The Perfect Wave

PG

2014

1h 32m

Drama

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Reviews

37%

100+ Ratings

Audience Score

Ian dies and is given a choice to stay in heaven or return to spread the word of God.

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Martin

Based on a true story of Ian's life although not all aspects are exactly as portrayed in the film.Ian was stung by FIVE box jellyfish not just one. Had his mother not prayed for him when GOD alerted her,Ian would probably have gone to hell. Interesting bonus features, one portrays the story of the film director's son being healed after being run over by a truck (bakkie).

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/09/23

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AEF

I wanted to like this sweet movie but it was so slow and such an amateurly acted, directed and produced movie. It was More of a high film project than a major motion picture. It Came across very after school special.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

09/13/20

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Audience Member

Heartfelt performances with a limited depth, its a story based on true events of a surfer travelling the world, searching for his own souls peace, and of the family supporting him thru his adventure. Decently filmed surf montages support the thoughtful tone of the film. Lovingly directed, the story is an adventure but becomes more of a journey of self discovery, and finding ones own faith. Above all else, I fully enjoyed Cheryl Ladd as the praying mother over the cool yet unambiguous surfer dude son in Scott Eastwood. Surprisingly honest portrayals by the main characters, but some scenes are undone by the minor players, a common foible of low budget films with inexperienced, unskilled actors. I did like finding out in the DVD extras that this story is based on the testimony of a pastor. This detail helped me enjoy this film a full star more - Reality allows for gaps in the story and gives credence to coincidence - bc reality is Often stranger than fiction. It is otherwise a bit clumsy as a fictional script, despite the grounded family drama. All included, this is an enjoyable, refreshing effort. The diary of a surfer with enough depth to satisfy tv and cable audiences, but maybe not quite strong enough for the bigger screen. Great for an afternoon or evening together with the family and especially good for a date - compelling story, solid lead performances, and no language or offensive material. Also dont forget the A+ DVD extras, as long as your date enjoyed the movie..lol 3.5 surf-worthy waves out of 5

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

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Audience Member

didn't realize this was a true story. but nonetheless it was still a sappy portrayal of his testament. "hollywood" version of it all. no doubt of the events. couldn't have come at a better time

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

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Audience Member

The music and the locations though.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

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Audience Member

Excellent quality filming. Generally, poor acting. Moral of the romance part of the story (i.e. Annabel) = don't "fall in love" with strange pu$$y. Overall, it doesn't diminish the true message of the movie.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

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Bruce MacDonald

Director

Scott Eastwood

Ian McCormack

Cheryl Ladd

Mrs. McCormack

Patrick Lyster

Mr. McCormack

Rachel Hendrix

Anabel

Scott Mortensen

Lachlan

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Mary Houlihan

Chicago Sun-Times

Unfortunately, it's not enough to resurrect this film that boasts lots of message but very little plot and character development.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jul 10, 2014

Full Review

Stephanie Merry

Washington Post

Christian moviegoers will no doubt appreciate a family-friendly movie with a message they can endorse. But it's going to take more than pretty pictures to convert doubters.

Rated: 1.5/4

Jul 10, 2014

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Theresa Smith

Independent Online (South Africa)

Any sense of flair introduced by the surfing scenes is undone by the clichd story.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 2, 2016

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Synopsis

Ian dies and is given a choice to stay in heaven or return to spread the word of God.

Director: Bruce MacDonald
Producer: Johan Sturm, David Selvan, Jacobus Wiehman
Screenwriter: Roger Hawkins, William A. Wood III
Rating: PG (Some Suggestive Material|Brief Language|An Extended Scene of Peril|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2014
Runtime: 1h 32m

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