Storm Surfers 3D (Justin McMillan, Christopher Nelius, 2012) Australia

Reviewed by Melanie McComb

Storm Surfers 3D, directed by Justin McMillan and Christopher Nelius, is an adventure documentary that follows two former professional surfers (Tom Carroll and Ross Clarke-Jones) in Australia chasing the biggest and baddest waves they can find. With the help of surf caster, Ben Matson, the Aussies venture out to different areas of Australia and chase untouched surf spots and waves that will satisfy their hunger for adrenaline and fun.

The documentary was put together very nicely. It was enjoyable to follow and wasn’t executed in chronological order which can be very trite in documentaries. Through the use of old surf competition coverage, the audience learns of the two Aussies’ backgrounds as professional surfers; Tom, the star and Ross, the rock star.  Tom was the more responsible surfer, winning competitions be staying healthy while Ross was keeping up but more interested in the girls and parties.
Throughout the film, the men and their crew arrive at many different locations, with extremely expensive gear, and set out to catch major surf. There are triumphs and losses throughout the journey; Tom and Ross both have their share of nice,y executed waves and horrific wipeouts. Through the footage, the viewers are consistently reminded of the fearlessness of the two men; Ross still has the desire for adrenaline as a twenty year old man, Tom is still an excellent sport who e nous the thrill of risk taking but he has three daughters that have created a sense of carefulness in him that will never go away.
An excellent part in the movie that portrays the inner child that most men never lose is when Tom and Ross are playing with a remote control helicopter and teasing Toms dog with it. Ross then shoots fire bombs at the tiny helicopter with a lighter and some kind of spray, flammable fluid.
The last half hour of the film surrounds the journey to an untouched surf spot with monstrous waves. Tom almost loses his life by being pushed down into the water for more than a minute. While slightly spooked from the experience, Tom is ready to go back out and catch some more waves. The film ends when the surfers are taken to another secret surf spot, courtesy of the seamen assisting them in their travels.
Overall, the film was informative, thrilling, humorous, and most of all, fun.

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Published:
02.10.13 / 4pm
Category:
Films, Santa Barbara Film Festival 2013