[Originally posted on 5/31/15]
Grounds crack and split, skyscrapers topple and fall, landmarks destroyed, tsumani wipeout, ships crash into land, bridges snap, the air thick with debris and ashes.
"San Andreas" depicts in great realism (as realistic as the most unlikely scenario could be) if (when) the overdue "The Big One" happens in earthquake central, California. As a precursor to the main event, a car perching cliffside after multiple flips and dam bursting in the beginning are effectively tension-filled.
The story focuses on a nuclear family where a fire and rescue personnel races to save his estranged ex-wife and daughter in time. The skydiving and speedboat riding add a different touch to the shaking and falling stuff. The women may still rescuing, but they're also resourceful and quick thinkers.
I found the global disaster "2012" more entertaining as a whole, but there's plenty of mayhem escapism to enjoy in "San Andreas."
DVD: http://tinyurl.com/sanandreasvideo
DVD (blu-ray): http://tinyurl.com/sanandreasdvd