INTO THE STORM (D)

Bottom Line: In what can only be described as an unintentional effort to make 1996’s TWISTER look Shakespearean by comparison, this natural disaster flick (that nobody asked for) twists and shouts its way to theaters. If you like natural disaster flicks, then wait about 30 minutes after it starts because that time is carelessly earmarked for introductions to a handful of characters we’ll forget about the second they’re not on screen.  People we hope to never see again.  The filmmakers want you invested in this community but seemed oblivious to the need of investing in a competent screenwriter.  Yes, there are impressive, digitally designed tornadoes and chaos, but people also speak – and that’s when the most damage is done…  The overboard special effects may impress at times but the direction is second rate, the writing is lazy and the story as a whole ultimately does a disservice to people who have actually had to endure such a horrific tragedy (last scene of the movie, you’ll see what I mean – but hopefully you won’t).  And as if this all wasn’t enough, the studio decided that their hopes for a summer blockbuster behemoth were best rested on the shoulders of a virtually talent-free, junior high level-like squad of thespians.  Seriously, if I didn’t know better, I’d say this is one of the best comedies of the year.  It may be good for a few unintentional laughs and some whiz-bang special effects, but it’s flat, dull and thoroughly unengaging.  Don’t go INTO THE STORM this weekend, go into another theater – preferably one showing something that’s worth your time and money.  Not at all in the way intended, this BOREnado flick pretty much sucks...and blows.

 

Starring: Richard Armitage, Sarah Wayne Callies and Matt Walsh

Directed by: Steven Quale (FINAL DESTINATION 5)

Running time: 89 minutes

Studio description: In the span of a single day, the town of Silverton is ravaged by an unprecedented onslaught of tornadoes. The entire town is at the mercy of the erratic and deadly cyclones, even as storm trackers predict the worst is yet to come. Most people seek shelter, while others run towards the vortex, testing how far a storm chaser will go for that once-in-a-lifetime shot. Told through the eyes and lenses of professional storm chasers, thrill-seeking amateurs, and courageous townspeople, "Into the Storm" throws you directly into the eye of the storm to experience Mother Nature at her most extreme. (C) Warner Bros

 

Official site: www.intothestormmovie.com