Diving Florida and the Caribbean

Producer, director, and 'pop-in' star Rick Bowen obviously loves diving; perhaps he should stick to that and let someone else handle the videography. If the term 'pop-in' star isn't familiar, here's the basic idea: Bowen sets up the camera on a tripod, aims at what he feels will be the right height, and then jumps in front of it to deliver a few pithy comments. Most of the time, his aim is too low, and it's comical to watch him crouch down during his speech, and then leap up to get out of the way. His interviews with dive shop managers are just as painful to watch; he sticks a camera in their face and they react like deer caught in the headlights. It's only when the camera goes underwater does this video spark any interest, but even then, Bowen doesn't manage to differentiate between his various Caribbean locations; his Cozumel shots look just like his Bonaire pictures-fish, coral, bubbles, crowds of divers, etc. The Florida segment, where he explores a fresh-water spring, turns out to be the best, and that's a shame, because anyone who has been in the waters of the Caribbean knows that they are a lot more spectacular than what is seen in this video. Not recommended. (J. Carlson)