Review of San Andreas (2015) by Quincytheodore — 28 May 2015

San Andreas does have flaws, but the bumpy ride through spectacular visual with rock solid lead proves to be an entertaining one. Using the same premise from many disaster movies such as 2012 and even Volcano from years before, San Andreas delivers a more superior spectacle. However, it also copies many cliché elements. Cheesy script to build up tension and assortments of convenient plot devices are scattered through the story. This is a movie designed to entertain with over-the-top visual, and with welcomed addition of Dwayne Johnson as the lead, it succeeds in doing so.

In a streak of unfortunate geological events, California is in immediate danger of massive earthquakes. Ray (Dwayne Johnson) is a pilot of rescue helicopter who must journey across the quivering land to save his family. The calamity serendipitously offers a chance of reuniting the estranged father as he proves how far he's willing to go for his wife and daughter. This theme has been done so many times, Day After Tomorrow and 2012 comes to mind. Luckily, The Rock is a demanding on-screen presence, with charisma and superhero physique, he's a good cast as the savior type.

The script offers back stories, while not all of them pan out, The Rock does his best to convey his character. Another perspective is presented by Paul Giamatti as Lawrence, a professor who investigates the incoming catastrophe. He's here to deliver partially scientific explanation to the audience. Ironically, his role is quite predictable with foreshadowing comments to get the momentum rolling.

Visually, San Andreas is breathtaking. Expect tons of falling buildings witnessed in extraordinary viewpoints and multiple set pieces to awe the audience. There's one particularly amazing continuous shot that follows characters as they weave back and forth as everything collapses around them. It will not disappoint those who come for high octane explosive scenes.

It does have several problems like predecessors of the genre. Some of the sequences are highly implausible, most notably with the characters having plot armor and impeccable timing. Dialogues are not always charming as only few moments of the human drama are thoroughly engaging. It then eventually sets up for resolution analogy or the inspirational survival gimmick. Audience should be familiar with this method of suspending disbelief.

Although the plot can be faulty, San Andreas is still a visually delightful journey. Presentably fascinating for a popcorn flick.