I love
disaster movies. However, with only SFX and no heart or bad acting, these can
end up being just a parade of clever, hi-tech, dramatic, and expensive stunts
that soon get boring. One example of this is Twisters 2 which had fantastic
scenarios of storms and the aftermath but a wooden leading actress and thus no heart
or warmth. San Andreas has 100% and more of drama, tension, suspense, gasps,
and nail-biting moments as the characters struggle to survive. There are tons
of incredible special effects and action sequences. The opening stunning helicopter
rescue scene alone sets the tone and establishes the main character. Filming
was no walk in the park for the actors with collapsing skyscrapers, a
spectacular tsunami, submerged high rises, sinking buildings, flying debris, capsized
boats, and more.
Dwayne
Johnson isn’t going to play Shakespeare any time soon, but he does the manly action
stuff very well and infuses the right amount of energy and credibility into his
roles. I have seen most of his movies and I like him. Carla Gugino plays his
estranged wife Emma and is a very competent, complementary foil. The utterly gorgeous
Alexandra Daddario plays their daughter Blake with loads of energy and enthusiasm
and if I am ever in an earthquake scenario, I want her on my team. Ioan
Gruffudd plays Emma’s self-serving boyfriend who leaves Blake trapped in a car
in the underground parking while he saves his own slimy skin. He is not a bad
actor but seems best suited for the ‘creepy guy’ roles. Paul Giamatti as Dr. Lawrence
Hayes, a Caltech seismologist, is a solid, dependable actor. I have seen him in
a variety of roles, from historical to modern day. My favourite is The Illusionist,
set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, where he plays the Inspector. He is a fine
actor and the best of the bunch. There is also plenty of room for nice cameo
roles. Two stand out for energy and loads of charm. Hugo Johnstone (Ben Taylor)
and his ‘annoying little brother’ Ollie (Art Parkinson) meet Blake and save her
from being crushed to death in the parking garage. Ollie is just adorable as Hugo’s
cheeky wingman at the age when a smitten youngster can tell a young woman she
is ‘just beautiful’ and not get his face slapped.
San
Andreas is a good go-to movie for disaster fans like me. I have watched it five
times now and always spot something new. The soundtrack includes the fantastic California
Dreamin’ (The Mommas and the Poppas) and the movie version is quite haunting.
So, if you’re looking for a nailbiter of a movie for a Saturday night, with
loads of popcorn (you’ll need it), this is your movie of choice.
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