Watch Johnny Tsunami
- TV-G
- 1999
- 1 hr 28 min
-
6.3 (6,247)
Johnny Tsunami is a 1999 Disney Channel original movie that follows the story of a young surfer named Johnny Kapahala, portrayed by Brandon Baker, who is forced to relocate from Hawaii to Vermont when his dad takes a new job. Johnny, who is known as Johnny Tsunami due to his exceptional surfing skills, finds it challenging to adjust to his new surroundings and the local customs of Vermont.
Johnny doesn't feel like he belongs, and he struggles to fit in with the snowboard-loving kids in his new school. However, he finds solace in snowboarding and quickly becomes a sensation on the slopes. Johnny's love for surfing and snowboarding is put to the test when he finds himself caught in the rivalry between two groups of snowboarders, the Skies and the Urchins.
The Skies, led by Brett, are the wealthy and privileged kids who control the mountain and look down on the Urchins, who are the underprivileged kids who live in the town below. Johnny finds himself torn between the two groups when he falls in love with Brett's ex-girlfriend, Emily, who's also an Urchin.
On one hand, Brett is initially welcoming to Johnny, seeing him as a potential valuable member of his team. He even introduces Johnny to his father, Johnny Tsunami, a legendary surfer in Hawaii who packs a significant influence on the surfing and snowboarding community. On the other hand, Emily and the Urchins see Johnny as a traitor to their cause since he's befriended Brett and the Skies.
When Johnny realizes Brett's true motives, he decides to switch sides and join the Urchins in the upcoming snowboarding competition. But his decision is met with disapproval and animosity from the Skies, especially Brett. The rivalry between the Skies and the Urchins reaches its peak when Johnny and Brett go head to head in the final showdown.
Throughout the movie, Johnny finds himself struggling with issues of identity and belonging. He feels torn between his love for surfing and snowboarding, his loyalty to his heritage, and his desire to fit in with his new friends.
The movie is filled with exciting snowboarding scenes, beautiful shots of the Vermont landscape, and a heartwarming story about friendship, love, and finding one's place in the world. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa gives an excellent performance as Johnny Tsunami, providing a unique perspective on Hawaiian culture and the importance of tradition.
Overall, Johnny Tsunami is an excellent movie for kids and adults alike. It offers a valuable lesson about embracing one's heritage while also embracing change and finding new passions. The movie is a nostalgic gem that continues to be enjoyed by fans worldwide.
Johnny Tsunami is a 1999 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.