Review of Into the Storm (2014) by Johnny T — 19 Jun 2016

Into the Storm captures the magnificence of tornadoes, their awful beauty when they set down, the devastation they wreak, and the enormity of their consequences. The film features a rich array of well-developed characters - including the storm itself - which makes it ever more involving as it unfolds. This disaster pic has intense storm sequences but so-so plot. Director Steven Quale ramps up the tension with jaw-dropping CGI effects taking the viewer to the heart of Mother Nature at her most extreme. The wonder of the special effects and the immersive power of fake amateur footage are a winning combination. Find the biggest screen with the biggest speakers and prepare to be blown away. What we're here for is the special effects, and those are just fine, from a wind tunnel of fire to a car lot of vehicles tossed up into the air like ping pong balls. It's no spoiler to reveal that these tornadoes just happen to be the biggest storms that ever were, and watching them chew up buildings like they were so many corn bread muffins can't help but be involving. Bring on the bread and circuses. Into the Storm features laughable dialogue, far-fetched situations, and generic characters played by actors who almost look like more famous stars. I still had a blast; and if you lower your resistance, you may too.

VERDICT: "In The Zone" - [Mixed Reaction] These kinds of movies are usually movies that had some good things, but some bad things kept it from being amazing. This rating says buy an ex-rental or a cheap price of the DVD to own. If you consider cinema, ask for people's opinion on the film. (Films that are rated 2.5 or 3 stars).