Chasing Mavericks Family Movie Review

chasing mavericks movie review rating guide for parents and families

MPAA Rating
PG-13

for dramatic elements and some perilous action

Genre
Drama

Director
Curtis Hanson

Starring
John Weston, Gerard Butler, Elisabeth Shue, Abigail Spencer, Taylor Handley

Studio
20th Century Fox

Release Date/In Theaters
10/26/2012

Chasing Mavericks Movie Summary

Story of Jay Moriarty's life as a surfing champion.

Chasing Mavericks Movie Review for Parents

-by Ginger

            The Maverick surf break is one of the meanest and largest waves in the world. It is thought to be a myth in the surfer world. However, Jay Moriarty makes the discovery that the famous Maverick surf break is only a few miles from his Santa Cruz home. Chasing Mavericks has nothing to do with cowboys, but it is the surfer adventure of a lifetime. This family movie review gives you a closer look at the characters and themes of the movie.

            Facing the Maverick will take training and practice. This wave is deadly so Moriarty enlists the help of a famous competitive surfer, Frosty Hesson to train him to ride this big wave. A unique friendship evolves and the movie soon becomes focused on their relationship, much more than surfing. This movie has more substance than was at first visible on the outside. It was rated PG for thematic elements and dangerous actions by the surfers. Chasing Mavericks is definitely a “don’t try this at home” movie.

            It is about father/son relationships, life and death, and taking chances. The old surfer teaches the young teen much more than surfing technique. He teaches him about the value of life and the importance of chasing dreams that mean something. The movie contains a girl and a relationship. She is in a bikini and there is kissing and affection, but it does not even hinge on sexuality. The girlfriend is there to support him and a deeper relationship evolves than the usual teen relationship on the surface.

            The old surfer does not believe in miracles, but believes everything in life is a result of your own actions and choices. The boy has to take responsibility for his own decisions, not only regarding surfing, but in his relationships as well. This was a very deep and moving film with excellent characterization. It is pure emotion and human drama.

           The Maverick is frightening, as are some of the surfing scenes, but frightening images are minimal. The Maverick wave is presented as a challenge rather than something to be feared. The movie is about chasing your dreams and never giving up. It is about conquering fears and meeting life head on. The Chasing Mavericks movie was rated PG -13 for scenes of danger. The Maverick is the main danger presented in the film. Other than that, this parental guide to the movies sees very little that would prevent younger children from enjoying this movie. Perhaps the very young would not find it interesting, or may find it way too frightening, First Graders and above will have something to gain from seeing the Chasing Mavericks movie with their parents.

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