'Surf's Up' rides a penguin wave

Article in USAToday:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2007-03-05-surfs-up_N.htm#none

First there were marching penguins, then they sang and danced. In June, they will surf.

After Happy Feet's Oscar win for best animated feature and 2005's smash documentary March of the Penguins, does the world really need another penguin movie?

Yes, say the people behind Surf's Up, an animated comedy due June 8 that explores the world of competitive surfing, penguin-style.

"It's clear to us that people love penguins," says Surf's Up producer Chris Jenkins.

Jeff Bridges, the voice of Big Z, a reclusive washed-up surf champ, sees definite potential: "Maybe the penguin wave is still cresting."

So, are penguins officially the new dogs?

"Yes, I have one at home, as a matter of fact," Jenkins jokes. But seriously, "people love penguins, and I'm not worried about what's come before."

Surf's Up riffs on the Christopher Guest-style of mock documentary. It may be the Spinal Tap of penguin cinema.

"People are ready for the idea of fusing animation with reality programming and improvisational performances," Jenkins says.

Some of the most memorable animated performances — think Robin Williams in Aladdin — were improvised, and Surf's Up hopes to continue that wave.

Shia LaBeouf is the voice of teenage penguin Cody Maverick, a passionate surfer entering his first competition. A camera crew is following him and filming his experiences as he meets a wacky crew of surf nuts along the way: Chicken Joe (Jon Heder), surf promoter Reggie Belafonte (James Woods) and lifeguard Lani (Zooey Deschanel). Cody is all about winning until he meets Big Z and realizes a winner doesn't necessarily get the top prize.

Bridges, who channels a bit of The Dude from The Big Lebowski, relished the improv: "You do it as it's written, then you just jam."

Plus, "I've been surfing since I was in high school, and they captured a great mixture of the real and idealized feeling of what it's like."