Cutback (2011)

Very disappointing...

It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

there were quite a few surfing scenes but not nearly enough but the few surfing scenes there where were quite good although short.The film overall was almost watchable but completely spoiled by pushing Christianity,i felt like i was being preached to the whole time, great film for Christians i suppose but not for any other religion or atheists. the best purpose or even the idea behind this film in my opinion is American kids convincing their god fearing parents that surfing isn't of the devil.3.4 out of 10. doesn't quite make 4

I bought "Cutback" on DVD blindly yesterday thinking it was a surfing drama/sports flick akin to, say, 2002's "Blue Crush." It is and it isn't. The surfing and sports competition take a serious backseat to the inspirational coming-of-age drama.Released in 2010, "Cutback" tells the story of teenager Luke Harris (Justin Schwan) and his parents (Greg Carlson & Raquel Gardner). The mother's a woman of faith, but the father and son aren't. There are signs of marital problems, but this is a very solid family. Luke's goofy best friend, Casey, isn't so fortunate (Angel Cruz). Luke's a natural at surfing and wants to pursue it, but his dad insists he goes to college. Meanwhile, a beautiful redhead catches his eye (Emily played by Kelsey Sanders) and everything seems to be bliss, and then...This is a low-budget, straight-to-video film and shows some of the limitations thereof, like questionable acting by some of the peripheral characters (e.g. Casey and Luke's boss), but it's Grade A at heart. Seriously, this is a quality coming-of-age drama. Despite some of the questionable acting, I was able to buy into the characters and their story. The people became "real" to me because they ring true. Excellent job by the director, writers and cast in this regard.What I especially liked was the overtness of things pertaining to God, like prayer and such. Mainline films (whether theatrical or TV) have to be "politically correct" in order to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. Anything having to do with God is typically watered down, (but not always, see the pull-no-punches "Black Death," as an example). Thankfully, independent films aren't as constrained in this respect and can therefore address "touchy areas" like God and faith."Cutback" boldly shows the awful truth along with the gospel truth. Mistakes happen, anger is flared, divorce is threatened, tragedy strikes and intense doubts are vented. But amidst all this is the nobility of the central characters, which makes you root for them. Luke and Casey are bosom buddies, and it shows; there's a palpable attraction between Luke and Emily; Luke's dad is a weary cop who's understandably sick of being taken for granted; and his mother's a precious cornerstone of faith, but not without her own failings.The film is also salted with inspirational scenes that are nigh life-changing. There's a potent discussion on integrity at a youth group that forces the viewer to check their own integrity; there's a marital counseling session that's similarly effective; there's a visceral response to tragedy and the equally visceral counter, albeit wisely subdued.I'll be honest with you, this is one of the best coming-of-age dramas I've ever seen. It's inspirational, even enlightening, not to mention heart-warming and moving. The only reasons I don't rate it higher than I do is because it has the limitations of a low-budget, independent film, like dubious acting with the secondary characters, but most of the main characters are excellent or very good. Plus I don't want to mislead potential viewers into thinking this is some polished, big film. It's not; it's small, but it's Goliath at heart.Most importantly, "Cutback" boldly addresses the most important issues of life -- ambition, compromise, folly, defeat, resolve, forgiveness, God, faith, love, loyalty, hope, death, grief and life.All films are contrived in the sense that they involve actors performing from a written script. The secret of successful films is that they pull it off without seeming contrived; that is, it must come across as real life. Too many independent inspirational films aren't able to do this and, consequently, they're painfully awkward at times. "Cutback" soars above this, triumphantly.The film was shot in S. California and is lean & mean at 87 minutes.GRADE: B+

The previous reviewers couldn't have been watching the same unadulterated rubbish that infected my DVD player with it's religious recruitment nonsense....admittedly a lot different than a lot of mainstream movies...but that doesn't make it watchable. 4.2 out of 10 is way too kind. Save your money and if you want to do something religious go to Church. I am a practising Catholic and I have to say that I found this film offensive really in much the same manner that I find Jehovas Witnesses knocking on my door a tad offensive or intrusive. Religion is about choice and had this film been honest in it's description instead of pretending to be about surfing then I would've made the choice not to watch it. I watch films for entertainment and go to Church for my religion.The only thing this film made me question about myself was why was I watching such drivel.

Great family movie, very touching story of teens finding their way in a difficult world. So good to see movies being made for the preteen age group that don't have to involve graphic love scenes or gory violence! I truly enjoyed watching this movie with my kids, and afterward, we had some great discussions about life choices and the consequences that can follow. We could use more movies like these, that can demonstrate the joy we feel in finding Christ in our lives and following Him. Teens face so many pressures and confusing messages in our world today, and I truly appreciate the message that "Cutback" sends--you do not have to face these pressures and choices alone, God will walk with you every step of the way!