As if we didn’t need further proof of an eternal feud between Gerard Butler and his agent, the trailer for the inspirational surfing drama Chasing Mavericks has hit the web today, showcasing the agent’s latest retort to the devastation Gerard Butler presumably wrought upon the agent’s family. It’s the latest in a back-and-forth duel where Butler probably performs a horrible misdeed against his agent and laughs maniacally until he finds himself on the receiving end of his enemy’s vengeance, which is the contractual obligation to star in films like The Ugly Truth and The Bounty Hunter.
Based on the true story of surfing legend Jay Moriarity (Jonny Weston), Mavericks seems to fit the mold of most coming-of-age sports flicks as the 15-year old protagonist, hoping to surf one of the biggest waves in the world, trains under the eye of local legend and grizzled old mentor Frosty Hesson (Butler). The two bond over training montages as Moriarity learns to properly hold his surfboard (without hitting cars) and his breath (without dying) so he can survive the impossible feat of riding the legendary wave, which will most likely allow Frosty to forgive himself for some traumatic past event.
Surf’s up:
To be honest, the film wouldn’t look half-bad if it weren’t for the incredibly formulaic looking plot structure that the trailer suggests. Moriarity’s achievement must be a big deal in the surfing world, but the cliches seem to undermine all the uniqueness about the event, turning it into a run-of-the-mill genre pic with pretty ocean imagery. Surfers, Gerard Butler die-hards and body-suit fetishists should be pleased though. This film was made for you.
Directed by L.A. Confidential and 8 Mile director Curtis Hanson and also starring Elisabeth Shue, Abigail Spencer and Leven Rambin, Chasing Mavericks is set for release October 26, 2012.
