‘San Andreas’ Review
The Big One finally hits California in “San Andreas” and there’s only one hero who can save the day: Dwayne Johnson. Johnson plays an LAFD rescue helicopter pilot who’s estranged from his wife Emma (Carla Gugino) and despondent because his daughter (Alexandra Daddario) is on her way to San Francisco courtesy of Emma’s wealthy new boyfriend. When a series of magnitude 9 earthquakes hit first Los Angeles and then SF, Johnson single-handedly rescues Emma; together they go north to save their daughter. On the sidelines is a crew of Cal Tech scientists and newscasters, headed up by Paul Giamatti, who act as a Greek Chorus to the devastation. The special effects are fantastic and the surround sound is so realistic my Pit Bull ran around in circles and then left the room. Only drawback: some of the dumbest dialogue in an American film in years. Still a lot of fun — especially with the ever-delightful-to-watch Gugino. Vitals: Director: Brad Peyton. Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario, Ioan Gruffudd, Archie Panjabi, Hugo Johnstone-Burt, Art Parkinson, Paul Giamatti. 2015, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 114 min., Action, Box office gross: $150.001 million, New Line Cinema/Warner. Extras: Commentary by director Brad Peyton, “San Andreas: The Real Fault Line,” “Dwayne Johnson to the Rescue,” “Scoring the Quake,” deleted scenes, gag reel, stunt reel. 
