Surfer, Dude (2008) User Reviews

a stoned near documentary comedy about surf

[geor_20284 · 6/10 · 27 July 2013]

What is good about this film? Well if you are one of those people that got sick with overblown action movies or vampire teenage dramas, "Surfer, dude" is going to provide you a break. Like the waves though, it is good not to force this movie. It will come to you some day, in the TV, when you are back from work, tired and in need of something laid back. You don't have to spend a penny to see this movie. This is its central message: good things are for free. Well almost, you have to have a TV. Another good think is the view from the almighty ocean. Yes the shots of the sea and the waves will always have a calming effect on us, it is scientifically explained. The long beaches, the sand, the sun, Willie Reed are natural elements that relax us. The good parts of our world. The lead is in most natural, meaning always stoned. I never seen a more stereo typical view of a pot head but with a hint of control in the weed consumption. He smokes it, not the weed him.

What is bad about the movie? Well it is not a serious, provocative film for cinema lovers. Surfer, dude is like the guy in school that you know you'll never have something in common but respect his different way of seeing things. The plot is not multi-layered or anything and the ideas are not explained in detail or in depth. Theories and ideas and intentions of the characters are just what it is. "What is good about surf? What is good about the wind..." The lines are poor, and the actors are just there, except of course Woody who is always a pleasure watch.

If you want meaning, you can find it anywhere. Many say there is no meaning in this movie. Well i say you can find meaning in rock standing still, if you want to. There are simple meanings about capitalism and retrieval to nature and stuff like that. The only meaning is not to over analyze this movie. After all it is one more movie, that talks about not selling out to video games for money and still the movie product is out in the cinemas trying to make some money! In its defense, it doesn't try so much to sell itself with big explosions and romance but it is happy just to be out there. After all it was a bust, selling only a handful of tickets.

I watched Surfer, dude last night in the TV and i enjoyed it for what it is. A movie that doesn't expect anything from you and you should do the same for Surfer, dude. Let it be and you never know when it will come to you...

it's not bad, it's not good... it's harmless surfer fluff for the whole stoner family

[Quinoa1984 · 5/10 · 14 July 2009]

I rarely do this, and I either feel vindicated or embarrassed doing it, but I went into Surfer, Dude prepared to not like it at all. Matter of fact, I rented the movie (from my library on a 25 cent charge) with the intent to have a good laugh at it, and maybe get in with my wife on a Mystery Science Theater 3000 style poke-and-jab job. As it turned out, by the near of the end of its slim 82 minute running time, we felt the same way: it's not hate-worthy. It's simply too filled with well-intentions to simply stomp and kick the crap out of. While one can argue a lot of misplaced ego-trips go that way (i.e. M. Night Shyamalan) I didn't really sense hubris or too much faulty technical craft going on.

It's simply what it appears to be: a bunch of surfer dudes, and I include in that group the filmmakers and McConaughey, got together after many years of prep (you read that right, many years, like seven according to the DVD making-of) and made a movie for themselves, and the California surfer community. Indeed there's been a minor cult that has risen in California around the movie; screenings spring up with masses of dirty and stoned surfers trudging into the theater ready to soak up the waves. At least, that's my assumption having never been to the California surfing community nor a surfer's cult movie screening. I can't help but wonder if it was for the 'plot' or the 'comedy'.

So why isn't the movie hateful? For one thing, for all of his incessant I-don't-need-to-wear-a-shirt-ness, McConaughey is a likable guy as Steve, a guy who has a craving for a wave, all the time, every time it's possible. There is not much conflict to speak of except this: either Steve rides the wave, or he doesn't, and for much of Surfer, Dude he actually doesn't ride waves but rather try and fend off a corporate leech that wants to sign him up for a reality TV show gig. That's basically the whole movie. Oh, and Willie Nelson shows up as a goat farmer who smokes lots of doobs (of course), and Woody Harrelson pops up from time to time as a, uh, manager of sorts who smokes a lot of doobs (of course) and is sometimes hard to differentiate from McConaughey if not for the shirt situation and, uh, other actors like Jack's father on Lost.

Here's what it comes down to: there are plenty of totally cringe-worthy moments, scenes where laughs are attempted and fall flat, and some lazy cinematography and music and a story that is so easy to read through you know who every character is and what their destination will be within ten seconds of seeing him or her (and that goes for miss wannabe Baywatch star too). And yet, it's also a laid back movie for a niche crowd that doesn't try to please to audiences that aren't meant for it. Maybe I wasn't meant for it either, and I do like some of these actors and comedies with stoners and surfing and waves and uh virtual reality plots hatched by... oh what the hell, it's a retarded puppy of modern movies. It may be stupid, but it's still a puppy!

Nothing really happens ... nothing.

[Vic_max · 4/10 · 28 May 2009]

I generally like movies about surfing - documentaries, fiction and even animated flicks. While this movie started out fine, by the end, I really had no idea why the movie was made. Nothing really happens. Nothing. Furthermore, this movie is actually only 75 minutes long (without the credits)! That's pretty short, but it fits since there isn't really any story.

I did like the beginning though - there are cool surfing shots, lots of specialized surfer lingo, and a cool introduction to McConaughey's character as a legendary surfer. And that was not all, the beginning also gives us an exotic high-tech firm w/3D virtual technology, a surfer reality show and even a flashy/upscale topless beach party (it was very well done!).

However, in terms of where all these elements go, the movie tanks. McConaughey's character walks around confused and dejected because there's no surf ... all while he's continually assaulted by the high tech firm that's pressuring him to sign a contract.

As a movie, it's pretty terrible. However, I must say that I still enjoyed a lot of the above elements for their fun-spirited nature. For the general viewer though, there's definitely no point in seeing this movie.

Narcissistic expose -

[uggachucka · 1/10 · 5 September 2008]

I just arrived home from this movie. It was such a disappointment and non stimulating experience I don't recall leaving the house. Sure I went to admire the Matt man, yet we some how broke into uncontrollable laughter when his pearly butt arrived on the screen. I am still seeing spots from the over whitened teeth which managed to steal the scenes. The movie appeared a desperate attempt to capitalize on the hotness that was Matt, the excellence of bill and Ted, the reality TV addict, the gamer, tech buff, t&a specialist, booty watcher, country music fan and those still waiting for the legalization of Marijuana. We waited too and unlike the movie the waves never came.

If I were Matt or Woody I would pull the movie, before waves of bad reviews pull them under. Your still hot Matt, butt - "Your first loss is your best loss."

Hmmmmm....

[stevecauley · 3/10 · 4 September 2008]

What can you say about a movie that features Matthew McConaughey playing a surfer/stoner, with Woody Harrelson as his sidekick, that's barely able to muster a single laugh in 90 minutes? About all you can say is that someone dropped the ball and that someone would have to be first time feature filmmaker S.R. Bindler. Instead of clever dialogue and an engaging plot, we are treated to lots of "stoner lingo," tight shots of girls' asses, and plenty of topless scenes thrown in for good measure. In other words, the sort of movie a 17-year-old kid would make with his camcorder and a couple of buddies. Remember those Burt Reynolds movies in the 70's that basically had no plot but gave Burt an excuse to make a film with his pals? This is Matthew McConaughey's homage to those. We're even treated to a cameo by Willie Nelson in a role that serves no purpose other than as an excuse to have him in the movie. On a positive note, "Surfer, Dude" makes "Sahara" look like Oscar material.

A boring disappointment with no plot

[Gordon-11 · 14 July 2009]

This film is about a world famous surfer who tries to live according to his ideals, and resists a very generous offer to endorse a surfing video game.

The plot of "Surfer, Dude" is paper thin, so thin that is almost non existent. The film is just 75 minutes long excluding the credits, and there is not even material to cover half of the screen time. Usually when the plot is non existent, there is something else to make up for it. In "Surfer, Dude" there is no fun, no humour, no moral teaching, no witty lines and not even nice scenery to look at. The only thing that they could come up with to keep viewers interested is plenty of nudity by numerous topless women. And seriously, does Matthew McConaughey really need to be topless all the time? "Surfer, Dude" is hence reduced to a narcissistic vehicle for him to expose himself. "Surfer, Dude" is a boring disappointment.

A total whipeout!

[EChicoine · 1/10 · 22 April 2009]

The abortion of thought that went into this film will shock and astonish you. For Mathew McConaughey, studying a role requires little more than his imagination. Rather than given an insightful view of a surfer's life, the audience is simply subjected to an hour and a half of what McConaughey THINKS is a lifestyle that everyone will fall in love with.

Surfer Dude lacks all logic and structure. There is not enough substance here for a full movie, and yet, somehow, they managed to record SOMETHING for 85 minutes. The level of contempt McConaughey has shown for his audience is appalling.

The movie starts out giving you the gut feeling that they are faking it, that they are some how cheesing it up to make fun of a horrible stereotype. Very quickly you find out that they are absolutely serious, and like a child finding out Santa isn't real, all hopes for a decent movie are lost.

About half way through the film, the faint whispers of a plot start to shine through like sunlight in deep water, then the big dark rain cloud that is McConaughey moves in. Isn't there a definition for what a movie is? Simply recording onto 85 minutes of film does not constitute "movie." We're trying to have a civilization here Mathew!

From this point on, I am avoiding all McConaughey movies. I will no longer waste my life on truly horrendous trash like Surfer Dude. On my death bed, I will say, "I wish I never saw surfer dude with Mathew McConaughey." and my kids and grand kids will all say "Who's Mathew McConaughey?"

Hollywood Still Doesn't Understand Surfing

[Gulfer13 · 1/10 · 1 February 2009]

As a core surfer for the past 10 years, a Surf Film-maker and professional photographer, this movie is a disgrace to real surfers around the world. Of all the strides the image of surfing has made, this movie sets us all back. There are many professional surfers that are articulate and professional, unlike Mcconaughey's character smoking dope and talking like Spicoli. Mcconaughey's acting skills are beyond this role. I personally know surfers who are lawyers, doctors, business owners, firefighters, and many other professional occupations, yet this movie portrays surfers as a bunch of loser stoners. There is no plot to speak of in Surfer Dude and the character development is weak. To top it off, the movie has a flat spell for over 2 months in California. The Gulf Coast of the Florida Panhandle doesn't even have a flat spell that long, much less the Pacific ocean with all the groundswells that traverse it. With the lack of surf in the screenplay we also suffer the opportunity to even see "actor face imposed" surfing footage in the film. Even Blue Crush was more accurate and respectful to the sport of Surfing than this movie.

Painful

[tvmovienews · 3/10 · 13 June 2009]

I really enjoyed Edtv, so I was interested in seeing McConaughy and Harrelson together again. Unfortunately this was all kinds of bad! This is pretty much a stoner movie, focusing on Steve Addington (McConaughey) who is a world famous surfer who decides to return to his hometown. He is then pursued by a company to sign on to a surfing video game, which he doesn't want any part of. The storyline and acting is horrible in this! I was also interested in seeing Nathan Phillips in this being a fellow Australian.. but he really is an atrocious actor! If you like surfing then this might be for you, but don't expect anything amazing as it was painful to sit through! My Rating: 3.5/10

For more Movie and TV News, Reviews and Rumours go to: www.facebook.com/tvmovienews

People are being too harsh on this movie...

[SerpentMage · 7/10 · 11 January 2012]

I watch quite a few movie and from my review record I can pretty much watch any movie. My first and foremost priority is; does the movie entertain me? For this movie, check! Then my second priority is this movie original? For this movie half a check. And finally my third priority is, does this movie challenge my mind? For this movie, no not even close.

This movie is pure entertainment. Though I have to say that Matthew McConaughey did a really good job. While people may say, "oh look he is playing a stoner and laid back person. That is a no-brainer." Actually not really, since a laid back person does not get uptight about anything, nothing gets them going.

What surprised me in the movie is how well Matthew played the character. You saw it when he was challenged to a fight, and refused, or when he was insulted, or his words twisted. He played his character and I was surprised at how well he did it.

So while it is not that original, though there are hints, it is very very entertaining. I found much of the critique of this movie completely misplaced...

What a complete waste of time ...................

[lickenfocker · 1/10 · 7 February 2009]

This is by far one of the worst movies I've seen in my life. The word "dude" is used so much it starts to wear a person down after about the first 10 minutes of the movie. The plot is weak, the whole story line is lame and the ending is the only great part of the entire movie. It means the movie is over and you can go back to watching something worth spending time on. The whole movie reminds me of someone trying to re-invent a small part of Hunter S. Thompson's life. The idea of a moron walking around spurting out the word dude all the time, stoned and drunk out of his skull and trying to find a wave to ride makes no sense what so ever. Avoid this piece of crap at all costs.

Dream about it, at least.

[antaru_1976 · 9/10 · 21 April 2009]

Here is this movie and here I am, someone who liked it. A movie which got huge slaps in the face by critics pointing that this isn't more than something stoners would make for other stoners; and myself who never touched weed or any drugs.

Even so, I liked Surfer, Dude. Better to say: I loved it. Because it helped me rethink what is important in life and what isn't.

The main character (Addington) represents everything that people living in the cage of the consumer / mass society can only dream about, or should be dreaming about.

He is the free man, part of and living with nature. Not a 9 to 5 office worker like the most of us, not someone having only twenty-some days off a year. Not working for the profit (which actually goes to other one's pocket), he is living for living, enjoying life, experiencing the mystery or magic of nature.

There is a big contrast in the movie. The artificial vs the real. The video game and reality show versus the real surfing and life under the sun. Inside and outside.

Addington is like a creature from another world, but at the end of the film it feels like he is the one from planet Earth (with the goat shepherd and the fisherman) and on the other hand we who made the fields chessboard looking, made the trees stand in order and in the exact same distance from each other in the forest, we are the aliens, or robots. He is the relaxed one we are the frustrated ones. He does only the positive things, and none of the negative ones, not even for money. "Not feelin' it. Not into it". This thing is double stated with the soul/Seoul people scene after the cast, at the very end of the movie.

Actually I recommend Surfer, Dude for those, who feel frustrated after work or feel like there is more to life than doing overtime for surplus production.

Yes the plot is simple, but has important questions. I accept the statement that the flow of the story is very slow, too. And overall, it could be a little bit better, like everything else.

But the stills are beautiful. And in its slow way it gives me a long smile instead of periodic laughter.

Chill out with the movie, dude. And think about your life for a minute.

4.5?

[saurabhkgautam · 7/10 · 11 May 2015]

I downloaded this movie recently as part of an attempt to chart Matthew McConaughey's movie career. The IMDb rating definitely made me think twice but since the title suggested harmless banter at worst, I switched it on in the background. Well, I was hooked within the first 15 mins. This movie not bad at all. In fact, I would highly recommend it to anyone who has 2 hours to kill.

McConaughey's performance as Steve Addington, his character build up (3rd party stories around his background etc.), a great lineup of supporting actors and a plot that ends positively. The movie delivers on all counts that make up your average feel good Fri nighter. This one goes beyond in a lot of aspects.

I'm rating this movie a 10 till the score recovers to 6.5.

Put down the bud and get a life, Dude

[amrosenbaum · 1/10 · 29 May 2012]

This "movie" is rated R for wretched. It contains absolutely nothing that is redeemable. My wife and I actually watched the whole thing, thinking that at some point there would be a turn towards something better. No. Ostensibly, it is about the world's best surfer. Dude, I'm a surfer. I get it, but this movie doesn't even have a clue. There isn't even any good surfing in this thing. How could they blow that? Have they never seen a surfing movie before? Surfers surf in a surfing movie and people from Kansas can't wait to go to California and hang ten. In this surfing movie day after day goes by with no surf. Okay, I get it that lack of surf is part of the plot, but there is nothing to replace the surf. How about humor? That used to be a staple of so-called beach movies in the 60s. What about romance? Ditto the 60s. I guess that is no longer an option in the 21st C. The special features on the DVD are even more painful. Apparently, McConaughey and his friends took seven long years to get this made and went through multiple writers. (Always a bad sign.) They "believed" in this movie. Astounding. Anyone associated with this movie should have an asterisk next to their name warning you that they participated in the production of this foul mess of fecal material.

Great movie! against all odds!

[micha-215-587792 · 17 November 2011]

Of course it is hilarious to make a surfing-movie about a wave-less period, Fantastic!

I find it hard to understand others gave this movie so low points, Unlike most comedies, this movie really is funny to see!(if you share my taste)

The story was quite alright, but not the reason why this movie is so good, The humor is in the characters and the atmosphere of the movie. Really hilarious without the stupidity-factor of most humor movies. There is a really nice flow over the whole movie!

Especially Woody Harrelson showed really great acting! And always nice to see Willy Nelson. Also nice music from Xavier Rudd!

If you have the same taste as me you will enjoy this movie for sure!

Miha

WTF-Surfer Dude

[djforte1-1 · 1/10 · 26 March 2009]

Hey Matt, just because you sport board shorts & a eight pack, doesn't give you a license to be a Douche Bag. Please come down to the pier so I can throw a Burrito at you! you are better suited playing Harvey Milk, than surfer dude, and if its about a dude, why wasn't Jeff Bridges involved in this fiasco, Dude! Stay in Austin, smoke dope, and fling cow pies, yippe ki yay! Take your husband screenwriter with you along the way to surfer dude hell. also please give back the paycheck for this film, I want my money back dude!I If you wanna be a ken doll join Chippendale's. Hey Matt, the only thing you got right was the soundtrack! Dude, your 3rd Eye Vision when it comes to surfer dude

Catastrophe !

[stespostill · 2/10 · 19 February 2009]

Brutal! Matthew M. is just too cool for words. That must be what he believes if he signed on for this project. It's as if he's okay with the movie not having a beginning, middle, end or anything that resembles a story. He seems to be perfectly okay with just having his face on the screen, acting too cool for words and uttering ultra "spicoli-esc" comments.

I recently viewed, what I thought was the worst movie ever made, "Extreme Movie" and figured nothing would be able to contend with this!!, The I saw "Surfer Dude".

This movie compares to nothing I've seen before. It's hard to put into words how pathetic this thing is. I chose to add "contains spoiler" to this comment, even though there is no way to spoil the plot in this film, because there isn't one! The movie starts to irritate at it's onset. It goes nowhere and offers nothing. I did not laugh once. I found the supporting cast to come across as completely uninterested and just plain bored. This was quite obviously just a vehicle to get McConaughey's face back "out there". I was disappointed to see that Scot Glen had participated in this, he's done some good things in the past.

With Matthew wearing the same pair of "cat in the hat" surfer shorts for the entire length of the movie, which goes on for months, I now have no doubt that, the rumors about fellow actors complaining about working with him because of his poor hygiene and foul body odor, are nothing but absolute Fact!

The only conclusion I can come up with for this movie being produced is perhaps it's the economy. I guess we should expect to see more "cheap" films coming our way with actors feeling forced to participate in them just so they can keep their faces in ours!

Complete rubbish!

[nephartiti2000 · 1/10 · 22 August 2020]

Wow, absolute rubbish! Not true to surfers Not true to anything ! Surfer dude is trying to keep it real and just surf, doesn't want to be exploited by the money making machine ... but by watching this soulless, spineless, I can make movies, cause I can, egocentric, misogynist nonsense, you've been had! You pay your hard earned, blood, tears, and sweat money for this, you've been had! I think Matt's a great actor but he's going to look back at this and know he's been had, bought, sold, signed and sealed forever to this nonsense, It's a dark day on this earth, when trash like this gets passed for something, dark dark day!

Bad...just bad

[SWOrtiz56 · 3/10 · 23 July 2020]

You would think a movie with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson would be funny and thoughtful but no, it isn't. I'm at a loss to find a reason why you should watch this movie. Maybe if you smoke as much weed as they did in the movie you'd find it enjoyable..make sure it's the good stuff cause this movie is really bad.

No plot to speak of

[peterlane5 · 3/10 · 1 May 2010]

Should have been called "What Matthew McConaughey Does in His Free Time" The movie has no plot to speak of. It seems that every other word is "Dude", "Bra", or "man". McConaughey's character pretty much spends the entire movie smoking pot, asking;"where did all the waves go dude, and getting betrayed by "the evil TV producer. While I do think that whole lifestyle is cool, you knowing being free and just living, the movie never caught my interest. Don't get me wrong it had a few funny parts and Woody Harrelson(he pretty much plays the same character in 2012, which I also don't care to much for), Willie Nelson, and Scott Glenn are all good in this, but McConaughey just started getting on my nerves.

This movie does exactly what it is supposed to do.

[hmntrpd · 7/10 · 27 November 2020]

Good acting, good movie. Not sure why people are being critical this movie is not bad.

A complete waste of time

[froske1 · 1/10 · 2 February 2012]

This movie is awesome in that you absolutely fail to get its point. Arguably, it was meant to have none, but then, why would anyone want to watch it?

It's definitely not about surfing, there's hardly any surfing in it. There is a lot of weed smoking instead, but that is somehow out of focus: it's not about weed smoking either. It's not about life, it's not about just chilling, it's not about sports becoming something perverted by advertising, it's not about media manipulation, it's not about goats or ecological agriculture, it has no point. You can only wonder at the waste of resources involved in producing it. That money could have gone anywhere from helping starving kids in Africa to improving ice rinks in Spain, and for the better!

There's not a scene in it that would qualify as comedy. It doesn't really belong to that category. Instead, one could create a "surfer, dude" film genre and dump this one in it. Forget the so-called plot, this movie's best summary is "Matthew McConaughey half-naked sells". Mind boggles: did they actually have to make a movie to prove it?

You guys are seriously harshing my morning mellow

[rtg002 · 9/10 · 1 July 2009]

I recently had the chance to see this movie, and I don't understand why so many people hate it. I don't think that this film was intended to be a deep think-piece. The people who have come on here complaining about the film seem to have missed the message, which is a shame, because they are the ones who could have benefited from the films laid back messages the most. Addington lives a perfect, untainted existence. He is free of all of the stress and flakiness (for lack of a better word) that permeates modern American life and culture. This movie helped me realize that relaxing and enjoying the things that bring joy to my life are equally, if not more important, than participating in the gigantic rat race that has come to dominate all aspects of modern day life. I admire this movie and its simplistic message, and to those who felt this movie was a waste of time, I would recommend relaxing and appreciating the stress free atmosphere that is present throughout the film.

Slight surfer movie, but I found it entertaining

[wiredarp · 6/10 · 23 December 2019]

This movie certainly isn't something to watch when you are looking for an action flick. Or anything with a real plot. Its more a sort of stoner wish movie about how most people are caught up in lives they don't want to live. The main character, Addington, is sort of the antithesis of these people - a person who just isn't interesting in doing what he doesn't want to do, and instead just lives to surf and chill (and smoke weed, of course).

As such, its a rather prettily shot movie with lots of weed smoking and hot girls, and laid back characters confronted with modern success and the trappings that come with it. The soundtrack is also great and well timed.

I found it surprisingly entertaining, but you'd have to be in the right mood to watch it and feel you got your money worth like I did.

Not really a surfer story..

[leo-surfer · 2/10 · 10 May 2012]

Why am i saying that? well, even when i'm not a McConaughey fan i saw the title and decided to rent it as i feel attracted to almost anything "Surf", so, as the movie began to roll i really was feeling not to continue as i really expected something more like "Jeff Spicoli"(Fast times at Ridgemont high), yeah stereotypical stoner-surfer-dude you know, funny, and this movie try's too hard to create funny scenes but i really didn't found them, contrary id found it slow, with not too many memorable moments,but you know how it is this id stay waiting for the best but didn't arrive, the part that went really really bad was when they mix the super technology stuff, this is the most anti-surfer stuff, high end simulation is the contrary of all Surf basics, the acting was so terrible in that part that i recognize i had to leave the couch and visit the kitchen, when i went back i really felt anxious to just forward scenes until i maybe could find some fun, but, again, i try to be patient, but end up the same, in conclusion, a strange movie with the wrong title, who watches this movie expecting surfing on it,is wasting time, the movie barely touch the topic, seems like the second topic on it,with very few laughs on it,.. so if you don't really have a good movie at hand (real or classic surfing movies) and want to see something that vaguely relates it give it a try,