The September Sessions

an excellent surf movie. some of the best surfers in the world head to the indian ocean to catch some beautiful waves and jack johnson catches it all on 16mm film. No competition here, just the story of some excellent surfers enjoying themselves in their element. Excellent laid back soundtrack provided by Jack Johnson and other artists. My only complaint is that it was only about a half hour; but what a beautiful half hour it was. A great movie to sit back to relax and enjoy.

Jack Johnson is virtually unknown outside the surfing fraternity but it shouldn't really be that way, not if you take both this fabulous surfing film into account. A jack of three trades, Johnson started out as a pro surfer who, following a nasty surfing accident, decided to pursue the technically challenging art of shooting other surfers instead; while knocking up a fabulously laid-back record on the side. Shot on 16mm film-stock, the colour palette tweaked here and there, this is one of the most evocative surfing documentaries to have emerged in years. Aside from some of the most glowing images this writer's ever seen - including amazing takes of his pro surfing buddies riding some of the ocean's most glorious 'tubes' - what makes this warm, gently-paced film such a treat is the accompanying, equally laid-back soundtrack, as provided by various Johnson acquaintances. The film's final languid moments unravel to one of Johnson's own sublime compositions, 'F-Stop Blues'; it's an emotionally satisfying end to this unpretentious gem of a film. Derek Adams

Beautifully filmed surf film which doesn't try and achieve anything too clever. Works really well as a chill-out film with some fantastic surfing. The whole film involves 4 surfers taking time off from the pro-tour and just surfing they way they want to. Would definitely encourage everyone who loves to surf to check this one out as it features some of the best surfers in the world (including Kelly). Excellent soundtrack featuring G Love, Ozomatli and of course Jack himself. Wish he'd only get a bigger name over here in England! 9/10

An unpretentious film about surfing. No fluff or filler, just great rides set to great music perfectly fit for the subject matter. A wiseacre once said, "Talking about surfing is like dancing about architecture." These guys apparently agree.