Blue Crush (3.3 of 5)
Chicks Only version of NORTH SHORE. A few really good visuals, and some truly bad ones too. This is a chick flick, Not that-s it-s mushy and relies on emotions that men keep hidden, but the underlying story is about female empowerment without degrading men…and that-s a good thing. It-s about finding you place in life, and the friends that help you along the way. As-amateur entering a pro competition- movies go-it-s beats most of them (does anyone remember RAD or HOT DOG the movie) with the exception of North Shore, Aspen Extreme and maybe Tin Cup.
The new technology helped non-surfers compete at pipeline, with mixed results (facial roto-scoping is still difficult with hand held cameras). As far as the surfing footage went Endless Summer 1+2, North Shore and Big Wednesday still were more effective. Saw this in San Diego at the Rancho, A 2.35 movie shown on a 1.85 screen with shitty sound. But I have become used to it when I see a movie in SD.
Undisputed (2.8 of 5) Probably the weakest of the films I have seen in the theaters this year. Acting was top notch across the board, but the cinematography and action direction was horrendous. Grainy and obstructed by foreground objects for more than 80% of the action sequences. Walter Hill just can-t make cheap movies. He needs 60 Mil or the film just looks like crap. Interesting story idea, but that-s it, no body is flushed out, and nobody is likable. Ving is a bad MF and does a stand out job. Saw this in San Diego at the Rancho, with the worst sound yet (2 blown speakers). And to top it all the lamp was on it last legs, arcing at about 30%. It was almost like watching the movie with the lights on.