Ripping across the screen in some solarized effect, Anne Marie (Bosworth) relives her "near-drowning" accident in dream. The surround audio sucks the audience into the rushing waves and the images are fluid (no pun intended) and hard-hitting. This nightmare provides an excellent top-turn intro - you'll be stoked.

"Blue Crush" is at its best when the surfers are in the water. Whether they're actors, stunt-doubles or even digital creations - it doesn't matter - the result is adrenaline rocking. These aqua-athletes ride the waves like melodies on the lips of whistlers. And the amphibious camera crew perform an absolutely awesome job of capturing the surfers, surf, action from seemingly impossible P.O.V.s. The angles are above, below the water, and even from the air - nearly always in motion. The action sequence editors don't slide off their switching boards either. Artful, colorful, perfectly paced, cut and real/slo-mo adjusted, the surf scenes rock.

But, just like real life, surfing isn't all just fun and games. There's the business of making a living on land. Analogously, "Blue Crush" requires a story. All the pieces are there: the rebellious little sister, the mother-gone-awol, the trio of quirky best buds, and the potentially dangerous love interest. And while the story keeps its head above water, it never seems to find a wave with much emotional impact. That said, aside from the surfing, you'll also enjoy the warmth and humor of a couple of football linemen tourists, a nicely shot hotel door peephole scene (don't be gross - it's very sweet) and of course, that one angelic wave ride.

While surprisingly sincere, this average little story is adorned with some awesome action photography and surfing.

Rodriguez admits, "The extent of my knowledge of surfing was the word 'dude' and that Keanu Reeves movie 'Point Break.'"

Kate Bosworth, though a skilled equestrian, started surf lessons only weeks before being offered the role. She wanted to show them that she was serious.

Bosworth says about the competition between men and women surfers, "I don't think I was good enough to be intimidated."

Sanoe Lake is a Hawaii native, model and lifelong surfer.

Rochelle Ballard and A-list surfer Megan Abubo doubled for Bosworth and Rodriguez in the exceptionally dangerous big surf scenes.