Movie Review: Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board

By Emily Ashby

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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that one of the main characters in this made-for-TV movie is a tween who's rude to adults and his teen mentor throughout most of the story -- but he eventually shapes up and comes to respect them. Peer pressure is a dominant theme, with a group of teens learning to see through their leader's negative influence and following their own instincts. Though young viewers may not catch all the major plot points, they'll no doubt enjoy the action-packed dirt mountain boarding scenes.

Families can talk about how the media influences people's taste in hobbies and entertainment. Tweens: Had you ever heard of dirt mountain boarding before this movie? What do you think of it? After seeing it, would you want to try it out? What other activities have you wanted to try because you saw them in TV shows or movies? Families can also discuss peer pressure. Have you ever felt negative pressure from a friend? How did you handle it? Do you think this movie's scenario is plausible, or did the characters' problems get solved too easily?

Common Sense Media Review
The sequel to the popular Disney movie Johnny Tsunami , JOHNNY KAPAHALA: BACK ON BOARD reintroduces Brandon Baker as 17-year-old Johnny, who's heading back from Vermont to his native Hawaii for his surfing legend grandfather's wedding.

The trip also reunites Johnny with best buddy Sam (now played by Lil' J), who introduced Johnny to snowboarding in the first movie and now lives in the islands. The guys are looking forward to lots of fun in the sun and surf, but it's quickly apparent to Johnny that his time will be occupied by the newest Kapahala family member -- Chris ( Jake T. Austin), his grandfather's fiancée's 12-year-old son (yup, Grandpa's dating a younger woman).

As a favor to Grandpa Johnny ( Cary-Hiroyuki Tagama), his grandson agrees to keep an eye on rebellious Chris, whose defiant attitude and sketchy friends have the adults concerned. But despite Johnny's best efforts to bond with the younger boy, Chris makes it clear he wants nothing to do with anyone in his new family.

In a last-ditch effort to establish some common ground, Johnny tests his skills in the extreme sport that Chris is passionate about -- dirt mountain boarding. Not surprisingly, Johnny discovers that he's a natural at this sport, too. But more importantly, Johnny's time with the group sheds light on the true nature of ringleader Jared's (Andrew Allen) intentions.

Rather than improving his relationship with Chris, Johnny's camaraderie with the dirt boarding gang -- especially cute blonde Val (Rose McIver), whom Chris adores -- drives the troubled tween to take drastic measures to prove himself worthy of their respect, and Johnny must find a way to reach out to him before his actions hurt someone else.

Back on Board lacks some of the spark that made its predecessor such a fan favorite, but it still blends a decent script with strong performances and positive messages about being true to yourself and thoughtful about your choice in friends. Top that off with thrilling scenes of the latest extreme sport, and families will likely find a lot to like.

Fans may also enjoy Jump In! and High School Musical . And big-wave afficionados might like Surf's Up.