I was strongly advised against seeing this movie by someone who considers it sheer stupidity from A to Z. Fortunately, I went anyway. It is easily my favorite natural disaster movie, an enjoyable subgenre that hitherto has not wowed me.
I don't much mind that San Andreas stretches scientific realism until it yelps for mercy, because to my way of thinking it comes down to intelligent, likable characters, an engaging, well-paced storyline, a good helping of humor (not that it takes much for The Rock and Paul Giamatti to amuse me), a ton of perilous action with solid special effects, and nice sprinklings of pathos amid the mayhem. The Rock and Carla Gugino as separated parents achieve a tenderness that is not a joke, however much it may be lost on those who maintain a self-satisfied, preconceived idea of San Andreas as a mindless, popcorn movie.
Though there were no real surprises, it was not for me a by-the-numbers experience. San Andreas has a Spielbergian sense of wholesome integrity and more depth than it is given credit for. Many would write off Ioan Gruffudd's megarich character as a two-dimensional cad, but not only is his behavior entirely conceivable under the circumstances, Carla Gugino's character is all the more fleshed out and sympathetic by association. If all hell didn't break loose, he would have remained good boyfriend material by any reasonable analysis. That aspect interests me.
I found it very entertaining overall.
I don't much mind that San Andreas stretches scientific realism until it yelps for mercy, because to my way of thinking it comes down to intelligent, likable characters, an engaging, well-paced storyline, a good helping of humor (not that it takes much for The Rock and Paul Giamatti to amuse me), a ton of perilous action with solid special effects, and nice sprinklings of pathos amid the mayhem. The Rock and Carla Gugino as separated parents achieve a tenderness that is not a joke, however much it may be lost on those who maintain a self-satisfied, preconceived idea of San Andreas as a mindless, popcorn movie.
Though there were no real surprises, it was not for me a by-the-numbers experience. San Andreas has a Spielbergian sense of wholesome integrity and more depth than it is given credit for. Many would write off Ioan Gruffudd's megarich character as a two-dimensional cad, but not only is his behavior entirely conceivable under the circumstances, Carla Gugino's character is all the more fleshed out and sympathetic by association. If all hell didn't break loose, he would have remained good boyfriend material by any reasonable analysis. That aspect interests me.
I found it very entertaining overall.