Into the Blue *** (2005, Paul Walker, Jessica Alba, Scott Caan, Ashley Scott, Josh Brolin, James Frain) – Classic Movie Review 475

Paul Walker stars as Jared, paired with Jessica Alba as Sam, in this gorgeous looking, cheerily escapist 2005 action adventure thriller. It’s the noughties version of The Deep – remember Jacqueline Bisset in her wet bathing suit and hunky young Nick Nolte?

Young couple Jared and Sam are Bahamas divers and treasure hunters who find a legendary historic wrecked ship rumoured to contain millions in gold and, scarily, nearby a wrecked airplane with a large quantity of cocaine.

When dangerous criminals learn that they and their pals Amanda (Ashley Scott) and Bryce (Scott Caan) have located the drugs, Jared and Sam are soon in deadly peril. Josh Brolin plays the rich, arrogant salvager Bates who has loads of expensive equipment, unlike Jared’s small, battered boat.

The simple, ancient plot is serviceable enough. Indeed, the story’s not too bad at all and director John Stockwell stirs up plenty of the right kind of suspense and tension, and handles the underwater camera work in style. This movie’s all about gazing at the beautiful people hanging around in beautiful, escapist locations and diving elegantly.

It is entirely entertaining, without a single pretension. Nobody pretends it’s art, just some fun with great eye candy and fantastic scenery.

It was originally a lot grittier. Director John Stockwell comments that a lot of the violent scenes were edited or digitally altered to secure the desired PG-13. I guess it’s probably better in this edited form.

RIP Paul.

© Derek Winnert 2013 Classic Film Review 475 derekwinnert.com