG for thematic elements, some nudity and language

Starring Shawn Barron, Layne Beachley, Ken Bradshaw, Ken Collins, Brad Gerlach, Brian L. Keaulana, Mike Parsons, Bill Sharp, and Darryl 'Flea' Virostko

This documentary follows the dramatic life-or-death adventures of a team of surfer/explorers who search the seven seas on the quest to find and ride the biggest wave on the planet.

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

75

San Francisco Chronicle Peter Hartlaub

As exciting to watch as any Warren Miller ski film, Billabong Odyssey also has the sensibility of a good PBS documentary.

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70

Variety Dennis Harvey

Narrower focus may lend this less crossover appeal than "Step Into Liquid," which was practically a recruitment poster for the surfing lifestyle. But such a tight focus might also make Billabong a repeat must-see for more dedicated boarders and wannabes.

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70

The Hollywood Reporter Frank Scheck

While Billabong Odyssey ultimately resembles an infomercial more than a coherent cinematic exercise, its spectacular images of well-toned athletes battling with the world's largest waves should find a receptive audience of those so inclined.

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60

LA Weekly Scott Foundas

Made up largely of vivid aerial shots of those folks doing the things they do, the film is a less philosophical, introspective look at contemporary surfing than Dana Brown's recent "Step Into Liquid," and is pitched at a smaller, niche audience.

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50

The New York Times Dave Kehr

With its emphasis on global positioning devices, Jet Skis and computer-designed surfboards, Mr. Boston's film is very much concerned with the stuff and very little with the spirit of professional surfing as practiced today.

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40

Village Voice Ed Halter

Pretty much everything here -- tow surfing, hydrofoil boards, token bit on women surfers -- already appeared in this summer's equally halfass "Step Into Liquid."

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40

TV Guide Angel Cohn

The slim story gets swamped by the stunning visuals.

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38

New York Post Megan Lehmann

Follows a narrative arc as choppy as a messy windswell, and the result is a dog's dinner of profiles, repetitive narration, safety tips and banal "insights" into the joys and dangers of cresting waves that sometimes reach 70 feet.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this movie is 9.5 (out of 10) based on 7 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Beans gave it a 10:
u gotta see it if ur a surfer.

rude dude sick chick gave it a 10:
It's awesome any1 who is a bit into surfing should watch it.

skater_chick_izzy gave it a 10:
This movie kicks ass.. ne1 whos into surfing WATCH IT!!! youll lov it.

Jason J. gave it a 10:
This movie rocked....the waves are ginormus...the surfing is amazing...and the ride bradshaw takes at jaws is mind blowing...stoked.

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