Volcano Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Tommy Lee Jones learns about lava the hard way when Los Angeles becomes a giant pizza oven, proving that even the City of Angels isn’t immune to geological indigestion.

🍿 Volcano: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Unrest and Warning Signs

After a minor earthquake in Los Angeles, Mike Roark, the head of the Office of Emergency Management, investigates a bizarre incident where utility workers are mysteriously burned to death in a storm drain. Geologist Dr. Amy Barnes suspects volcanic activity beneath the city, but lacks concrete evidence to convince skeptical officials. These initial events set the stage for the impending disaster, hinting at the immense geological forces about to be unleashed.

The Eruption

Dr. Barnes and her assistant return to the storm drain to investigate a crack in the ground. Suddenly, a massive earthquake strikes. The assistant tragically falls into the crack, dying immediately from the magma. Near the La Brea Tar Pits, a volcano erupts, spewing lava through the streets of Los Angeles. This catastrophic event marks the point of no return, forcing Roark and Barnes to confront the full scale of the impending destruction.

Fighting the Lava Flow

Roark and Dr. Barnes devise a plan to contain the lava by creating a cul-de-sac with concrete barriers. This is only a temporary solution, as Dr. Barnes realizes the lava is flowing underground towards the Beverly Center, threatening Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Amidst this chaos, a subway train derails, leading to a harrowing rescue mission. The city faces a desperate fight for survival against an unstoppable force of nature.

Diverting the Flow

Realizing the cul-de-sac is insufficient, Roark and Barnes decide to divert the lava flow by creating channels in the streets. When they discover the street slopes in the wrong direction, Roark devises a daring plan to demolish a 22-story condominium under construction to block the lava’s path. This decisive action is a last-ditch effort to redirect the lava towards Ballona Creek and the Pacific Ocean, saving a major portion of Los Angeles from destruction.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mike Roark (Tommy Lee Jones): The head of the Office of Emergency Management in Los Angeles, who is tasked with stopping the volcanic eruption.
• Dr. Amy Barnes (Anne Heche): A geologist who warns about the impending volcanic eruption and works with Roark to mitigate its effects.
• Kelly Roark (Gaby Hoffmann): Mike Roark’s teenage daughter, who finds herself in danger during the volcanic eruption.
• Emmit Reese (Don Cheadle): Mike Roark’s associate at the Office of Emergency Management, who provides support during the crisis.
• Stan Olber (John Carroll Lynch): The Metro Chairman who initially dismisses the threat but ultimately sacrifices himself to save others on the subway.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Amy: “Sometimes magma can find one of those fissures and rise up through it.” – Amy is trying to explain the potential danger to Roark after the initial incidents.
• Roark: “What’s magma?” – Roark asks about magma during Amy’s explanation of the potential volcanic activity in Los Angeles.
• Rachel: “Lava.” – Rachel clarifies what magma is to Roark, simplifying the geological term.
• Roark: “Lava? Right here in L.A?” – Roark expresses disbelief and shock at the possibility of lava in Los Angeles.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $90,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $49,323,468
• Worldwide Gross: $122,823,468

💥 Volcano Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘Volcano’ isn’t exactly a masterpiece, but I can’t help but enjoy it! The ridiculousness of a volcano erupting in LA is just so over-the-top, it’s entertaining. I remember watching this as a kid and being totally freaked out by the lava flowing down Wilshire Boulevard. The scene where the guy saves the subway driver? Intense! It’s a perfect movie for a night when you want to turn your brain off and just watch stuff explode. It’s cheesy, yes, but also kinda awesome.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of disaster movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy special effects”
  • “Those looking for a thrill ride with minimal intellectual investment”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense scenes of destruction and disaster”
  • “Graphic images of burns and injuries”
  • “Some language and thematic elements”

Professional Reviews

• Los Angeles Times: “While ‘Volcano’ serves up impressive special effects, the film’s predictable plot and reliance on disaster movie clichés ultimately leave it feeling hollow. The performances are adequate, but the script lacks the necessary depth to engage viewers beyond the spectacle of destruction.
• The Washington Post: “Tommy Lee Jones delivers his trademark stoic performance, but even his presence can’t save ‘Volcano’ from its ludicrous premise and scientific inaccuracies. The film is undeniably entertaining in a B-movie kind of way, but those seeking genuine thrills will likely be disappointed.
• RogerEbert.com: “”Volcano” knows exactly what it is: a disaster movie that sets out to destroy Los Angeles in a spectacular fashion. Tommy Lee Jones does what he can, but the film devolves into cliché, with far too many personal sub-plots, a cartoonish villain, and far too many illogical events.

Audience Reactions

The special effects are dated but still fun to watch.: Most viewers agree that ‘Volcano’ is a classic disaster movie with impressive, but not realistic special effects.

Tommy Lee Jones’ performance adds a much-needed dose of seriousness.: Many fans appreciate Tommy Lee Jones’ portrayal of a take-charge hero amidst the chaos.

Overall Consensus: ‘Volcano’ is a cheesy disaster movie that’s entertaining for its over-the-top action and special effects, even if it lacks scientific accuracy and a compelling plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The lava effects were created using a combination of methylcellulose (a thickening agent used in fast-food milkshakes), dyed liquids, and practical fire effects.”
• “To attract more viewers the German theatrical version was cut to receive a “Not under 12” rating. The German video release contains the complete version and is rated “Not under 16″.”

🖥️ How to Watch Volcano?

Volcano is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Unfortunately, it’s not currently streaming on subscription services like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Volcano, you might like these similar films:

• Dante’s Peak (1997): Another volcano disaster movie released in the same year, providing a direct comparison in theme and execution.
• Earthquake (1974): Classic disaster movie with a focus on widespread destruction in Los Angeles, sharing thematic elements of chaos and survival.
• The Poseidon Adventure (1972): A classic disaster film from the same era, focusing on a group of people struggling to survive a catastrophic event, similar to the survival aspect of Volcano.
• 2012 (2009): Modern disaster epic showcasing large-scale destruction and human struggle against overwhelming natural forces.

🛒 Volcano Related Products

• Tommy Lee Jones Movie Collection (DVD): This DVD collection features some of Tommy Lee Jones’ most memorable roles, including his stoic performance in ‘Volcano,’ making it a perfect gift for fans of the actor.
• Disaster Movie Survival Kit: Be prepared for any geological event with this survival kit. Includes a high-quality face mask, thermal blanket, and a first-aid kit to keep you safe in case of a volcanic eruption or any other disaster.
• Los Angeles Cityscape Jigsaw Puzzle (1000 Pieces): A challenging 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle featuring the Los Angeles skyline. Assemble iconic landmarks and remember the city that faced the fiery disaster in ‘Volcano.’
• Volcano Science Kit: Create your own mini volcanic eruptions with this science kit. Perfect for kids and adults interested in geology and the science behind volcanoes. A hands-on way to learn about the real science in the film!

🎧 Soundtrack

Volcano features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I Love L.A.” – performed by Randy Newman
• “Main Title” – performed by Alan Silvestri
• “MacArthur Park” – performed by Alan Silvestri

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Everything Wrong With Volcano In 8 Minutes Or Less

Ever wondered just how scientifically accurate ‘Volcano’ really is? CinemaSins breaks down all the movie’s flaws in under 10 minutes! I always thought that movie was a little over the top, and this video just confirms it.

✨ Rate