Blackwater

Micro-budget version of “Deliverance” with females as the protagonists

Four women in their late 20s enjoy a girl-getaway in the Everglades riding ATVs, hiking, camping and canoeing. The vacation turns harrowing, however, when they stumble across three malevolent swamp rats.

"Blackwater” (2007) is just what my title blurb says, a combination of “Deliverance” (1972) and “I Spit on Your Grave” (1978) set in the wetlands of southern Florida. You have to appreciate micro-budget Indies to enjoy it. While the acting is definitely second-rate, the colorful cinematography is top-of-the-line and the music is quite good.

Anyone who wants to see the awesome beauty of the Everglades region and the wildlife thereof, this is the flick to see. In this manner it’s similar to “Piranha” (1972), the one with William Smith, which works as a tour guide of Venezuela.

The four females (two blondes, a brunette and a redhead) are definitely 5-7 years beyond the traditional college age, which makes them more three-dimensional and less shallow party-oriented Spring Breakers. While they’re all uniquely attractive, each of them could stand to eat a cheeseburger or two to add some curves. The only one I find personally alluring is the redhead, Kat (McCayne Blomberg), but brunette Angie (Georgia Chris) is interesting as the gung-ho member.

Meanwhile the three nasty yokels were well-chosen and look the part.

Unfortunately, “Blackwater” lacks the depth of “Deliverance.” The script needed more meat on the bones. Still, if you don’t mind really low-budget productions, it has its highlights.

The film runs 1 hour, 22 minutes, and was shot at Devil's Garden in southern Florida.

GRADE: C