Chasing Mavericks (2012)

When young Jay Moriarity discovers that the mythic Mavericks surf break, one of the biggest waves on Earth, exists just miles from his Santa Cruz home, he enlists the help of local legend Frosty Hesson to train him to survive it.

Directors:

Michael Apted, Curtis Hanson

Writers:

Kario Salem (screenplay), Jim Meenaghan (story)

Stars:

Jonny Weston, Gerard Butler, Elisabeth Shue

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gerard Butler	...	Frosty Hesson
Jonny Weston	...	Jay Moriarity
Elisabeth Shue	...	Kristy Moriarity
Abigail Spencer	...	Brenda Hesson
Leven Rambin	...	Kim Moriarity
Greg Long	...	Magnificent One
Peter Mel	...	Magnificent Two
Zach Wormhoudt	...	Magnificent Three
Devin Crittenden	...	Blond
Taylor Handley	...	Sonny
Cooper Timberline	...	Young Jay
Maya Raines	...	Roquet
Harley Graham	...	Young Kim
Jenica Bergere	...	Zeuf
James Anthony Cotton	...	Frank

Storyline

The inspirational true story of real life surfing phenomenon Jay Moriarity. When 15 year old Jay discovers that the mythic Mavericks surf break, one of the biggest waves on Earth, is not only real, but exists just miles from his Santa Cruz home, he enlists the help of local legend Frosty Hesson to train him to survive it. As Jay and Frosty embark on their quest to accomplish the impossible, they form a unique friendship that transforms both their lives, and their quest to tame Mavericks becomes about far more than surfing.

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Plot Keywords:

surfing | year 1987 | two word title | no opening credits | box office flop | 

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Taglines:

Legends Start Somewhere

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements and some perilous action

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 October 2012 (USA)

Also Known As:

Of Men and Mavericks

Filming Locations:

Half Moon Bay, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$2,268,274 (USA) (26 October 2012)

Gross:

$6,002,756 (USA) (11 January 2013)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fox 2000 Pictures, Walden Media, Gran Via

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Datasat Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (ACES)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jonny Weston was hired with no prior film or commercial acting work. He was discovered via an audition video he submitted via a casting website where anyone who's looking for modeling or acting work can sign up for, create a profile and audition for work.

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Goofs

When Jay is out in the water searching for Frosty, he throws the bottle cap into the water and puts the bottle without the cap back on the board. When he peddles further the bottle cap is back on the bottle.

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Quotes

Frosty Hesson: As for the rest, all I will say is... the ones who push the limits, discover the limits sometimes push back.

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Connections

Referenced in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Episode #20.71 (2012)

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Soundtracks

Come Out and Play (Keep 'Em Separated)
Written by Dexter Holland
Performed by The Offspring
Courtesy of Epitaph

User Reviews

Ecellent movie!!!

Stunning, nostalgic ocean/beach/surf/coastside visuals, and a watery-emotional story combine to pique any Half Moon Bay romantic to smile, point, shake their head...and gasp with awe. It's, of course, a five-star Flic for me (I am from Half Moon Bay); I'm sure anyone not from Half Moon Bay will have to give it at least a four. In the end, even though it is a love story, it's a surf movie--and a good one. From what I know of surfing, I don't think this tells the whole story, but I think it's a good start. I pray that it opens the door for more stories of this subculture to be told. Bravo to all those that took great risks developing this saga, both before and during.

I do have a complaint: Jeff Clark of Half Moon Bay discovered Mavricks; has the name patented. He noticed the break from behind our High School, and in spite of warnings and skepticism by others, initially took incredible risk in developing Mavricks. He's this surf spot's pioneer, and though this story is really not about Mavricks, but about Jay Moriarty, Jeff Clark deserves his name prominently marqueed .... or maybe that's the sequel!