Sid Haig (as "East" Eddie) and John Ashley (as Logan) are two shady types who get wind of a fortune in tuscarora pearls just waiting to be taken from an island paradise. Recruiting boat owner / expert diver Mathias (played by The Dukes' handsome son Patrick), and with young scientist Kathy Vernon (Lenore Stevens) in tow, they're off on their adventure. They encounter a primitive tribe of fish-people (who wear what seem to be ping pong balls over their eyes), their leader Nereus (George Nader, in his final film), and his super-sexy daughter Syrene (Leigh Christian).
This is an engaging combination of fantasy, action, adventure, and comedy, with the cast doing good work. Ashley makes the most out of another change-of-pace role as the greedy Logan, Wayne is likeable enough, and Haig as always is a lot of fun to watch. For a shady type, he's actually one of the most amiable characters in the picture. Lovely ladies Christian (often decked out in no more than a bikini) and Stevens are pleasing to the eye. And, of course, any fan of Filipino cinema who is worth their salt will thrill at seeing familiar supporting players like the ultra-ubiquitous Vic Diaz, Eddie Garcia, and Andres Centenera.
The films' biggest assets are a sombre subtext about the extinction of a culture, the gorgeous island scenery, the wonderful (if protracted) underwater sequences, and a very effective music score composed by Ed. Norton. It's a good, straightforward entertainment; it may not be exploitative enough for some tastes (it IS rated PG), but it delivers a rousing finale, and does manage to leave its viewers smiling with its final bit of humour.
Seven out of 10.
This is an engaging combination of fantasy, action, adventure, and comedy, with the cast doing good work. Ashley makes the most out of another change-of-pace role as the greedy Logan, Wayne is likeable enough, and Haig as always is a lot of fun to watch. For a shady type, he's actually one of the most amiable characters in the picture. Lovely ladies Christian (often decked out in no more than a bikini) and Stevens are pleasing to the eye. And, of course, any fan of Filipino cinema who is worth their salt will thrill at seeing familiar supporting players like the ultra-ubiquitous Vic Diaz, Eddie Garcia, and Andres Centenera.
The films' biggest assets are a sombre subtext about the extinction of a culture, the gorgeous island scenery, the wonderful (if protracted) underwater sequences, and a very effective music score composed by Ed. Norton. It's a good, straightforward entertainment; it may not be exploitative enough for some tastes (it IS rated PG), but it delivers a rousing finale, and does manage to leave its viewers smiling with its final bit of humour.
Seven out of 10.