San Andreas
"It will be so big, that even though it's happening here in California, you will feel it on the East Coast." - Dr. Hayes
release year: 2015
genre: disaster
viewing setting: home DVD, 8/6/21
synopsis: A massive earthquake demolishes major population centers in western California.
impressions: This one was pretty damn fun - it's a disaster movie in which we follow the saga of one family. The destruction of cities was well-done and looked realistic, and the human side of the plot was enough to move things along. This guy (who happens to have a helicopter and a lot of training) sets out to rescue his wife and daughter. Meanwhile, larger events of destruction continue and get worse. There are plenty of "destruction chase" scenes e.g. helicopter weaving between falling skyscrapers, vehicle outrunning cracks in the earth, and even some waterborne adventures.
acting: Dwayne Johnson is the lead, a helicopter rescue pilot who exudes competency and confidence. Carla Gugino is his ex, who is rescued and then joins the effort to find and save their daughter. Alexandra Daddario is that daughter, who's also good in a crisis. Hugo Johnstone-Burt and Art Parkinson are two British brothers who end up helping her too. Ioan Gruffudd is the rich new beau of the mom, who quickly shows his true colors. Paul Giamatti is a seismologist who finds a way to inform the masses about what's happening.
final word: Great, lively disaster movie.
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