While the third installment of the tired franchise about an ugly but lovable ogre named Shrek is bringing in the bucks at the box office along comes this charming little animated feature about a surfing penguin, a far better flick that shouldn't be lost amid the onslaught of disposable summer releases. Ever since the Oscar winning documentary March of the Penguins touched the heart of millions, capitalizing on the adorable little mammals' has paid off in a big way. Last years' surprise Oscar winner for best animated film was another penguin flick, Happy Feet. So, here we go again with a nice little effort for the entire family.

What grabbed me initially about Surf's Up is the clever and refreshing way the story is told. Unlike the usual straightforward narrative (particularly with animated fare) Surf's Up is presented as a mock documentary that takes the viewer behind the scenes and into the world of competitive surfing. The star of the reality type feature is Cody Maverick (rising star Shia LaBeouf) an ambitious penguin with hopes of becoming a champion surfer in order to gain the respect of his family and peers. The film opens with the up-and-coming surfer being interviewed by an off screen reporter as he relates some biographical details of his life. Which revolves mostly around his surfing idol and inspiration, Zeke, (known as big "Z" - Jeff Bridges) whom Cody met as a youngster and recieved from him the gift of a big Z medallion to wear around his neck. I like the way the filmmaker perfectly re-creates what is supposed to be archival footage with grainy black and white and even an occasional boom mic dropping into frame for effect.

The story moves on with the "reality" film crew following Cody as he says goodbye to his mom and big brother Glen in Shiverpool, Antartica and takes off to Pen Gu Island where he hopes to compete in his first major professional competition, the Big Z Memorial Surf Off, so named in honor of his hero and inspiration.

Throughout his travels Cody meets up with a host of colorful "characters" who contribute their own style of quirky humor and plot thickening. Chief among them are spike-haired beaver, Reggie Belafonte (James Woods) a Don King-style surf promoter in mega mondo motormouth mode. Reggie sends out his scout, the big-eyed sandpiper Mikey Abromowitz (Mario Canton in flamboyant, fruity fashion) on a Global Recruiting Tour to find the next big thing. We also meet Chicken Joe (Jon Heder) a stoned out surfer dude from Sheboygen; a big brute, bullying nemesis Tank Evans (Diedrich Bader) and female lifeguard Lani (Zooey Deschanel) who grabs Cody's heart the moment he sees her. In an unexpected twist of fate Cody's life is saved by Lani's hermit uncle, who just happens to be the long lost, thought to dead, surfer guru "Big Z", who has long been in self imposed exile for reasons we are to learn later.

As is predictable, Cody is taught a thing or two about surfing from Big Z especially when it comes to making his own surfboard and how to be the best he can be out there on the waves. In exhange Z learns a thing or two about what is really important in life.

Confict involves the mean, self obsessed villian Tank, Cody's main competition who is out to stop anyone from taking away his title. (minor spoiler alert) In the end there is little surprise, but I will divulge that sacrifice and friendship are chosen over winning the big prize. Though we've seen the message countless times before, it is well conveyed that a true winner in life isn't always judged by who comes first in a contest.

There are several reasons I like this animated flick. It is different from others of this genre in that the characterizations and gags are funny, but never vulgar. In other words, thank goodness, the filmmakers didn't resort to the disgusting stuff we see so often these days. I also enjoyed the surfing scenes, surfing enthusiasts should get a kick out of these action-packed sequences. Scenes from inside the curl of a wave, or under the water after the wipeout are realistically integrated via spectacular CGI effects. It is as if the camera is riding along on another surfboard and taking it all in.

The film also benefits from great voice-over work by the entire cast. Shia LeBeouf adds just the right teen spirit to Cody; Jeff Bridges channels his laid back, cool "dude" Big Lebowski character, Woods hams it up a notch, and Deschanel effortly portrays the sweet but strong surfer girl. It's a tie as to who is more hysterical - Mario Cantone as scout Mikey or Jon Heder as Chicken George, who is so spaced out that he mistakes being boiled in a pot for the natives' dinner as a hospitable invitation for a little hot tub hopping.

Now Surf's Up may not be the summer's biggest blockbuster. But it has all the right entertaining elements that aim to please, minus the stupid jokes, too many silly sight gags, or pop culture references. Even though some of the jokes may go over the head of the kiddies, the film is family friendly with enough laughs for all to enjoy. So my recommendation is to go see it. I would hate for this film to be a wipe out at the box office. Dude.

We want to welcome a new writer to our stable - Las Vegas mover and shaker, and founder of the influential website http://theflickchicks.com/ Judy Thorburn. No one has her finger more smack dab in the center of Las Vegas entertainment scene than Judy and she's been a great friend of zboneman for several years. We're excited to have her on board.