**1/2 of ****
Rated: PG-13
Length: ~110 minutes
Writers:
Susan Orlean (magazine article 'Surf Girls of Maui')
Lizzy Weiss (story & screenplay)
John Stockwell (screenplay)
Director: John Stockwell
crappy Film Editing: Emma E. 'crackhead' Hickox
Cast:
Kate Bosworth: Anne Marie
Michelle Rodriguez: Eden
Matthew Davis: Matt Tollman
Sanoe Lake: Lena
Mika Boorem: Penny

Synopsis:
Anne Marie was a junior surfing champion 3 years ago. She nearly drowned at that event, but continues to live the sport & life. Anne Marie, her little sister & 2 friends rent a shack on the beach & are hotel maids to pay the bills. A major competition is coming up for which she is qualified, and their will be several potential sponsors there, but she has fears and issues that she must deal with. A sloppy pro football team moves into the hotel & triggers events & emotions that lead into Anne Marie's moment of truth.

Review:
This is mostly a summer fun movie, but succeeds in making a tale of limited value that doesn't completely drown in a syrupy hollywood ending. I said completely . The story is set well enough even though the plot is naturally far fetched. The ocean becomes an integral part of much of the movie, and would be even better if the film editor wasn't on crack! Many cuts are way too short & ill timed. By the end of the film, that situation had improved. The over/underwater cinematography was good and effective at drawing the audience into Anne Marie's head. The soundtrack music was usually about 9 decibels over what would fit the movie, and the songs didn't match the action. The pace was steady and correct for a summer entertainment production.

Kate Bosworth, A.K.A the future mother of my children, played the main character of Anne Marie with an effective mix of innocence and internal conflict that will make this a growth role in her continuing development as an actress. Michelle Rodriguez played a version of herself again. She is the straight talking supportive friend who pushes Anne Marie to face up to her problems. Sanoe Lake is the real surfer, and although we don't get to really see her in action during the story, we do get to see a few scenes where she demonstrates that she can act for her role. Mika Boorem of "The Patriot" & "Carolina" actually performs in the greatest amount of acting here, and has developed well in the past couple of years. She is the mix of 14 year old troubled rebel with potential who still has a bond with her big sister.

Michelle Rodriguez & Sanoe Lake are only really seen surfing during the last half of the closing credits.