ViciousKilla Okay, I'm have two points of view in regards to North Shore.As a fan I love every second of this movie. I have watched it at least twice a year since my cousin gave my dad a worn out VHS copy from the video store she worked at. It was so warn out that at time's parts of it were almost ruined. There were audio issues and video artifacts all attributed to the state of the VHS tape. But, we loved it anyway.My dad surfed. I surfed. We'd watch it I the dead of winter when there were no waves and no surfing to be done. We'd usually watch it again just before going surfing for the first time each season. North Shore became a family tradition and we used lines from it all the time. "No body listens to Turtle" became our way of saying that no one listened to our advice and suffered because of it. We called tourist kooks. We called ourselves Soul Surfers.When my dad passed away a few years ago I went searching for the VHS copy, popped it in my VCR and it broke. Luckily I was able to track down the DVD. I loved to commentary and cast interviews. Watching it late the night I finally received it felt like my dad was there beside me, reciting our favorite lines with me again. If I am in a bad mood, all I have to do is pop in the DVD and I start feeling better.It's got that cheesy 80's feel to it, but it works. Some of the cinematography are mind blowing, especially considering the budget and technology of the time. Nia Peeples looks amazing as Kiani (this was her first major role, BTW). Gregory Harrison made chandler come alive. An no one except John Philbin could have played Turtle. Throw in a cast of some of the greatest Pro surfers of the time (and some that qualify as greatest of all time), and it's got exactly what in needs to become a cult classic. Which it undoubtedly is, or else it would never have made the transition to DVD.As a former film student and (still) wannabe writer/director I know this movie has faults. Yes, the Hui are played up. But, name one stereotype that isn't in a movie? We need the Hui to help drive the love story aspect and for that to happen they have to be bad ass dues with even worse attitudes. Some of the acting, by the non-actors (aka the pro surfers turned actors), was horrible. Some of the techniques used were dated and ruined certain scenes. For example, after Kiani and Rick leave the fashion shoot and go to another beach and it suddenly goes from full dark to 'daylight'.Some of the dialog is terrible. But, then again some of the one liners are incredibly funny and highly memorable.The plot has been criticized by many on here, and I honestly question how much attention they paid to the movie. Rick goes from Arizona to Hawaii to surf the 'season'. He does not have any thoughts about entering a surfing competition when he first arrives. It is only after he starts learning how to 'big wave surf' from Chandler and being notice by he Professor that he starts thinking of entering the contest. Even at the end of the competition he's laughing as he's about to be eliminated because "I never thought I'd make it this far." It's hard not to judge this movie by modern standards. It's also hard not to judge this movie by it's contemporaries and the standards of that time. But, considering the budget, it's not terrible.All in all I give this a 7/10. We former film student half wont let me give it the 10/10 my fan half wants me to give it. It's worth checking out for those who have never seen it and worth a review by those who have panned it. My best advice to enjoying North Shore is to not look at it with the eye of a critic, but instead let the 80's cheesy cult, campy warmth envelope you. Hang loose, haole...

Peter Swanson North Shore is good mindless entertainment, but get real people, it is NOT a great film. Firstly, the very idea of there being an Arizona State Surfing Champion is hilarious. Secondly, his going to the north shore and even getting into a surfing contest is a major chuckle. His winning a heat is beyond-comprehension laugh-out-loud material. I do appreciate that we see early in the film that he REEally is not prepared for functioning in the actual ocean, as opposed to the Big Surf wave pool in Tempe. It's a good thing he acquired a mentor, or he would've died...and that's no hyperbole. The major enjoyment I get from this film is seeing truly excellent performances by a stack of genuinely legendary surfers, especially Gerry Lopez, deservedly known as Mister Pipeline, and one of history's great watermen. Gregory Harrison's beard came in handy, as it allowed us to watch Ken Bradshaw in his place in the water. I get a big laugh out of Laird Hamilton, who was clearly in a state of severe discomfort in front of the camera. Watching this after repeated viewings of Riding Giants is especially funny, because he is now completely at ease with being filmed and interviewed. I guess he put on poise and self-confidence along with those 30 or 40 pounds of muscle. Occy is a gas, the prototypical fun Aussie, and a natural performer. There's also a twinge of sadness at seeing the late, great Mark Foo in his prime. Even if you don't surf, you'll find this entertaining. I agree with the previous reviewers who opine that it has a lot more in common with Beach Blanket movies than reality, but it is fun to watch.

H4215 I am hawaiian, and the pidgin in this movie is laughable; but Turtle (John Philbin) and Vince (Gerry Lopez) get the nod because Gerry has spent enough time there to know da speek and John played it up so much I could see him being a transplanted "local". I really like this movie, it's just that if the actors would have spent a little more time trying to pick-up da kine li' dat the movie would have been much better. The surfers in the movie were the real deal, and some of the most colorful at that time; while Gerry is a Legend on any shore. I don't think this is the best surf movie made, but I have to say it is a great "feel good" surf movie. I would love to get a hold of one of Chandler's shirts with Kane's logo, those are too sweet. Sure some of this storyline is far fetched and stereotypical, but as we all know most movies are. BTW I have to agree "Aloha Summer" is alot better portrayal of "hawaiiana" and how life can be on the islands, although the luau scene in North Shore had a very authentic look to it. Thanks for the heads up on Beyond Paradise, I'll have to check it out.If the opportunity arises check out this film, hawaiians and haoles can appreciate many things in this film.

halo01 This movie is a treat from the beginning to the very end. If you were a child of the 80's, this one is right up your alley. Matt Adler who is the main character in this movie is a very underrated actor. If you do go out and rent this one, you will be very surprised. This one is a must see.