San Andreas - Review

The best 90s disaster movie...that isn't from the 90s

And for the most part, that is completely okay. Because if it was, it would've been directed by Roland Emmerich. Who is a director of many of my guilty pleasure movies. But I'm so glad he didn't direct this.

The Plot

Rescue Helicopter Pilot Chief Ray Gaines (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) and his estranged wife, Emma (Carla Gugino), must team up to rescue their daughter Blake (Alexandra Daddario) who is trapped in San Francisco as a catastrophic earthquake tears California apart. Meanwhile, a CalTech Seismologist (Paul Giamati) tries to warn the world that the worst is yet to come.

Review

That synopsis is pretty much the entire plot of the movie in a nutshell. And if you've seen the trailers and TV spots for this movie, then you know very well what you're getting in for. Because if you expect this to be a game changer in the disaster movie genre, then you're sadly mistaken. What you should be hoping for is does this movie deliver what it promises. And the answer is Yes, it does.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has re-teamed with his Journey 2 director, Brad Peyton, to deliver a new big budget hollywood disaster movie. And with all out honesty, I truly believe that the two prominent reasons why this movie is so entertaining, despite being a paint by the numbers disaster film, is because of these two. Peyton knows what type of film he's making. And he has an entire catalogue of disaster films to draw from, whether it be from the school of Roland Emmerich or Irwin Allen, the original disaster king. His film doesn't really differ too much from any of them, but his approach of dominantly showcasing the spectacle and the terror from the human perspective instead of the epic wide shot is what makes it so compelling. This unique approach, combined with the charisma of The Rock definitely elevates this film above its peers. It may not be a high elevation, but it is enough to give it more intensity.

Now. All that credit can't just go to The Rock Johnson, it also has to go to the rest of the cast. Carla Gugino is once again playing Johnson's wife/ex-wife/love interest for the third time and still continues to be a heavily underrated actress. She's very real and believable in her role, despite how limited it is. Which will be a recurring theme when talking about the rest of the cast. Believable despite being limited. Alexandra Daddario is believable as the heavily competent and capable daughter of a rescue pilot. Though some of her scenes of being terrified may not translate well due to her facial expressions, but the vocal and emotion she's projecting sells it. She is joined by Ben and Ollie Taylor, played by Hugo Johnstone-Burt and Art Parkinson, who save her on occasion but are mostly saved by her instincts and competency. Both of them were fine additions and helped showcase some of the more emotional sides of the story from within the terror.

But the one standout performance in the film has to go to Paul Giamatti as Lawrence, a CalTech Seismologist. While he is mainly there for exposition, it comes off as easy to understand for whatever rules the film has set about how its science works. This should really come as no surprise given that Giamatti is an Oscar caliber actor, and he gives in to the role that is essentially Mr. Exposition. But again, repeating my sentiment, believable despite being limited. 

After all, one does not go to these movies for a compelling story and well drawn out characters. You go for the spectacle. And to see the Rock battle an earthquake. And this movie completely delivers on that promise. As the spectacle of the movie just keeps ratcheting into more and more danger at ludicrous levels, Peyton doesn't lose sight of how horrific this event would actually be. Mad props to him and the effects team for creating a film that is both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

But really, it is a Dwayne Johnson movie after all. And while his performance is not at the same level as Giamatti, it is clear that this is definitely one of his best performances of his career yet. His chemistry with Gugino is evident, and how he handles the emotional scenes are extremely powerful for his standards. He is slowly showing the world that he's not just the charismatic action guy, he is also a good actor. And I'm pretty sure eventually, he'll become an incredible one. He's almost there, and this film shows he can get there.

Final Thoughts

I keep having to re-iterate this. It's a disaster movie. You know what happens in disaster movies. If you don't like disaster movies, then don't watch this movie. Because nothing I say will change that opinion. However if you're willing to have an open mind and turn off logic for a while to enjoy a competently made disaster movie starring one of the most charismatic actors in Hollywood. Then yes, go see this movie. It is definitely a fun and terrifying time at the theater that won't disappoint if you know exactly what you're getting in for and expecting nothing more. And who knows, maybe you'll be surprised by some of the things the team behind this film has done. Because I was sure as hell impressed by it, despite being what it is.

SCORE: 7/10 - I was genuinely entertained and moved by this film, because I know what it is and expect nothing more from it