Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Dante’s Peak’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Movie magic is a bit of a cliché term that gets thrown around when describing the movie making process, but it exists for a reason. Because truly, Hollywood’s ability to give the wildest of ideas, life on the silver screen, is outright unmatched. Because the industry can turn anything into something exciting, even mother nature. For most natural disasters tend to build up slowly and when they do arrive, a majority of them come and go. But Hollywood is able to manufacture tension for the moments leading up to the big event, and they are also able to make the big moment itself dramatic as well, which is quite the incredible feat.

If anything, this is relevant to today’s discussion, simply because this reviewer had the chance to revisit a fun film that in many ways took a well-studied historical event, the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens, and turned it into a powerhouse disaster story. Which oddly makes Dante’s Peak quite the fascinating film when all is said and done, when quite frankly, it shouldn’t be. Because this is a movie that has all the makings of nothing more than a summer blockbuster. Since it has big names like Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton in it, and a big effects budget to make the explosion of the volcano that shares the namesake of the movie, a magnificent spectacle.

So, what then makes this St. Helens-esque story so compelling and so worth our while? Well it starts with the fact that it really does do a phenomenal job of playing ‘what if?’ Because when Mount Saint Helens blew its top back in ’80, it took lives but avoided destroying any major population centers, which is a good thing for certain. But here, the town is right in the basin and the path of the volcano and when it goes, the carnage definitely sucks you in because you’re curious to see how a small town could handle something as powerful as a massive volcanic explosion. A question that is answered in quick and devastating fashion since the town is ripped to shreds, courtesy of some top notch and thrilling special effects.

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But the wonder of this motion picture doesn’t end with its exploration of what might happen if say Mt. Rainier came to back life, it also does a pretty solid job of offering up some science as well. For a lot of what Harry Dalton encounters in regard to the impending explosion, is similar to that, of what the USGS found back in 1980 before the north face of St. Helens disappeared. And it is quite cool to see some actual science sneak its way into the story and even the explosion of the mountain features some realism since the resulting Lahar mudflows that come about from the old monster clearing its throat, are flawless recreations of the mudslides that happened back in the day, making this quite the treat for science nerds everywhere.
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Yet while there is plenty to celebrate about this film, it is not without its flaws. Because this particular story does require a fair suspension of disbelief for a lot of the action sequences, especially when Harry tries to get back down the mountain with Rachel’s family. Because let’s be honest, the heat from the lava at the cabin should have caused them more harm, and the same goes for the acid at the lake. But hey, movie magic. And at times, it’s inherently obvious this movie is borrowing heavily from the 1981 movie St. Helens, since Rachel’s mom channels Art Carney’s portrayal of Harry Truman and it is likely no coincidence that both films feature a visit to the crater of the mountain. The only difference here is that this movie went to the actual St. Helens. 

But heck, the borrowing doesn’t end there, because the closing shot of Dante’s Peak, resembles modern day Mount Saint Helens. But all copycat stuff aside, this is a movie that really is a lot of fun. Because it really is designed to be a popcorn flick with a little bit of depth, and it accomplishes those goals to a tee. For once the fireworks start, you’re apt to shovel popcorn in your mouth by the handful as you watch the disaster unfold. And of course, you’re rooting for everyone to survive and there’s nothing with a movie that lets you get lost for a couple of hours in a fantastic situation. So, if by chance you haven’t seen this movie yet, and you’re looking for a fine escape from the sour parts of the world right now, pop this one in and enjoy the explosive ride. 

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