Chasing Mavericks

2012

Chasing Mavericks

Critics Consensus

It's sweet, gentle, and affably modest, but Chasing Mavericks is ultimately pulled under by an unconvincing script and a puzzling lack of energy.

33%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 80

70%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 18,956

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Movie Info

Chasing Mavericks is the inspirational true story of real life surfing phenom Jay Moriarity (played by newcomer Jonny Weston). When 15 year old Jay discovers that the mythic Mavericks surf break, one of the biggest waves on Earth, is not only real, but exists just miles from his Santa Cruz home, he enlists the help of local legend Frosty Hesson (played by Gerard Butler) to train him to survive it. As Jay and Frosty embark on their quest to accomplish the impossible, they form a unique friendship that transforms both their lives, and their quest to tame Mavericks becomes about far more than surfing. Chasing Mavericks was made with the help of some of the biggest names in the surfing world, and features some of the most mind-blowing real wave footage ever captured on film. -- (C) Official Site

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Cast

Gerard Butler
as Frosty Hesson
Jonny Weston
as Jay Moriarty
Elisabeth Shue
as Kristy Moriarity
Abigail Spencer
as Brenda Hesson
Taylor Handley
as Sonny
Leven Rambin
as Kim Moriarity
John Weston
as Jay Moriarty
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Critic Reviews for Chasing Mavericks

All Critics (80) | Top Critics (26)

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Audience Reviews for Chasing Mavericks

  • Nov 02, 2013
    Percà (C)và (C)rence. Ãmouvant.
    Marc-André B Super Reviewer
  • Oct 06, 2013
    Gerard Butler's performance makes this film worth watching. He shines here. He does a great job playing the mentor/teacher figure in the movie. The movie was so so. The tone of the film was off. It needed a rewrite. The pacing was off too. The film reminded me of movies like Vision Quest, the Karate Kid, Lords of Dogtown, Soul Surfer, and Point Break. Jonny Weston was ok as Jay, but I think another actor in that role could have done a much better job. I think Josh Hutcherson would have been better as Jay. Abigail Spencer was really good here. So was Leven Rambin. I was disappointed with Elisabeth Shue here. She is so much better in other films. Here it seemed like she didn't fit the role well.
    Sol C Super Reviewer
  • Jul 02, 2013
    Depressing, boring, and far too small for what it is, "Chasing Mavericks" does not try hard enough casting or in it's dialogue. The lead star does not seem to have the characteristics for the characters he is portraying and his acting does not blend well alongside Gerard Butler, who delivers a fine performance as always. Besides a few motivational speeches by Gerard Butler, the film focusses on all the saddest moments of this true story making for a very overlong and shallow movie with no real conclusion to the film. If the biggest event is shown in the credits through text, why not just add that to the film, because seeing as depressing as the film was, it probably would have been a better ending. I have to say that I do not like this movie, because it just tries way to hard in all the wrong ways. "Chasing Mavericks" is a fine film for a specific type of audience and that is about it.
    KJ P Super Reviewer
  • Jun 18, 2013
    A fun movie about a real-life teenager who overcame everything in his path to achieve his dream of being a surfer. Very inspiring movie about finding your path in life, and sticking to your goals. The script is somewhat your typical average sports movie that is won over by good acting, and breathtaking views of the California beaches, and unbelievably beautiful waves...
    Cynthia S Super Reviewer
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