La critique (moins conne) de James Berardinelli (fin)
Tommy Lee Jones' Roark is a wonderfully heroic figure -- a man of action who never has time to rest. The fate of the city rests on his shoulders, and he knows it. Jones' fierce, unflagging portrayal helps us accept Roark not only as the man to save L.A., but as a loving father who is more concerned about his daughter's safety than that of every other citizen. Anne Heche (Donnie Brasco), a young actress who has experienced quite a bit of recent exposure,offers a spunky interpretation of her sidekick-turned-love interest role. Don Cheadle (Rosewood) is in top form -- most of the film's comic moments revolve around him. The rest of the cast isn't nearly as impressive, but, since no one else has much screen time, any number of acting deficiencies can be forgiven.
All that most people want from a disaster movie is a jolt of adrenaline and a chance to "ooh" and "ahh", and Volcano fills both cravings. After all, there's a lot at stake -- this isn't some sleepy Northwestern town, it's the second most populous city in the United States (L.A. has suddenly become a favorite target of motion picture mayhem -- see Independence Day, Escape from L.A., and next year's Godzilla for other examples). The special effects are top-notch. When a lava river starts flowing down Wilshire Boulevard, we believe that it's actually happening.
Normally, I detest any voiceover narration, but Volcano manages to do something in that department to enhance the picture.Many scenes feature broadcast commentary by television stations reporting on the crisis. There's more than a hint of parody as correspondents react in horror to events around them while staying out of harm's way. Screenwriters Jerome Armstrong and Billy Ray should be commended for this aspect of their script -- it's right on target.
Volcano has opened the "summer" movie season at an astoundingly early late-April date. But there's no mistaking this as anything but a blockbuster trying to get a running jump on competition like The Fifth Element and The Lost World. This isn't the kind of film where it's worth waiting for the video tape -- it's too big and brash, and demands the speakers and atmosphere of a state-of-the-art theater. Like Twister, it pushes the cinematic experiencecloser to the level of an amusement park ride. However, unlike Twister, Volcano doesn't demand a complete short-circuit of all mental functions.
Although you see this film for the spectacle, the other stuff (characters, plot, etc.) doesn't get in the way, and that's the formula for success in this genre. Volcano triumphs with a resounding bang.***/****(3 sur 4...pas mal pour un soi disant "navet")
