"Step Into Liquid" boasts that it features no special effects and no stuntmen. But what it may seem to lack in those areas, the film makes up for with some of the most mind-blowing surfing action ever seen on the big screen.
In fact, from start to finish, this documentary on the water-based board sport is filled with "How did they do that?" moments.
And not just because of the action itself. Cinematographer John-Paul Beeghly and his crews actually put audiences close enough to the water — sometimes even in the water — so that it will make you wish it had been made even bigger (say, IMAX-size).
"Step into Liquid" derives its title from surfing lingo, and the film is a sequel of sorts to the Oscar-nominated "Endless Summer" movies (one segment here even catches up years later with some of the principals from those films). Part of the film is about how the sport has evolved in recent years.
Among the more notable sequences are big-wave surfing on Maui's North Shore with Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama, a surfing trek to Ireland for the Malloy brothers and even a bunch of surfing enthusiasts from Wisconsin who catch some waves on Lake Michigan.
But the most emotional moments reside with Jesse Billauer, a former surfing prospect who is now paralyzed from the waist down (though he doesn't let that stop him from enjoying waves), and Dale Webster, a custodian who is determined to surf every day for 25 years.
The film briefly addresses some of early accusations of sexism in the sport, noting how such mavericks as Rochelle Ballard and Keala Kennelly have proven that their skills stack up with their male counterparts.
For filmmaker Dana Brown (son of Bruce Brown, who directed both "Endless Summer" pictures) this is clearly a labor of love. And his low-key, no-nonsense narration explains and enhances some of the less-clear moments.
But the real star remains the cinematography, which is certainly award-worthy.
"Step into Liquid" has not been rated but would probably receive a PG for sports-related violence (surfing wipe-outs), and scattered use of profanity and some vulgar slang terms. Running time: 88 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com