
Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board
Comedy, Drama, Family, TV Movie
Johnny Kapahala, a teen snowboarding champion from Vermont, returns to Oahu, Hawaii, for the wedding of his hero -- his grandfather, local surf legend Johnny Tsunami -- and to catch a few famous Kauai waves. When Johnny arrives, he meets his new family including "Uncle Chris" (the 12-year-old son of his new step-grandmother) who resents the upcoming marriage. Chris's only interest is to join a mountain boarding crew led by a teenage bully. When Johnny's grandfather and his new wife open a surf shop that also caters to mountain boarders, they are soon embroiled in a turf war with a rival shop owner who wants to shut their business down.
View on IMDbAppeals to viewers who enjoy upbeat family adventures with accessible sports thrills, intergenerational bonding, and conflicts resolved through teamwork rather than cynicism.
- Tone
- lighthearted, warm, adventurous
- Payoff
- amusement, inspiration
- Pacing
- brisk
- Intensity
- gentle
- Structure
- linear
- Themes
- blended family, belonging, mentorship, rivalry, reconciliation
- Setting
- contemporary, tropical island communities and action-sports venues