Review: Step Into Liquid (** 1/2)

STEP INTO LIQUID
A film review by Steve Rhodes

Copyright 2003 Steve Rhodes

RATING (0 TO ****): ** 1/2


The problem with Dana Brown's surfing documentary, STEP INTO LIQUID, can be
described in two words: BLUE CRUSH. The latter is a fictional film by John
Stockwell about a group of female surfers. Whatever you may have thought
about BLUE CRUSH's story -- I liked it -- its gorgeous cinematography and
awesome sound set a certain standard for what moviegoers now expect in a
surfing film. BLUE CRUSH brought viewers into the picture so that they
could feel the incredible power of the waves. In contrast, STEP INTO LIQUID
has a flat look, blasé sound and dull colors. More than making you want to
go surfing, it makes you want to see BLUE CRUSH in the theaters again.



The documentary does provides some fascinating background on the world of
surfers. Far from being confined to surfers on lush Hawaiian beaches, we
meet surfing fanatics from Ireland to Wisconsin. The latter features
respectable waves from the ugly brown water of Lake Michigan.



Surfing is as much as an obsession as a sport. Surfers range from would-be
Beach Boys to nerds to graying guys with potbellies. We meet one aging
surfer who is closing in on his ten-thousandth consecutive day of surfing.
Even tonsillitis isn't enough to keep him from his goal.



As proof that surfing is more than a mere sport, one of the aficionados
asks, "How many people do you know who would go and gawk at a tennis court."
Surfing fans can stare at waves for hours with a near religious conviction.



STEP INTO LIQUID runs 1:28. It is not rated but would be a G and acceptable
for all ages.



The film is playing in nationwide release now in the United States. In the
Silicon Valley, it is showing at the Century theaters.



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