Now on DVD the science fiction thriller Super Eruption opens strong with some exciting action, gets far-fetched and then peters out in the finale. I am a big fan of science fiction films as long as they have great special effects and a decent story. That said, although I found the film interesting regarding the volcanoes beneath Yellowstone National Park the special effects and CGI are below par and the acting suffers from mediocre direction.
The story centers on a possible eruption of volcanoes forming below the earth at Yellowstone Park. In the midst of the possible worldwide catastrophe are Kate (Juliet Aubrey) a Vulcanologist and Charlie (Richard Burgi) in charge of the park rangers in Yellowstone working at a lab deep inside the park. With massive exiting migrations of animals, campers getting boiled by the incredibly hot geysers and the Volcanic Explosive Index measurements way off the charts the two find themselves in the middle of the action.
Kate has been trying to get the message out to those who can possibly help, but all looks dim. The US Disaster Management Agency has picked up the distress signals and has been scrambling to find out the possible destruction the volcano will cause should it erupt. Kate is worried that no one will be able to stop the incredible eruption that would cover the earth with ash and put the world into another ice age. When Kate receives a strange message from the future, things start taking a turn for the better.
The film continues with a lot of action involving Charlie’s daughter Claire (MyAnna Buring), failed rescue attempts, magma rising to explosive magnitude and only two people positioned to save the world. Director Matt Codd (Dragon Dynasty– TV) tries his best to make the film realistic by cramming every possible new idea into his film. Ultimately the movie fails when he takes his most daring chance at saving the catastrophe driven drama by bringing in a Skype message from the future of Kate talking to herself feeding her with information that can stop the massive eruption. Here it gets quite laughable and although he has painted himself in a corner, Codd continues to add implausible elements that lead to nothing more than a lover’s kiss.
Acting suffers with the uneven direction and unimaginative script and for that I feel more sorrow than supportive kind words. Juliet Aubrey who gave us creative characters in films like Iris and The Constant Gardner should have never signed up for the film after reading the script. Her role as Kate brings the whole film together and although she makes a valiant effort, cannot save a sinking ship.
The final dagger comes with the poor Computer Graphics and special effects that just don’t seem to mesh. While the cost of such needed animation has gone through the roof, this attempt at green screen magic and computer key skills is feeble at best. Peril is paramount to keeping a sci-fi audience entertained, but in Super Eruption the only positive scenes were the after effects of campers being boiled alive. Buboes the size of golf balls covered one woman’s face and actually looked real. A tip of the hat to the make-up department for upping the credibility levels of the film in many a challenging scene.
There are no special bonus features or subtitles for the hearing impaired.
Super Eruption has not been rated by the MPAA but does contain some violence, terror and gore. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as it does have some scenes that may be inappropriate.
Specifications and additional film information:
Cast: Richard Burgi, Juliet Aubrey, MyAnna Buring and Peter Vollebregt
Directed by: Matt Codd
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
Running Time: 1 hr 29 min
Video Release Date: August 20, 2011
Original TV Release Date: July 16, 2011 SyFy Channel
Language: English
Format: DVD
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: Widescreen 16×9, Aspect Ratio 1.78:1
Subtitles: None
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: ARC Entertainment
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
