Release Date: September 30th, 2005 by Columbia Pictures. The Cast: Paul Walker, Jessica Alba, Scott Caan, Ashley Scott, Josh Brolin. Directed by John Stockwell. BASIC PREMISE: A group of divers fines buried treasure and drugs beneath the surface of the ocean while getting in trouble with a drug lord (Brolin). ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: If your definition of entertaining is watching good-looking people dive into the ocean, then this film is meant for you. For the guys, there’s Jessica Alba who looks incredibly sexy in a bikini and, for the girls, there’s Paul Walker who is often shirtless. Scott Caan is the only comic relief, although his character is crucial because he is the one who links his diving group to the drug lord. Director John Stockwell is obviously in love the ocean because Blue Crush, his last film, also featured many scenes in the ocean. The underwater scenes here are very breathtaking and beautifully-shot. There is a scene that seems very much like a music-video when Walker and Alba swimming around in the water while a hip song plays on the soundtrack. There are even a few shark attacks for all you Jaws fans. The plot is very predictable and often contrived, but at least it’s easy to follow. However, you can also forget about character development because not only there is none, but none of the characters are original or memorable. Even the bad guy played by Brolin is filled with clichés. There are no surprises or developed characters, so it is difficult to be truly invested in its formulaic plot. SPIRITUAL VALUE: None is expected or desired. INSULT TO YOUR INTELLIGENCE: Formulaic, clichéd plot and undeveloped characters. NUMBER OF TIMES I CHECKED MY WATCH: 2 THE BOTTOM LINE: Despite a formulaic, unoriginal plot and boring characters, there are enough well-shot scenes underwater and sexy-looking actors to make this a mildly entertaining film. RECOMMENDED WAY TO WATCH: Movie Theater (2nd Run) Main Page Alphabetical Menu The "I" Menu ______________________________________________________ |