Pierce Brosnan brings a lot of dignity and swagger to this movie. By contrast, Tommy Lee Jones looks (typically) miserable as the swaggering hero in "Volcano". Advantage: "Dante".
"I think as a film community, we may never agree on what the best movie is. But I know what we will agree on is the absolute joy that was brought to us in 1997, at the height of the disaster movie revival. When the studios fought over releasing movies that they wouldn’t even think to fund these days."
Well said as always, Amanda! That sense of pure escapism, even for a disaster outing, it seems to have been exclusively placed in the superhero basket these days, which is, well, its fine but it has definitely limited the opportunities for more "you know what you're getting into to, grab the popcorn" movies. Hopefully we see a broader comeback soon.
I'm dating myself somewhat, as I wasn't yet born when the movie was released, but the first time I saw Dante's Peak was in ninth grade geography. It was exciting because we had just recently moved past the TV-on-Wheels stage and had it put up on the projector, which really brought out Brosnan's eyes.
Anyway, we were asked to focus/take as-needed notes on the nuances surrounding the science (that thin educational line) but all I can remember, within the confines of my movie-first view, was being more impressed (as you highlighted!) with the good amount of practicality in the special effects.
"Ryan, what did you notice about the movement of the landslide, based on what you know about geological placement?"
"Forget that, did you see the miniature work? Dude!"
You're right, there really isn't any depth here but sometimes, that's okay. That feeling in the moment, it can do wonders to surpass the minute of the overall execution.
OOOH, you just brought back a flood of memories for me. 😆
"The debate over which movie is best still stands today. During this last rewatch, I determined that Dante’s Peak is likely to be the better movie, but Volcano is more fun."
I concur! Though both movies gave me way too much anxiety. Because of "Dante's Peak", I can never think of "Row Your Boat" as a gentle song, and I'll forever have a memory of that poor John Carroll Lynch dying in fake lava etched in my head, haaa.
I remember seeing "Twister" the weekend it first came out, and I begged to go because I was (and still am!) such a weather nerd. The first five minutes of the movie with the tornado that killed Jo's mom in the flashback scene, I must have looked horrified because my aunt leaned over to me and asked me if I wanted to leave. I was totally gripping her arm. I soldiered on, ha!
Pierce Brosnan brings a lot of dignity and swagger to this movie. By contrast, Tommy Lee Jones looks (typically) miserable as the swaggering hero in "Volcano". Advantage: "Dante".
Fromtheyardtothearthouse.substack.com
You make such a GOOD point here. YES. YES. YES.
You know I love this movie! All of this must be why we love disaster movies so much. I dunno, though, I'm team Grandma on this one. lol.
"I think as a film community, we may never agree on what the best movie is. But I know what we will agree on is the absolute joy that was brought to us in 1997, at the height of the disaster movie revival. When the studios fought over releasing movies that they wouldn’t even think to fund these days."
Well said as always, Amanda! That sense of pure escapism, even for a disaster outing, it seems to have been exclusively placed in the superhero basket these days, which is, well, its fine but it has definitely limited the opportunities for more "you know what you're getting into to, grab the popcorn" movies. Hopefully we see a broader comeback soon.
I'm dating myself somewhat, as I wasn't yet born when the movie was released, but the first time I saw Dante's Peak was in ninth grade geography. It was exciting because we had just recently moved past the TV-on-Wheels stage and had it put up on the projector, which really brought out Brosnan's eyes.
Anyway, we were asked to focus/take as-needed notes on the nuances surrounding the science (that thin educational line) but all I can remember, within the confines of my movie-first view, was being more impressed (as you highlighted!) with the good amount of practicality in the special effects.
"Ryan, what did you notice about the movement of the landslide, based on what you know about geological placement?"
"Forget that, did you see the miniature work? Dude!"
You're right, there really isn't any depth here but sometimes, that's okay. That feeling in the moment, it can do wonders to surpass the minute of the overall execution.
Thanks for such a thoughtful comment. It brings me a lot of joy when people feel compelled to really engage!
It’s true, we have to rely on superhero movies and big franchises (Fast & Furious) for escapism. Fun. But…It’s not the same.
I love that you watched this in school. A thin line indeed 🤣.
OOOH, you just brought back a flood of memories for me. 😆
"The debate over which movie is best still stands today. During this last rewatch, I determined that Dante’s Peak is likely to be the better movie, but Volcano is more fun."
I concur! Though both movies gave me way too much anxiety. Because of "Dante's Peak", I can never think of "Row Your Boat" as a gentle song, and I'll forever have a memory of that poor John Carroll Lynch dying in fake lava etched in my head, haaa.
Hahaha these movies maybe scarred us all as children but we love them anyway!
I remember seeing "Twister" the weekend it first came out, and I begged to go because I was (and still am!) such a weather nerd. The first five minutes of the movie with the tornado that killed Jo's mom in the flashback scene, I must have looked horrified because my aunt leaned over to me and asked me if I wanted to leave. I was totally gripping her arm. I soldiered on, ha!
Ahhh this is such a good memory. I wish I could remember my first Twister experience. I think it might have been the drive-in!
First of all, Volcano > Dante's Peak all day.
But I still want my third film where TLJ and Brosnan have to team up to battle a super volcano. We're just leaving money on the table.
I know where you stand with Volcano! It’s a curse.
But I definitely agree on this third film… let’s petition.
It is a core memory! And an upsetting one at that lol. Glad you’ll return! Curious to hear your thoughts!
LOL - maybe it's better to rip the band-aid off.