"Surf's Up" - C

With this you get an animated mockumentary melded with a coming-of-age tale and sports flick all rolled into one. It's formulaic at best, but it has its moments.

Plot (a term applied here loosely): A goofy-looking penguin (Shia LaBeouf) is the only one of his peers with an interest in the sport of surfing. He has always wanted to prove himself since he personally met surf idol, Big Z (Jeff Bridges).

The kid gets his chance in the biggest venue available -- a world-renowned and televised tournament that features the reigning champ.

It has its moments: This is a family friendly movie with all the animated quirkiness necessary to keep the average non-toddler entertained for a little while. It has a note or two of adult-esque humor, and the voice acting is pretty solid.

I especially enjoyed the appearance of James Woods (that's right, I said the James Woods) as the obnoxious promoter Reggie. He helps move things along at just the right moment with a carefully placed montage or off-hand quip. I dig it. And you can't go wrong with Jon Heder as Chicken Joe.

Grade: C (there are funnier fish in the sea, but this one isn't too terrible to endure ...)