Sun. Feb. 1

Last call!

At its most basic level - and we do mean basic - "Wild Ocean," the hour-long IMAX film up at the Museum of Science, is a great way to beat the heat. The documentary-with-attitude submerges you in the waters of South Africa's Eastern Cape, its so-called "wild ocean" - where, we are told, the ocean is respected and managed smartly by the humans that fish it. The implication is clear: We've screwed up too much of the ocean, and wouldn't it be grand if we could try and turn back the clock with a more advanced idea about how to manage this resource. That's part of it.

ongoing - through Feb. 1, 2009

At its most basic level - and we do mean basic - "Wild Ocean," the hour-long IMAX film up at the Museum of Science, is a great way to beat the heat. The documentary-with-attitude submerges you in the waters of South Africa's Eastern Cape, its so-called "wild ocean" - where, we are told, the ocean is respected and managed smartly by the humans that fish it. The implication is clear: We've screwed up too much of the ocean, and wouldn't it be grand if we could try and turn back the clock with a more advanced idea about how to manage this resource. That's part of it.

The other part, at the Mugar Omni Theater, is escapist bliss. You sit in the comfy chairs, tilt back and scan the domed screen, marveling at what goes on above you and to your side, It's pretty much your entire peripheral vision and there is the palbable joy of suspended-disbelief-stoked total immersion. (The air-conditioning doesn't hurt, of course.) What's shown on screen is beautiful and, yes, violent - frenzied sharks on the hunt tend not to be too pacifistic - and transfixing. And you're in the midst of the action. Schools of fish darting this way and that, a flock of diving sea birds (a flock of seagulls?) accompanied by sumptuous world music that has the Cirque du Soleil modern/ancient mix and a sweep reminiscent of Jean-Michel Jarre. (Remember "Oxygene?") This music - and the film itself - was made by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, the duo who also created "STOMP," of which this bears no relation. Credit D.J. Roller with the magnificent underwater photography. Do yourself a favor and step out of the heat and enjoy the panorama at the MoS, while absorbing the film's message of taking resonspibility. Entertainment with a sidecar of edification. Ticket: $9.

Science Park, 617-589-011 www.mos.org