Rip Tide

The storyline makes no sense. There are Way to many different storylines, and the characters relationsships are not at all explored properly, so the chemistry is non-existing. It is by far the worst film I have ever seen. The progress of the film made me angry.

I absolutely loved this movie. Such a good movie of coming to age, family expectations, and becoming yourself when you don't think it's possible. I have no clue why there's bad reviews here - this movie was great from start to finish for me! I fell in love with every character and followed the movie easily.

The movie has a nice cinematography, the views are great and worked well with the theme of the story. What's great about it is how it shows another perspective of life. It's about a journey from a life that's boring into something that will make you happy. I enjoyed the transition of the story. There isn't so much going on but it keeps you wanting to see how the story ends and how the conflicts of each character is resolved. It does have an inspiring theme when you reflect upon Cora's move in the story. Overall, I like the story, not because of the fashion or surfing or the sceneries, but it seems real in life and it leaves a good impression to the viewers.

Cora Hamilton (Debby Ryan) is working to be the next IT girl. Her controlling mother runs a NY modeling agency who is mostly concerned about getting her a big modeling contract. After an embarrassing incident goes viral, she decides to run away to her aunt Margot living in a beach house in Australia. Margot is still haunted by the lost of her husband. There are hunky surf teacher Tom and local surf girl Chicka. Cora learns surfing and gets to design for the vintage fashion show.

The story is pretty thin. It's not far from Ryan's Disney TV material. There isn't much in terms of drama or tension. It has some nice character growth but isn't much more than that. It's got some pretty scenery and a few pretty people. I'm guessing that this Australian production comes with local talents. The acting is fine. There is nothing out right bad but there is nothing that interesting either.

I like surfing movies and "Riptide" has some beautiful scenes of waves. Who knows what the first film built around a person who grows up in Australia, moves to the USA, leaves the water behind, has a child, and ends up back on an Australian beach and we all live happily ever after but execution is important. Girl model with a pushy mother is almost a trope. "Riptide" attempted to weave together too many disparate parts in too little time.

The introductory scene seemed stilted or fake. It might have worked with more attention to detail and flow but it was just there as a launchpad.

I particularly enjoy short stories because an author can flesh out the smallest thing into something wonderful or illuminating. "Riptide" had so many small things that felt smashed together instead of explored and woven.

Debbie Ryan, as the lead character, was not up to the task; at least with this script, etc.

Tom Creer was the perfect eye candy for a surfing movie but his character was never explored.

There were some fun moments and beautiful cinematography of waves but I was left wanting a film.