Volcano

Volcano is a true disaster film. Based on the premise that a volcano could form underneath Los Angeles the film follows the efforts of an emergency task force to stop the spread of the lava and reduce damage to the city. The film stars Tommy Lee Jones as the leader of the task force and Anne Heche as a handy Geologist.

The film was considered a box office success but received mixed reviews from audiences. This was mainly due to the massively unbelievable nature of the story and the surprisingly reliance on genre clichés. The special effects were brilliantly done but were seemingly undermined by the number of characters and wandering plot. The only saving grace seems to be superb acting from Tommy Lee Jones.

It seems the best way to appreciate the movie, as with many disaster films of this type, is to leave you rational brain at the door and simply enjoy the effects and the ingenious plan to direct the lava into the sea.

After an earthquake, geologists in Los Angeles realise that a volcano has formed under the city and is pumping out lava through the subway system. They city then calls in a special emergency task force to deal with the situation. Can they avert disaster in time to save the make shift hospital set up in the middle of the street?

Cinema release 1997

Certificate 12

Available on DVD and Blue Ray