Big Wednesday

No matter what rolled in on the tides of time, California surfing buddies Matt, Jack and Leory knew they'd stick together. And that they'd be ready when a rare 20-foot swell hit the coast at last. Big Wednesday celebrates surfing as much as the most dedicated kid who ever waxed a board. It's also a fascinating 1962-1974 chronicle of friendships and lifestyles in transition. John Milius (Apocalypse Now, Red Dawn) directs and coscripts with a passion for the ultimate ride and a truthful feel for those turbulent times. Stars Jan-Michael Vincent and William Katt are accomplished surfers; colead Gary Busey (Point Break, 1991) learned for the role. And the vivid camerawork drops you inside awesome barrels of ocean blue.

• drama
• sports