Review of Open Water (2004) by Alex P — 31 Mar 2012

I don't know if it's better to see it, or better not to see it.

It's like the Blair Witch Project... Only it's in the middle of the ocean... And has sharks... And only has two people... And without the incessant cursing.

The Story: While scuba diving on vacation, a married couple is left adrift in the middle of the ocean. The vast majority of this film takes place in the middle of the ocean, so don't expect a huge shot selection or change of scenery. It's got a cool up close and personal documentary feel to it that will have you immersed, but it barely cancels out a slow moving story. And on another note, there's not really a lot of story to it, while you'll feel a good connection between the leads you'll find out surprisingly little about them. Also, if you're thinking you're going see an action packed Jaws rip-off you're dead wrong. It's not a rip-off, and it's not action packed. Don't get me wrong, there's some moments of sheer terror here and there, but those moments are only minor interruptions in the dramatic experience. You're not watching a shark flick, you're watching two person drama, which happens to include some mean animals.

The Cast: Daniel Travis, Blanchard Ryan... Daniel Travis is Daniel, the husband... You won't find out much about him, the most you'll learn of him is that he watches a lot of educational television. He gives a good performance, but he plays second fiddle to his female counterpart. Blanchard Ryan is Susan, again, not much to learn about her. You'll find that she's got a hectic job and is business oriented in her life... She's great once she gets out in the water and stuff starts to happen, but her performance on land in the first part of the film is lacking. But seeing that there's not much time on land, it's only a minor problem that she takes time to get into it. That's about it, but despite the lack of development in the story, you'll feel a solid connection to both characters, though, you'll feel closer to Blanchard Ryan.

One to Five Scale: 3.

It's a high three, the story is simple, and the characters undeveloped, but the strong performances, great connection to the characters, and moments of terror make up for it. Just don't expect constant action and non stop thrills. A true love it or hate it experience, rent first, buy later.

Tyler.