Surfwise

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William L Post-COVID, I'm not sure if Doc Paskowitz's rigorous dedication to his interpretation of natural living sans medicine will click with as many people. Maybe temper those hard and fast rules a bit. Surfwise is a competent documentary of an interesting character full of eccentricities both endearing and eyebrow-raising, but in a sea of engaging and well-researched productions on a range of subjects since 2000 or so, Surfwise is sort of just another (solid) face in the crowd. Initially, the film seems to reach for really low-hanging fruit; so this former doctor lives a Cali-bohemian lifestyle, is vocal about how he likes sex, and uses a few expletives, okay. But the film dives into a much more interesting place when it shows a far darker side to his supposedly idyllic anti-materialism; Paskowitz is variously self-liberated but exceptionally domineering, extreme, often selfish, and even intermittently violent, and his relationship with his children is turbulent at best. One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is the rebellious nature of the kids after their departure from the family camper, often going to extremes after their ultraconservative upbringing; they variously balance a sincere belief in some of their father's principles while harboring major resentments for the man himself. Decent film, interesting if not perfect. (2.5/5) Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/03/22 Full Review Audience Member A wonderful journey of life, as we don't know it. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Tim G Well that's one way to do it. As expected, some elements that make the patriarch appealing, some bordering on appalling or at least just unusual. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 05/16/16 Full Review Audience Member will make any of our parents look rational and sane. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Various philosophies of life : Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Very interesting documentary. I never heard of the Paskowitzes before this film. They had a very different story and lifestyle. Part of me thinks it would be cool to live like them, but the other part is alright as is. Ha. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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