MOVIE REVIEW FOR "OPEN WATER" STARRING BLANCHARD RYAN AND DANIEL TRAVIS

Most critics have been saying that "Open Water" is a combination of "The Blair
Witch Project" meets "Jaws", and there really is no better way to say it so I
think I'll stick to that comparison. I guess this is suppose to be the "Cabin
Fever" of 2004. Both films were released by Lions Gate Entertainment, the
heralds of odd little horror movies; both films are indie beyond all belief; and
both films walked home with some prizes at some very prestigious film festivals.
Alas, "Open Water" is no "Cabin Fever". "Cabin Fever" was a ridiculous gore
fest with little plot and very few scares. "Open Water" is a simple, complex,
emotionally driven story about fear, human nature, and relationships. We also
get some sharks too.

This is the true story of Susan (Blanchard Ryan) and Daniel (Daniel Travis), two
SCUBA divers left behind when their boat just up and leaves, forgetting all
about them. Stuck in the middle of the ocean, they have nothing to do but rely
on one another and try to think of ways in which they can survive. And, believe
me, there are a lot of things that can kill you out in the middle of the ocean,
sharks being the method with the sharpest teeth. So, almost 95% of this film is
about two people in the middle of the ocean -- that's it. Sounds kind of
boring, eh? Well, typically, I would agree; however, in "Open Water", director
Chris Kentis manages to deliver some insightful dialogue and pulls some genuine
emotional responses from his actors, more easily done considering that actress
Blanchard Ryan was deathly afraid of sharks.

This type of film either goes over really well or not at all. "The Blair Witch
Project" was the godfather of these types of films, and it was enormously
successful. Since then, we've seen numerous imitations like "The Last
Broadcast". However, "Open Water" is not about a witch, or a ghost, or the
supernatural, which is what makes it so terrifying. We can all picture
ourselves in this potential situation. Think about all the times you've been
out with a group and have thought, even just for a second, what would happen if
you were left behind. "Open Water" is so basic in its terror because there is
nothing quite as frightening as seeing something that could happen to you. We
knew we weren't going to get chased by a witch. We weren't looking for ghosts
to pop up. We knew "The Blair Witch Project" was never going to happen to us.
"Open Water" does not give is that same luxury.

The director, Chris Kentis, was reponsible for a wonderful film entitled
"Grind", which was released in 1997 and starred and then unheard of Billy
Crudup. From that film alone, I knew I could expect brilliant things from this
director. I would not have anticipated that "Open Water" would be his next
cinematic venture, but I am glad it was. Now, don't get me wrong -- "Open
Water" is not the best film of this nature -- it still pales in comparison to
"The Blair Witch Project", but it is just as frightening as the trailers and
critical reviews have said. I expect this film to do rather well during this
part of the year, and maybe -- just maybe -- we will have another phenomenon,
much like the Burkittsville phenomenon, on our hands. If not, "Open Water"
still makes for good entertainment, whether it be dramatic or horror.

Blanchard Ryan (Susan)
Daniel Travis (Daniel)

Directed by Chris Kentis

RATED R

THREE POPS

Billy Ray