Thoughts on this film (Spoilers)

I like surfing, meant to see this at the theaters, but missed it. Finally caught it on the in-flight to L.A.

Thoughts: Didn't know this was based on a true story. Or that the main character ends up dying young.

In light of the above, the film should've been much more powerful. And a little darker. (Not downbeat, just more intense.) The lead actor was way too sunny and childlike. (Even if Jay was too in real life.)

This really did have a Disney feel to it. Should've been marketed more to adults. Not a terrible film, just felt too soft, given the intensity of the subject matter.

More time should've been spent covering the deaths/injuries in the area, including Mark Foos, which (I believe) ocurred right before Jay's run.

The surf scenes were fine, but casting a different lead, and having a different script, could've made this a much better film. Still worth watching for anyone into surf movies, just a little saccarhine (sp) for adults.