The Surfer

Nicolas Cage has built a reputation for making some bold, unconventional career choices in recent years, diving into a range of unique and often off-beat films that defy the expectations of mainstream Hollywood. From Mandy to Longlegs, Cage has delivered some truly fascinating, if not always widely appreciated, performances. With The Surfer, he once again takes on a role that promises to be eccentric and boundary-pushing. Unfortunately, this time, despite Cage's commitment and the film's daring premise, the result is ultimately more frustrating than fulfilling. Set against the backdrop of an…

<em>'The Surfer'</em> has really just one thing to say about it: if ever a movie was made for Nicolas Cage! I got great entertainment from this one, the main man himself is terrific all the way through but, in fairness, is joined by a very ably performing supporting cast. I can sometimes get more annoyed than anything else when films use yobs as antagonists, but this flick shows the way to utilise those sorta characters because here they are the (relatively) believable but also clearly just there to mess with the protagonist; their actors do good. Cage is obviously the star, but I did enjoy…

Hmmm! I’m not sure why this is called “The Surfer” as there is precious little actual surfing, swimming - even paddling, in this rather far-fetched psychological thriller. It’s all about Nicolas Cage whose un-named character arrives at an idyllic Australian cove with his son (Finn Little) so he can show him something special. Thing is, all rubbered-up and en route to the beach, they are stopped by some local thugs who claim the surfing is only for the locals. They ain’t, so they have to get lost. The youngster has to get home and back to school, but dad has no intention of being brow-beaten…

The way the story gets constructed as events play out engages and entertains. I lost track of things. Reality comes and goes in waves; never quite the same. The performances function to guide you into a state of confused belief. I can't recall laughing for as long during a movie. The locals are amazing. Nick's confidence shines through. He knows exactly what he's doing all the time though he may not have felt the same 5 minutes before. Great drinking. Incredibly structured insanity. I've never been where the men chunder but I certainly won't try to surf their break. Such colorful characters.…