Well, that's a matter of opinion, but it has definitely become one of my favorites.
When I first heard Jack McCoy narrate this film, I started to cringe, but it doesn't take long to realize he's not out to try to annoy you and destroy his film. He just helps tell the story instead of the corny/retarded attempts at humor that Father and Son Brown have become notorious for.
Speaking of story, that's what sets this film apart. Most surf films don't tell a story, they're usually just guys getting barrels (sucking sik ;)) in the South Pacific to boring music or guys doing airs to generic punk rock. Blue Horizon follows Andy Irons as he defends his world title on the 2003 World Championship Tour and the intense rivalry Irons develops with Kelly Slater along the way.
Personally, I've always been the anti-"number one", whether it be Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, the New York Yankees, Kelly Slater and now Andy Irons...if they're the best, then I'm going to root against them. Andy Irons sets the stage to be an arrogant ass, but I became so engaged in his story and how real he is, he has become one of my favorite pros.
This would be a good documentary if it focused on Andy alone, his life, his career and the dramatic 2003 WCT. However, the juxtaposition of David Rastovich's lifestyle, the soul guy burnt on competition at a young age is what makes this film so great.
They're so different in so many ways, how they live, what they're looking for, but in the end they both rip just as hard and get the same love from the ocean that all of us do.
Yeah, you probably have to enjoy watching surfing or great cinematography to have an initial interest in this film, but once this film gets you involved you'll be hooked. The "My Culture" sequence is worth the price of admission alone if you love or even just appreciate surfing. I can't believe McCoy didn't submit this to Sundance or something, maybe he did, I don't know.
Summary: Great surf flick, give it a look.
