Surf's Up
User Score
7.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 46
  3. Negative: 3 out of 46

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  1. Streetsy
    Feb 25, 2008
    10
    Seriously under rated. I enjoyed this film immensely and have watched it 5 times already. The animation, (for all those animation nerds out there like me) is top notch. The CG is fantastic. And the story is great.
  2. NicoleGiroux
    Jun 10, 2007
    9
    Fantastic fun family film. Clean. VERY incredibly realistic waves! WOW. Felt like I'm there in the ocean haning with the surfers. (especially realistic was when the surfers wipe out and are pounded by the surf - I actually winced!!)
  3. heyitsmegrif4
    Jan 29, 2012
    8
    We have seen the films heart many times in that place in tons of films, but its dazzling animation, hilarious voice performances and it just being hilarious make it a nice and sweet family treat. I give this film 75%.
  4. ShaktiP.
    Jun 10, 2007
    8
    This was delightful entertainment - great voice casting, and just plain fun. I was surprised at how good it was -- not boring at all. Too bad for those who are just "critics" -- they miss just having a good time at the movies .
  5. AnthonyJ.
    Jun 8, 2007
    9
    Best kid's movie I've ever seen, and as the father of a 7 year-old, I've seen my share. I'm biased, because I'm a huge fan of The Endless Summer, but this one does more than mimic the surf documentary genre. It's also nice to see an animated movie that puts story before pixels--the animation has its moments, but it's not the star of the show. This one has enough meat for the adults, while also sending the kiddos a good message.… Expand
  6. DallasG.
    Jun 12, 2007
    9
    It was fun-filled entertainment. The humor was great and the graphics amazing.
  7. PaulK.
    Jun 15, 2007
    9
    Extremely well done. Worth seeing in the theater or a must on video.
  8. MatthewS.
    Jun 7, 2007
    3
    Surf's Up doesnt even attempt to use a single original idea, character, or storyline. Which makes it one of the most pridictible movies I have ever scene. The credit it does diserve is that it targets an extremely young audience with pleanty of poop jokes, and the fact that the water looks amazing. Beyond that there is not much to get from Surf's Up, if you are anyone above the age of 4.… Expand
  9. SamJ.
    Jul 19, 2007
    10
    Surfs up is a great movie with funny penguins. Hearing some of the jokes will make you laugh so hard.
  10. JaredC
    Jul 20, 2007
    10
    A fun gripping animation film with epic and exciting sports action.
  11. AlexL.
    Apr 5, 2008
    10
    The movie is cool and funny. Besides surfing, a penguin toots and one penguin calls another penguin a dirty trash can full of poop. This was why the movie is cool and funny.
  12. ChadS.
    Dec 26, 2007
    6
    "Surf's Up" presents itself as a faux-doc and actually manages to be more objective than a real nature documentary film like "Winged Migration". The fake crew doesn't come to Cody's aid when he's drowning, or stop a tribe of wild penguins from converting Chicken Joe(Joe Heder) into a soup base. Worst of all, they allow Cody(Shia LeBeouf) to leave home on a whale without notifying his parents. The notion of a documentary film, however, falls apart completely when Cody and Lani(Zooey Deschanel) shoot down a lava tube. There is no way a camera crew could've captured their torrid ride. "Surf's Up" is at its best when Big Z(Jeff Bridges) mentors Cody even though the vocal work by both Bridges and Shia LeBeouf are a little off the mark. The MTV-style surf contest seems too routine, in comparison to the film's ambitious beginning of establishing Cody's roots in Antarctica, complete with interviews and voiceovers.… Expand
  13. JeffD.
    Jun 14, 2007
    9
    Animation is amazing. good story.A great mix of characters. Good humor. Entertainment for both children and adults. Fun for the whole family! ---Dude! catch a wave on into this movie!
  14. AK
    Feb 12, 2008
    6
    It wasn't bad and the mockumentary style was fresh, but it's nowhere near as good as Ratatoille.
  15. JaySupertramp
    Feb 6, 2012
    9
    So much fun! Awesome story and animation. Loved everything in this movie but the best is the chicken. Seriously I laught so much about it - tears were coming! It is not the best animated movie ever but really close to that! Enjoy
  16. sil3nt_nick
    Mar 24, 2013
    10
    Wonderfully add-libbed, hilariously entertaining, Surf's Up displays talented actors and animators.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: David Edelstein
    70
    Don't worry, parents, only you--and not your 5-year-old--will get that the chicken's stoned out of his gourd.
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  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Kirk Honeycutt
    70
    A cheerful and frequently amusing bit of nonsense, which certainly will provoke children into giggles. The film does not measure up to "March of the Penguins" or "Happy Feet," both Oscar-winning efforts. Nor is it trying to.
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  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Peter Debruge
    70
    Every bit as entertaining as the early Christopher Guest efforts.
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