1 Stunning.
Amazing filming, totally captures the magical spirit of the ocean. Excelent, eclectic, soundtrack also.
2 one of my favorites
As a surf film junkie, I have to say this is one of the few surf films one can truly call epic. Amazing soundtrack, incredible photography, interesting waves. The ireland sequence is incredible, as well as every other part of the movie. A must have for your collection- incredible. The kind of surf film you can watch over and over again, or pop in and simply listen to. Makes you want to get in the water.
3 New breed
Dont want too spoil it to much, because I didnt really know what to expect. Saw it 3 times in a row. One of the best Ive seen - enough to come back and comment on it.
4 one of the best
jack johnson and the malloy bros. put together one of the most soulful surf films ever made in modern times with "thicker than water." it's not mtv and it's not punk - it's as smooth and mellow as the surfers who star in it - also check out "singlefin: yellow" for a similar feel, great music but more in depth story structure - both are classic must have surf dvd's.
5 Excellent Footage
This movie is VERY srtsy for a surfing film, wihch is why i like it so much... it is one of the BEST surfing movies, however, i have ever seen... it is definitely epic... definitely, check it out! any surfer would appreciate this movie!
6 The Music is Horrible.
I love surfing movies but this one stinks. The surfing is interesting to watch but the music sucked big time. It put me to sleep it was so bad.
7 Pretty boring
I got really tired of seeing the same old bottom turns and off the lips over and over again. Most of the waves are quite small and the best and largest waves come at the end of the DVD. I fast forwarded through most of it. You'll probably lose interest early, as I did.
If you want a really thrilling DVD on surfing, get the Billabong Odyssey, it's simply unreal!!
8 Better than a sleeping pill
There are so many better surf films out there than this. I love surfing but this film just left me cold. If your idea of a great surf movie is 45 minutes of different bits of surfing footage without any storyline accompanied by a wholly uninspiring and unsympathetic soundtrack, then check this film out.
Some of the waves surfed in this film are dramatic; I am pretty sure one of them is Teahupoo in Tahiti, a wave to equal almost any in the world in ferocity and the drastic consequences of a wipeout on it. Unfortunately there is no indication either in the film or in the credits where any of the footage was shot, which is a shame and also an unneccessary omission.
But please, surfing is an adrenaline sport and whilst, with the exception of the (maybe) Teahupoo footage, the waves surfed in this movie are not particularly big, this movie fails to capture any of the dynamism and excitement that is an integral part of surfing. This is despite the fact that many of the world's best surfers feature in it! Because there is no storyline or dialogue, the soundtrack dominates the aural part of the experience and the soundtrack is just awful. It is soporific mush. What you experience with your ears is completely at odds with what you see with your eyes. There is no synergy between the two whatsoever.
If you are desperate to add to your surf movie collection, then this one is watchable, just. If you want to be more selective, then any of the Endless Summer trilogy or Billabong Odyssey would be a far better choice.
And if you only want to buy one surf movie, then it has to be Step Into Liquid, which is a million miles better than this one.
In fact, if you want to buy ten surf movies, buy one copy of Step Into Liquid and watch it ten times!
9 Eye Candy
The footage in this flick is great. The music sucks. It's mostly bluesy un-plugged funk and slide guitar rambling and wanking throughout. The actual surfing is much more aggressive than the music in the background. It's more of an annoying distraction than anything else. People who bought the soundtrack to this flick also bought CD's by Norah Jones, so that probably explains it. It's like the whole thing is in slow motion. What a drag. Turn off the sound and play your own music.
10 Not bad
Compared to other surf films being flooded into the market these days, this is not bad. Music is good, footage is good (note: SHOT ON FILM, not video). It was somewhat hard to figure out where they were. We have clear scenery change, but no indicator to tell us where they really were except for the traditional Irish folk music that obviously indicated they were surfing Ireland. Director's commentary is witty and insightful and gives us perspective that few surf films give us and basically provides a good reason to watch it again -- and again. The version of this DVD I purchased in a local surf shop included a second disc; a CD with the soundtrack from the film. Very nice and a unique marketing and packaging idea. It actually convinced me to purchase the package. More importantly, the music is actually good (I was disappointed, though that the Irish folk music used in the film was not included on the soundtrack CD). But as a film, come on, it's only about 45 minutes long (with special feature bonus material, about an hour). It can't possibly be that difficult to compile film to make it last longer than an hour. Anything less than an hour these days, let's face it, is somewhat of a disappointment. Jack Johnson's involvement added to the film, though. Nicely done, let's just have more of it. I'm glad to have it in my DVD collection, though.
11 sweet as a nut
by far one of the best surf films ever. the camera work is simply amazing and the music captures the essence of the film perfectly. i reccommend getting the soundtrack along with the film. just as the old irish man in the film puts it, this film is "sweet as a nut"
12 Ohhh, soothing...
FUN TITLE! So Jack J. is one of the greatest song writers out there today along with Thom Yorke, Ben Gibbard and John Roderick. This is a great film. No, you really can't call it that, it is more of an exploration really. This is really just a beautiful thing. Call it what you want. But the fact remains, it's great footage, great music, and darn good surfing. Way to go Jack! This is just fun to watch really. Some great shots (I do movies) I want to know where Jack went to school. I know he majored in film, but they turned out one fine film maker. Check out September Sessions as well, more of a sirfing film than this one, but still, the music will do you good.
13 So nice to watch on a winter afternoon
I always enjoy Jacks music and this is full of it. Also includes some of my favorite surfers, esp. Brad Gerlach. Just a fun movie.
14 Life imitating art
The first thing that caught my attention with this video was the music. First and foremost it's a surf video, but there's more going on than just some guys showing off with their moves. Unlike what you might see on Bluetorch or 54321, this video offers a different perspective, and it sets the mood with an awsome original score. This is no less than a work of art. Through the surfing you get an expression which comes from a passion for life not just the sport itself, it's also in some ways a glimpse into the creative process of a musician. If you listen to Jack Johnson's "On and On", then watch this film you can see where the inspiration came from. A lot of the lyrics relate to some of the imagery which was selected. This film has definatly given me newfound respect for that these guys do, and I can't really express how good "thicker than water" is. It's actually very tranquil. It's a must have for any surfer, and I reccomend it for anyone who is big into music or is a musician themselves [and I think all other artists can probably walk away from this video with something too]. Also, since the video just looks so damned good I would reccomend it for budding cinimatographers as well.
15 Don't need to be a surfer
I've never surfed before, but I do enjoy Jack's music. I must say that this is a very relaxing film, with nice footage. I reccomend the product to ALL JJ fans, not only surfers. Songs flowed nicely. JJ fans must buy!
16 awesome,
You watch this film, and you kind of get into a zone, you just relax. You are one with the waves.... floating.....
Oh, and get the soundtrack, too. So much good stuff, wow. Love it, love it.
17 Slick
Thicker Than Water is one of those films that come along that just does not fail to entertain you throughout the whole thing. ive never seen such great surfing in a movie before! TTW takes a break from looking at surfing as an "X-Treme sport" and more of a great thing to do with freinds. the music is great, the imagery is great, and there is some great humor to be had (that part at the begining when they use a jacket as a parachute is hilarious!!) my only complaint is that its too short! around 45 mins long! there is extra footage though, which why they didnt just include it in the actual movie in the first place is beyond me. however, the 45 minutes that are there are perfect, and i cant take off a star for the length. if youre in to just kicking back and having a good tim, this movie is perfect.
18 incredible
This video is one of the most creative and artistic surfing videos that actually represents surfing in its truest form, that i have seen. My props go out to jack johnson as I value this video in my collection up there with the endless summer vids. good work, definitely a must have for any surfers collection
19 stoned
the movie moves at a slow pace , you really get lost into it since its really well shot and the tunes keep it flowing together.. i agree its one of the best out there.
20 soulful, sometimes funny, and completely mesmerizing
i'd rather watch it than talk about it.....one of the few films i could watch over and over again. seamless and beautifully shot from beginning to end with music that provides the mindset for every wave.
21 GREAT FILM
Very well done! Great shots and a killer soundtrack. Get the film for your house and the CD for your car.
22 Beautiful surf film
This is a film, not a movie. Very little talking, just action. Jack has a way with the camera...his shots are well done. Some lean towards being artsy but they're easy on the eyes and not too overdone. The music is perfect, a nice change from normal surf movie tunes. :) You can turn off your brain and watch this one, it's like you're there with them at times.
Well done, Jack and co!
(Oh, get the soundtrack, it's great)
23 GREAT SURF VIDEO
I LOVED this surf video by Jack Johnson. Great surf footage and really good soundtrack. Everyone should check it out.
