Beautiful Wave (2012)

**_Coming-of-age surfing/road movie with Aimee Teegarden_**

This comes in the tradition of the original “Gidget” from 1959, which was a serious beach-oriented drama with depth and not goofy at all, like the forthcoming 60s’ beach party flicks. It has the coming-of-age element of “California Dreaming” and the indie “Swimming” mixed with “Blue Crush,” minus the competition angle.

The story tends to meander but gets dramatically interesting by the midpoint and the ending is touching. Yet it’s no where near as rewarding as “Gidget” or another indie shot at the same time, “Cutback.” Eight years later “Swell” would cover similar terrain and do it better. Still, if you like these kinds of flicks, it’s worth checking out. There’s a sense of beauty and awesomeness contrasted by the stereotypical ‘surfer dude’ antics.

Moreover, some interesting social dynamics show up in a subtle way, such as the repentance/forgiveness principle, which has kept relationships alive for millennia, whether marriages, friendships, neighbors or work relations. Here, the humble confession is a mere "Dude... my bad," yet that's all that was needed. Another example: The two females are footing the bill for the long trip, including transportation, and, at one point, they are forced to make a stand, if you know what I mean. The challengers wisely acquiesce.

Patricia Richardson is on hand as the aunt while Lance Henriksen plays an old man at the titular Mexican beach. Supergirl Helen Slater has a small role in the prologue as the mother.

It runs 1h 37m and was shot in 2009 at Santa Clarita, Santa Cruz, Rufugio Beach, Malibu and Baja California, including Cabo.

GRADE: B-