I have a few movies I always turn to when I need a comforting escape, and I’ve noticed I’m particularly drawn to disaster films. Perhaps it’s the way they completely pull me out of my own worries and drop me into a world of intense chaos, where characters face opportunities to be heroes-or not. While I’ll admit some movies in this genre aren’t great, I actually enjoy Brad Peyton’s *San Andreas*.
This movie about a massive earthquake destroying San Francisco isn’t a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s a really enjoyable, classic disaster movie – perfect for a night of popcorn and streaming on Netflix. It hits all the familiar disaster movie beats, which is why it’s cool to see it trending alongside newer releases like *K-Pop Demon Hunters* and *28 Years Later*.
San Andreas Has A Bit Of Everything
I was immediately hooked by *San Andreas* – especially as a Taylor Swift fan, hearing “Style” play during the opening scene! But beyond that, the movie kept me engaged with its relentless action, incredibly realistic disaster visuals, and a compelling story about a father’s desperate attempt to save his family. It also boasts a great cast, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario, Ioan Gruffudd, and Paul Giamatti.
Everyone wants to see an earthquake face off against Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson on the big screen, but it feels like Paul Giamatti’s acting skills could have been used in a stronger role in 2015. However, *San Andreas* really benefits from the genuine fear on his face as he watches a coworker bravely save a child while escaping a crumbling dam – and that’s just the beginning of the chaos the movie throws at you.
The Disaster Tropes Are On Point
When I watch a movie like *Armageddon*, *Greenland*, or *2012* (yes, even *2012* – it’s a guilty pleasure, and I appreciated Rich including it with *San Andreas* on his list of wonderfully bad disaster films), I’m not expecting high art. These movies aren’t meant to be profound; they reliably deliver a satisfying mix of familiar elements. Think heroic sacrifices, attractive people facing danger, widespread destruction, dramatic last-minute warnings shown through charts and graphs, and maybe a character finding redemption. *San Andreas* has it all, and it includes a trope I particularly enjoy: the unlikeable character who gets their comeuppance while the heroes save the day – the one you secretly hope gets what they deserve.
Beyond the action, *San Andreas* focuses on family. We meet the Gaines family as they’re already struggling with a recent tragedy, and this makes us truly invested in their survival – we’re not just hoping they make it through the disaster, but that they can find their way back to each other.
It’s funny how sometimes movies you loved don’t hold up when you rewatch them. But even after ten years, I still really enjoy *San Andreas* with Dwayne Johnson – it’s just a fun, over-the-top movie. I’m glad it’s popular on Netflix right now, because it means new and old fans alike can enjoy it.
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2025-09-24 21:20