Chasing Mavericks

Curtis Hanson and Michael Apted's Chasing Mavericks (US, 2012) - The outstanding big-wave footage proves more credible than the overfamiliar dramatics in "Chasing Mavericks," an earnest account of how Jay Moriarity became a Northern California teen surfing legend before his diving-accident death at age 22. Clunky and touching by turns, this conventional effort from directors Curtis Hanson and Michael Apted centers around the relationship between the intrepid youth and his tough-love mentor, both of whom embrace the ocean as a means of escaping, and eventually conquering, their deep personal heartaches. Overlong result won't benefit from Fox's low-profile marketing push, which should generate mid-range B.O. ripples. RATING: 7.