STORM SURFERS - archive from 6th November 2012.

Saw 'STORM SURFERS' in 3D last night at The Cremorne Orpheum Picture Palace in all its art-deco glory. A documentary movie of two ageing surfer dudes - two time surfing world champion Tom Carroll (50) and his long term best buddy, tow-surfing legend Ross Clarke-Jones (45). 

Living on Sydney's Northern Beaches their mission in life is to now chase the big waves, often in new previously unsurfed locations around Australia's waters. Constantly monitoring the weather channels and wave reports for where the big surf is going to be they have their surf gear stashed in strategic locations around the country so when the weather is ready and the conditions right . . . they too are ready!

Often funny, adrenalin fuelled, heart pumping and beautifully shot footage of their exploits chasing the ultimate wave this is the surfer's insight into what drives them, their bond with the ocean, and what it means to pit yourself against huge waves, wind, rain and sometimes the harshest of conditions. Filmed largely using GoPro cameras mounted on hand-held telescopic rods; or at the front, at the back, on top and underneath the surfboard; or on helmet mounts the footage is about as close as your going to get to the surf without getting wet!

If you surf or not, it's hard not to be touched by these two guys and their bravado, their determination and their commitment as they live their lives and their dreams on the edge, and to the full. Good on 'em!

Very entertaining, engaging and exciting stuff, and if you are still able to catch a special screening on the big screen then you should do so, or at least BluRay on your home big screen for sharpness of image, quality, depth and colour.

This film was never going to do huge box office, but it garnered a few awards, was recognised for what it is and is a tribute to these two stalwart surfers, who they are and what they represent, and as such it is sure to have an audience for a long time to come.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-