San Andreas shakes up the screen in this action-packed disaster movie. The movie depicts what would happen to California if the entire San Andreas fault started slipping and rupturing at once. Los Angeles Fire Department Chief and war veteran, Ray Gaines, played Dwayne, “The Rock” Johnson, sets out to save his family while battling the monster earthquakes that result. Cal Tech scientist-hero Lawrence Hayes, played by Paul Giamatti, provides the academic muscle, predicting the earthquakes and valiantly warning Californians about their impending doom.
It’s a wild ride right from the beginning. The intensity and suspense of the very first scene made me wonder if I was going to be watching the whole movie peering through my fingers. Movie-goer Robyn Bryan was rendered near speechless: “So intense – I don’t even know what to say.” About half-way through the movie, the action is so apocalyptic that I actually relaxed because the devastation and destruction was so absurd – but the absurdity didn’t take away from the fun.
Californians prepare to want to stock up your earthquake kit and get a land line. Part of the fun of the movie is noticing what life-hacks the characters employ to survive, and thinking, “I’m going to remember that one.” Never mind, that real-life scientists are assuring viewers that the apocalyptic movie is a gross exaggeration of reality.
The movie weaves in an actual plot between death-defying, special-effects action. Over layered onto to the earthquake dramatics is a touching story about a father wanting to care for and protect his family. Ken Bryan commented that “there was a nice balance between the action and the story line. And I really found myself caring about the story line.”
San Andreas serves up just what the viewer expects. The Rock is the quintessential male. The wife wises-up. The bad guy is slimy (you know what’s going to happen to him.) The daughter is beautiful and resourceful. The boyfriend is darling. The little brother is cute and wise. But it’s all wonderful fun and, without a doubt, filled with eye-popping special effects and heart-pounding suspense.
Starring: Dwayne, “The Rock” Johnson, Paul Giametti, Carla Gugino, Alexandra Diddario
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hr. 54 minutes
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Ann Marie Bryan
Staff Writer
eCoronado.com
