100 Foot Wave Review – Awesome, A Cinematic Masterpiece

100 Foot Wave, from HBO Max, presents the journey of big wave surfing pioneer Garrett McNamara’s and his global quest to find and conquer the 100-foot wave, and how it transforms his life and the sport.

 

The series begins by introducing the viewer to the concept of big wave surfing. Most have images of surfers paddling out and sitting on their boards while the scan the horizon for what looks like a nice size wave they could ride into shore. Riding the wave in; returning and paddling back out. Big Wave surfing is a little different.


 

Rouge Agent Review – Riveting, A Must See Thriller


Not far into the series we understand big wave surfing is an extreme sport, which entails, surfers being towed on a jet ski out past the small breaks. This is when we meet Garrett McNamara, who essentially invented the concept of big wave surfing, and then continued to evolve the sport, which is why he is called the pioneer.

Throughout the series we learn more about Garrett and his wife Nicole. How they met, which of course was at a tropical destination, and a sudden realization that they were each other’s destiny. Unfortunately, they were both married, and for Nicole, she was just 13 days into her marriage. As it was, they left their spouses and began their life.

She became his logistical support. As a big wave surfer, it isn’t possible to just wait around until a storm generates a wave large enough to classify as a big wave. Big wave surfers’ study global weather patterns, looking for the largest red oceanic gatherings which will then generate the 40 to 60 to 70 foot plus waves.

As the documentary is centered on surfing, one can expect the destinations are breathtakingly gorgeous. And like any sport, athletes need to train. Surfers must be able to hold their breath underwater for more than three minutes.


Murder at the Cottage Review - Haunting True Crime Series


We see Garrett, who has a drive to be the best, to be recognized as a world class athlete, train underwater, picking up heavy stones, underwater, and running, dropping the stones, taking a breath, and beginning again.

We see him and as the episodes progress, we meet others drawn by the same calling, a wild calling of the sea, a challenge by the ocean god, to pick up their surfboards from around the world and where the big waves are, they will be also.

Big Wave surfing isn’t hanging ten with the guys and gals, it is a dangerous, a fall is like hitting a brick wall at 60mph. To compensate for this, Garrett McNamara is shown developing a lightweight wet suit that allows for the intense padding needed to protect the surfers against the possibility of bone-crushing injuries.

One day, while Garrett and Nicole are watching at the oceanic weather patterns, they see a deep read swell, off the coast of Portugal, in a small fishing village called Nazare, which has the potential to generate the 100-foot wave, more than the height of an eight-story building.

Once the couple arrive in Nazare, Portugal, and stand at the lighthouse looking out, they see swell sets rolling into the shore. It was clearly, the biggest waves in the world would be here, in Nazare, Portugal. And once the pioneer arrives, the world follows.


A Love Song Review – A Quiet, Compelling, Love Story


Filmed across six-episodes, 100 Foot Wave delivers some of the most sensational cinematography seen. More than spectacular wipe-outs, which are a huge draw on YouTube, the majestic swells, massive sets of waves, some more than 80 foot and this soul, a dot against the magnitude of the ocean’s strength, sails down the face, bouncing, bumping along like a stone skipping across a clear placid lake, outrunning the monstrous crush that is curling overhead. It is dramatic, dazzling, and impressive.

Emmy nominated 100 Foot Wave has received two 2022 Emmy nominations for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series and Outstanding Cinematography for A Nonfiction Program.

100 Foot Wave can be seen on HBOMax. Thrilling, see it.


Not Okay Review – Resonating Story, Strong Character Driven Performances


 

Country: USA.

Runtime: Six Episodes/55minutes.

Platform: HBOMax.

Director: Chris Smith.

Executive Producer: Chris Smith, Maria Zuckerman, Ryan Heller, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Bentley Weiner.

Director of Photography: Mike Prickett,

Cinematography: Lauren Pujol.

Cast: Garrett McNamara, Nicole McNamara, Andrew Cotton, Laird Hamilton, Bill Sharp, CJ Macias, Al Mennie, Mike Prickett, Maya Gabeira, Rodrigo, Justine Dupont, Kai Lenny, Buzzy Kerbox, Tom Butler, Lucas ‘Chumbo” Chianca, Walter Chicharro, Anderson Cooper, Thierry Donard, Roo Clarke-Jones, Liam McNamara, Francisco Porcella, Alex Botelho, Brock Ladd, Dino Casimiro, Carlos Burle, Fred David, Hugo Vau, Laurant Pujol.

Haute Tease

  • Deadly Category Four On Direct Path to Hit Hawaiian Islands

    Hurricane Lane, an intense and dangerous category 4 storm with sustained winds of 145mph, is barreling toward the Hawaiian Islands, at seven miles per hour, with the outer bands already drenching the coastal areas with heavy and damaging winds, rain and pounding surf.

     
  • Celebrity Real State News: Enrique’s Former Miami Mansion, with Prime Bay and Skyline Views, On Market

    The Iglesias men cover a wide range of music genres.  Father Julio, now 73, with his chiseled features, deeply romantic songs, and smooth bedroom voice, with a law degree on the side, has sold over 120 million records.  

     
  • Hostile Border Review - Sharp, Edgy, Courageous

    Hostile Border, from Samuel Goldwyn, brings to the screen a sharp, edgy drama of contemporary life for a Mexican rancher and his Pocha daughter after her criminal life in the U.S. is busted and she is deported.

     
  • 20th Century Women Review – Annette Bening and Friends Come of Age in This OSCAR Worthy Drama

    20th Century Women, from A24 and Annapurna Pictures, brings to the screen the days, times, seasons, and events of an eclectic, mixed generation, group of wanderers in Santa Barbara, California in the late 1970’s as life, love and freedom are moments away.

     
  • World News: Political Fratricidal Strife in Paris

    The duel announced between Cédric Villani and Benjamin Griveaux both candidates for mayor of Paris and from LREM poses a dilemma to President Macron. Unless the executive lets the two suitors intentionally tear apart.

     
  • L’ENA et les Elites

    Remplacée par l’Institut du service public, l’Ecole Nationale d’Administration a longtemps concentré sur elle un ensemble de critiques visant à dénoncer des lauréats accusés de former une caste élitiste hors-sol. Mais cette stigmatisation ne révélerait-elle pas une angoisse latente nourrie par les évolutions sociétales.