H2O EXTREME
Rating:PG-13 (for some sex-related content and language)
Genre: Action & Adventure , Comedy
Directed By:Bill Scharpf
Written By:Bill Scharpf , Tommy Garcia , Steve Welch
In Theaters:Apr 1, 2009
On DVD:Sep 15, 2009
Runtime: 95 minutes
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H2O Extreme is the story of a young man who gets one last shot to become a professional water skier, but has to overcome his family and the rigors of the pro circuit to see if he has what it takes.
This was the movie's official website.
I hope you enjoy the trailer of this 2009 movie, but other than that the movie has disappeared in the basement of unsuccessful films.
Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer gave ;H2O Extreme a 50% Audience rating. However no critics reviewed the movie. The content found on this page is from the site's archived pages and other outside sources.
Synopsis: Austin Roberts is a Pro Hockey prospect. The typical kid who grows up in Wisconsin, his summers were consumed with the local Water Ski Show Club and his Winters Playing Ice Hockey. A great Athlete no matter the sport, when Austin is 14 he wins the Most Outstanding Male Skier award. His Father then sends him off to Play Junior hockey year around and for 5-6 years Austin leaving water skiing behind. He is now in his early 20’s and going to try out for one of Florida’s Pro Hockey teams. On the way he and his girl friend stop by Cypress Gardens to see his best friends who are now living the dream Austin had always hoped for. Austin falls back in love with the sport and everything it has to offer a single twenty something.
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Part of the film's promo involved screening the movie at specific Pro Wakeboard Tour events. The Pro Wakeboard Tour is the most dominant professional wakeboard circuit in the world.
Pro Wake Tour #2 2009
UPDATES:
7/2- TEXAS SKI RANCH **in New Braunfels. Great screening with Dan Olson in the audience. He plays himself in the movie. The setting was great with beachside seating and wakeboarders in the background!
6/29&6/30- We are currently on the road towards TEXAS for few events.....
6/27-28- ProWake Tour #3 in Knoxville,TN. The site was awesome, the sun was blazing and No rain til the very end....as everyones leaving. Congrats to Jacob Disney for winning the HYPERLITE board from our contest.
6/24-RedLine Watersports in MADISON, WI. Director Bill Scharpf came back from ITALY the same night and walked in right at the films credits. We are headed towards Knoxville!
6/23-Thanks to the Pewaukee Lake &Badgerland ski club members for making it to the screening at Majestic Cinemas. Wish the projection/audio was better from the theatre though.
6/22-We are headed to Milwaukee for a special screening @ the Muskego Gateway 9pm!
*Thanks to the Waterbugs for a great screening.
6/21-ProWake Tour #2 was a blast, even with a tornado that blew through fri. nite and flattening EVERYTHING in site. 90mph WINDS!!! it was part Mudfest.
6/17-We are parked at PRAIRIE LAKE in Pleasant Prairie, WI.....getting ready for the PROWAKE TOUR
6/16-Special Screening @ Barts Watersports (one of our sponsors)....Very intimate screening.
6/15-Passing through the mountains by Nashville was pretty cool! Just in time for the Special Screening @ Boatworks (Taylorsville, KY). Thanks for the pizza Patti ;)
"Great film! Grabbed the Majestic Cinemas screening and while the sound was meh, the storytelling was fantastic! My friend and fellow hockey player Kurt drove me to the theater. We're both into skiing as well so we were excited to see this flick. But the most memorable thing that night was the discovery of the hazmat suit in the back seat of the car. Kurt's been taking courses in waste management and is considering opening a business handling medical waste from hospitals and doctors. He's aware of the regulations involved and the hassle of applying for the licensing, etc. I had no idea what he was getting into until he showed me a website that was focused on medical waste disposal that he's using as his reference frame for his future plans. But after seeing the film, I kind of got the impression that Kurt would rather ski or play hockey professionally than do anything else. Time will tell." Marshall Tuckman
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** If you are ever in the Austin or San Antoni area and have some time to burn, it is worth a trip to the Texas Ski Ranch. This 70-acre action sports paradise located in New Braunfels, TX. What makes TSR unique is the culture and facilities surrounding the lakes. Riders can indulge in just about every board sport under the sun including snowboarding, skateboarding and SUP.
When it comes to skateboarding and cable parks, the Texas Ski Ranchis consistently ranked as one of the top facilities in the world. With three cable systems and a boat lake there is truly something for all levels of water sports enthusiasts. First time riders can take advantage of their incredible coaching and beginner cables. More advanced riders can charge the park and hit structures.
From Austin:
Head South on Interstate 35. Take Exit 195 for Watson Lane and take a left over the bridge to cross the interstate. Continue heading south on the access road and TSR will be on your left.
From San Antonio:
Head North on Interstate 35. Take Exit 193 for Kohlenburg Lane. Continue heading north on the access road and TSR will be on your right about a mile down.
As a lifelong water skiing fan from a family that practically lives for the sport, I can’t even begin to describe how much H2O Extreme means to us. My daughter recently completed her residential treatment for bulimia, and when she came home, we wanted to find a way to reconnect and bring her back into our world. Water skiing became that bridge. It gave her confidence, joy, and a sense of belonging again. Watching her carve across the water with a huge smile on her face was the best kind of therapy for all of us.
That’s why this movie hits so close to home. It captures the passion, thrill, and community of water sports in a way few films ever attempt. Sure, it’s got its lighthearted and over-the-top moments, but the heart of the story—chasing a dream on the water—resonates deeply. My daughter absolutely loves it, and we’ve made it a family ritual to rewatch it before ski season kicks off. For us, H2O Extreme isn’t just a movie—it’s a reminder of how water skiing helped us heal and move forward together. Pat Owens
More Background On H2OExtremeTheMovie.com
"H2O Extreme," released on April 1, 2009, is a unique blend of action, adventure, and comedy that explores the thrilling world of water sports. Directed by Bill Scharpf, the film follows the journey of Austin Roberts, a young man torn between his passion for hockey and his dream of becoming a professional water skier. This article provides an in-depth look at "H2O Extreme," delving into its background, reviews, press coverage, and cultural significance.
Background and Synopsis
"H2O Extreme" tells the story of Austin Roberts, a Wisconsin native groomed from a young age to play professional hockey. Despite his promising hockey career, Austin never lets go of his childhood dream of becoming a professional water skier. As he approaches his early twenties, he decides to give water skiing one last shot, training for the H2O Extreme Championship. The film captures Austin's struggles and triumphs as he balances his love for two very different sports and navigates the challenges of the professional circuit.
Cast and Crew
The film boasts a notable cast, including Chris Carmack as Austin Roberts, Nikki Griffin, Rider Strong, Tad Hilgenbrink, and John Schneider. The screenplay was co-written by Bill Scharpf and Tommy Garcia. The production was managed by Mirror Image Productions Corp and Velocity Pictures, with cinematography by Elie Alakji and music composed by Marcus Wolf.
Critical Reception
"H2O Extreme" received mixed reviews from audiences and critics alike. While the film did not garner widespread critical acclaim, it developed a niche following among water sports enthusiasts. The movie holds a 50% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting a polarized reception. Viewers appreciated the film's action sequences and the authentic portrayal of water skiing, though some criticized its storyline and character development.
A review on Moviefone describes "H2O Extreme" as an engaging story for extreme sports enthusiasts, particularly water skiing. However, some reviews on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes point out that while the action scenes are thrilling, the narrative lacks depth and the characters are somewhat clichéd. One Rotten Tomatoes review humorously asks, "Can I have my time back please?" giving the film a 0.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting its polarizing reception.
Press and Media Coverage
The promotional efforts for "H2O Extreme" were extensive, particularly within the water sports community. The film was screened at several Pro Wakeboard Tour events, where it received positive feedback from attendees. These screenings were strategically held at locations known for water sports, such as the Texas Ski Ranch in New Braunfels, which further solidified the film's connection to the water sports culture.
Audience and Cultural Significance
"H2O Extreme" resonated with a specific audience passionate about water sports and extreme activities. The film's depiction of professional water skiing provided a rare glimpse into a sport that often receives limited representation in mainstream media. This focus helped the movie carve out a dedicated fan base among water skiing and wakeboarding enthusiasts.
Detailed Insights and Examples
One of the most compelling aspects of "H2O Extreme" is its authentic portrayal of the water skiing world. The film features real-life professional water skiers and wakeboarders, including Ryan Jones, Tino Santori, and Andre De Villiers, who performed many of the stunts seen in the movie. This inclusion of professional athletes added a layer of realism and excitement that appealed to fans of the sport.
Cinematic Techniques and Storytelling
The cinematography by Elie Alakji played a significant role in capturing the dynamic and visually stunning world of water skiing. The use of wide-angle shots and underwater filming techniques provided an immersive experience, allowing viewers to feel as though they were part of the action. Additionally, the film's soundtrack, composed by Marcus Wolf, complemented the high-energy scenes and helped set the tone for Austin's journey.
Examples of Press Coverage
The film's unique promotion strategy included special screenings and events that generated buzz within the water sports community. For example, during a screening at the Pro Wakeboard Tour in Knoxville, TN, attendees praised the film's setting and the excitement of watching water skiing on the big screen.
Social and Cultural Impact
While "H2O Extreme" may not have achieved blockbuster status, its impact on the niche community of water sports enthusiasts is noteworthy. The film brought attention to the sport of water skiing, inspiring many young athletes to pursue their passions. It also highlighted the dedication and perseverance required to succeed in such a physically demanding sport.
"H2O Extreme" is a film that, despite its mixed reviews, holds a special place in the hearts of water sports fans. Its authentic portrayal of water skiing, combined with thrilling action sequences and real-life professional athletes, makes it a unique entry in the world of sports cinema. The movie's cultural significance lies in its ability to bring attention to a lesser-known sport and inspire a new generation of athletes to chase their dreams, both on the water and beyond.