This is a great film, make no mistake about it. Mr. Castle, the writer/director, uses a fusion of cinematic styles: French New Wave, Italian Neorealism, and classical Hollywood cinema, to create something truly original and consequential. His masterful integration of cinematography, editing, sound manipulation, and music track create a sense of memory, what it feels like to be a 17 year old, trying to figure out one's place in the world. Thus, I don't think this is a film for teenagers - all the chaos and noise and music and confusion and rage and elation and sexual discovery feel perfectly normal to them. It also lacks the idiotic vulgarity of most teen flicks or the reassuring confirmation of the norm that an "American Graffiti" or a John Hughes movie might offer. That's not to say that some mature teens and 20-somethings won't get the film, I just think an adult's perspective gives this film its punch.It's the little moments in which "Newcastle" absolutely soars, as when the six friends are speeding in their vehicle, radio blaring with their favorite song on, all of them joining in. It's like the real life version of that scene in "Wayne's World" when "Bohemian Rhapsody" comes on. What's captured on film is that feeling of youthful exuberance, of having your friends and being in that moment – even if ten minutes later you'll be at each other's throats for something ridiculous or mean-spirited.Stylistic choices aside, what makes this film great is the way in which its subject matter is considered. These young men are all on the verge of manhood, trying on different identities, struggling with who they are and what they will become. The naturalistic tension that arises from their competitive, testosterone-driven natures and the Bad Choices they continually make reminded me of the men who populate Scorcese's films or the troubled young men from "Saturday Night Fever." Their friendships have the potential to be lethal. As do the sibling rivalries and father-son relationships.And it's all performed with such ease and lack of pretense by the gifted, well-directed cast. I can sense this film's influence on the later, Oscar-nominated Australian film, "Animal Kingdom." So what's sad and shocking was how little critical attention this film received. One might speculate on the reasons for this: The (too?) subtle way in which it examines the issues of ambition and destiny? The unapologetic gay character who's neither a Monster, Martyr, nor Mary? Its usage of certain Hollywood elements? I don't know.What I do know is that this is a thoughtful, masterful piece of cinema that deserves to be seen.

I really liked this movie despite the lengthy surfing scenes and lack of real depth to the storyline. The actors in the film were all entertaining to watch. There was a array of characters with various interactions...some funny, some sad, some utterly bland but contributory nonetheless. The scenery was incredible. I think many modern films lack that beautiful setting which captivates the audience so it was nice to see it be different in Newcastle. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Xavier's and Kirk's characters. It felt real and very believable. I was upset that I missed the scene at the end of the credits. There should have been a heads up that the movie was not yet done. Overall, I give this movie a 9/10 as I thoroughly enjoyed watching it.

I saw this at its second screening at the 2008 Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival in Honolulu.For me, a lot of movies only manage to engage me as a passive, casual observer--the proverbial fly on the wall. This film's extreme close-ups, tight shots and screen-filling POVs, both in and out of the water, drew me in and then ultimately carried me away--not unlike some riptide--into the world of surfers and surfing, a way of life that I only know on a very superficial level. (This is partly because I am terrified of the water, and the glaring irony of my moving to Hawaii from the US mainland so as to be completely surrounded by it isn't lost on me!) Just like how Scott Bakula's character must have felt in the sci-fi series "Quantum Leap" every time he time-traveled and ended up in someone else's body, I not only witnessed the unfolding of a story about a bunch of surfer kids...I actually became one of them. From the moment one of the surfer boys first opens his eyes in the morning. To his hearing waves breaking in the distance. To his paddling out into the salty, churning swell. To his jockeying for position--both literal and figurative ones--amongst his peers. For just a brief couple of hours of absolute clarity and certainty, I finally could understand the passions that drive my surfer friends, which at times can be dangerously all-consuming and, at other times, linger just below the surface--a gnawing, constant craving--quite similar to an itch you can't quite reach and/or satisfy.Excellent cinematography and soundtrack, especially for the surfing segments. Decent pacing and competent acting from a handsome ensemble cast. Combining those with generous helpings of humor, pathos and youthful indiscretions round out this coming of age narrative.

Urged by a film director I admire, I decided to attend a 9:30 screening of "Newcastle" by a director new to me, at the Los Angeles DGA theater. I left the screening in a daze. I dreamed about the film and it was the first thing I thought of this morning. I've never met any surfers in my life - although I've seen "Big Wednesday" - but I have the feeling now that I know them and I was compelled and surprised by how much we have in common. The human drama attached to the waves is what sets this film in a category all its own. Unique. Coming of age in another planet, primitive and futuristic at the same time. A stunning cast of unknowns helps the feeling that we're peeping into something really private. The photography and the score contribute immensely to make this a phenomenal experience. Highly recommended.