There's almost nothing better than seeing a trailer for a film that looks like absolute garbage, then actually watching the movie and being pleasantly surprised. Such is the case with the breezy Blue Crush. Is this a piece of classic cinema? No, but it is extremely likable, and far superior to some of the bigger studio pictures IÕve had to sit through this summer.

Blue Crush is a simplistic, underdog story about a young woman (Kate Bosworth) and her attempt to win a surfing competition. It's also a film about friendship, love and determination. Oh, and did a mention that there's lots of gorgeous women running around in bikinis?

You'd think by the description of the plot that Blue Crush would be nothing short of hokey and predictable. Ultimately, the movie works thanks to an extremely attractive and likable cast, and some really breathtaking surfing sequences. And strangely, moments in this movie kind of reminded me of a live action version of Disney's Lilo and Stitch.

Bosworth, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sanoe Lake are the leads and all bring their own personalities to the table. It's very refreshing to see a film this summer that features strong, female characters.

Director John Stockwell (the actor turned writer/director made last year's Crazy/Beautiful and wrote the screenplay for Rock Star) really seems to have a grasp of the surfing culture. But then to know for sure, I'd have to talk to a real surfer about that. What is certain is that Stockwell is terrific with his cast. These actresses have chemistry, and the friendship among the three leads feels genuine. Stockwell also manages to shoot his surfing scenes with adrenaline pumping realism. Aside from a couple of obvious digital touch-up shots, these sequences are more than impressive. Particularly the wipe-outs, in which you feel as if your being dragged under the wave with the surfer.

There are other things going on in Blue Crush as well. There's the obligatory love story, a sub plot involving one of the surfer girl's troubled young sister, and an obvious scene involving tension among the Hawaiian locals and some visiting tourists. Thankfully, the film never dwells on this stuff. Stockwell has the good sense not to drown the film in unecessary melodrama.

Blue Crush isn't without it's obvious moments, but I applaud Stockwell for pulling back whenever the film feels like it might get too sappy. Add this to some thrilling wave-action and a great cast, and you get one surprising summer gem.