North Shore’s status as “surfing’s cult classic” threatened by Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ewan McGregor fronted Blue Juice!

"I hope, I'm praying that we don't ridicule (surfers) in any way."

I thought I had seen it all, or at least tangentially aware of it all. Every bit of surf-based flotsam and jetsam that has washed through Hollywood/Hollywood-adjacent over the years. From Big Wednesday to Blue Crush, Point Break to Chasing Mavericks. Soul Surfer, Surf’s Up, In God’s Hands, Surfer Dude, Blue Crush 2, Breath, Beach Party, Johnny Tsunami.

The film most quoted by surfers, of course, and long considered our “cult classic,” is North Shore. Sam George’s ex-wife stars alongside Gerry Lopez, Laird Hamilton and others in telling the story of a artist from Arizona with big wave dreams.

Heartwarming and I imagined its place at the top would never be threatened.

And then, for the very first time, I learned about Blue Juice.

The British surf story, released 30 years ago, is apparently experiencing a renaissance, selling out theaters etc. Set in Cornwall, it tells the story of a surf instructor and his girlfriend’s tranquil life getting upset when his unruly friends from London come to visit. The girlfriend just so happens to be Catherine Zeta-Jones. One of the unruly friends Ewan McGregor.

Very aware of her audience, Zeta-Jones declared, “I hope, I’m praying that we don’t ridicule them in any way. It’s about relationships and surfing is a fantastic backdrop to have,” at the 1995 premier in Newquay.

Again, I had never even heard of this picture, much less seen it, but by the looks of the trailer could unseat North Shore.

Have you enjoyed?

Thoughts?

The Impact of Blue Juice on Surf Culture