Open Water (79 minutes)
My alternative title would be: Knee, Knee, Knee, Knee

SUPER MOVIE FAN'S RECOMMENDATION: 2, WAIT AND RENT

Who is in it?:
BLANCHARD RYAN, DANIEL TRAVIS, SAUL STEIN, ESELLE LAU, ESTELLE LAU, MICHALE WILLIAMSON

What is it about?
What if you went scuba diving and, when you came up to the surface, the boat you went out on had left you stranded in the middle of the ocean? Somehow there was a miscount of the divers on the boat for the return trip. That is the heart of the story in Open Water. Sharks, jellyfish and all of the ocean's mysteries abound as the couple bob up and down to ponder their fate. I've read the comparison of this movie as Jaws meets Blair Witch Project and that is a really cute way to describe this movie. Filmed as if you are with them, this is a nightmare you witness first hand.

When and Where does this movie take place?
In the tropics somewhere in the Caribbean, modern day.

Why see it? This movie is made cheaply. The herky-jerky video technique can make you nauseous. There are parts that are scary and intense but, ultimately, I cannot recommend this as a good movie. It is like a TV reality show on the big screen watching the two characters bob up and down for over an hour. It would be like making a movie of people on Ring Road trying to find parking at the state fair. Now that is a scary proposition.

How about the kids?
Rated "R" for language and some nudity.

Video Pick of the Week
Ella Enchanted
is a story that we missed the first time. This is Cinderella in many ways but it works. A charming movie that is good for all audiences.

Next week, we'll share the top five movies of the summer of 2004 in time for Labor Day weekend.

John Fischetti can be heard Friday's on the Wayne Perkey show on Oldies 103, WRKA and can be reached at fischettij@uncw.edu



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