Chasing Mavericks

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  • Opened October 26, 2012 
  • 1 hr 55 min
  • PG | Thematic elements and some perilous action
  • Parents: Common Sense Media says OK for kids 10+. More on child suitability

  • When 15-year-old surfing phenomenon Jay Moriarty (Jonny Weston) discovers that the mythic Mavericks surf break, one of the biggest waves on Earth, actually exists near his California home, he becomes determined to conquer it. Jay enlists the aid of local surfing legend Frosty Hesson (Gerard Butler) to train him to ride the Mavericks and live to tell about it. As Jay and Frosty carry on their quest to achieve the impossible, they develop a unique friendship that transforms both their lives. Full synopsis

  • Cast: Jonny Weston, Gerard Butler, Elisabeth Shue, Abigail Spencer
  • Director: Michael Apted, Curtis Hanson
  • Genres: Drama

What's the Buzz?

Must Go!
Fans say Must Go!
2,151 fans
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So-so
Critics say So-So
44 out of 100
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Fan Reviews

Must Go!
Thoroughly Entertaining, Warm and Inspiring.

by Alon Patterson

This is an example of one of those rare occasions when everything comes together just right in a film, producing one really good show. It's a success formula corporate Hollywood spends hundreds of...

Must Go!
chasing mavericks

by rachel83

Great movie to see. Jay went out to do what he wanting to do is surf the big wave. All the actors did a great job. the movie is for all ages....

Must Go!
Chasing Mavericks

by mkitkat

For a surfing movie I tell you this was Great! It had a really good story made me yea and made me cry! Really nice scenes from Santa Cruz! MUST SEE :)...

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Critic Reviews

75
Chicago Sun-Times
| Roger Ebert

Chasing Mavericks is made with more care and intelligence than many another film starting with its template might have been. It's better than most movies targeted at teens. And the cinematography of the big Mavericks scene by Oliver Euclid and Bill Pope is so frightening that you sort of understand why Frosty stays on the shore, watching Jay with binoculars. Read full review

70
The Hollywood Reporter
| Michael Rechtshaffen

Chasing Mavericks manages to sufficiently overcome the obstacles with admittedly affecting results. Read full review

63
ReelViews
| James Berardinelli

The reason to see Chasing Mavericks is the same reason why people flock to shore locations when a hurricane approaches: the waves. This is less effective as a bio-pic of Jay Moriarty than it is as a big screen National Geographic Special. Read full review

63
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
| Joe Williams

If your inner amphibian craves a wave, you have the right kind of brain to appreciate the elemental story and scenic backdrops. But advanced mammals might smell something fishy. Read full review

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Photos

Gerard Butler as Frosty Hesson and Jonny Weston as Jay Moriarity in "Chasing Mavericks."