Earthquake

Earthquake

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Movie Reviews of Earthquake

Movie Review: According to Leonard Maltin, this film is a BOMB
Summary: 5 Stars

"Earthquake" lovers across the globe must unite. We cannot allow Maltin's terrible injustice to continue a day longer! I say lobby for two stars today. Tomorrow? Perhaps four. But the "Earthquake" rebellion is still in its infancy, and we must take whatever star we can get.

Granted, we cannot watch this film in Sensurround (as I did as a child), but we can turn the volume up to maximum power during the main earthquake sequence. For those unaware, "Earthquake" won two Academy Awards for special effects. And the special effects, even by today's computer generated standards, are extraordinary. From dams bursting, to building's collapsing, to Walter Matthau trying to sip his giggling shot of whiskey, the action sequences in this film are unforgettable.

Let's not forget Charlton Heston's modified Blazer (complete with telephone!), which has to be one of the coolest movie autos since Steve McQueen's "Bullitt" Mustang. Of course, I have always tried to figure out how Lorne Greene could have fathered Ava Gardner at the tender age of seven. But hey! Weirder things in cinema history have happened (Kevin Costner following "Waterworld" with "The Postman" comes to mind).

But I digress. What I love about "Earthquake" is the beautiful Genevieve Bujold ("You made love to me with such anger.") as Chuck's mistress. She's a great cinema beauty. I love the salty George Kennedy as the tough cop we would all like to have on our block ("Earthquakes bring out the worst in people."). I love the seedy bar he goes to after a bad day on the job, complete with bald pool sharks, beads hanging in the doorway and the already-mentioned Mr. Matthau ("Bobby Riggs!") adorned in plaid bell bottoms and maroon pimp hat. Let's not forget Richard Roundtree as motorcycle daredevil Miles Quade ("Baby I'm tuned to just the right pitch!"), preparing for his loop-de-loop stunt just as the earthquake hits.

And finally, the moral choice Charlton Heston is forced to make by the film's conclusion. His wife (Ava Gardner) is being swept away in a flood, a few dyed hairs out of place, her white pants suit literally getting soaked! Chuck looks up through the manhole opening, where he can see the lovely Ms. Bujold staring back with concern. Paradise. Passion. A new start with the woman of his middle age dreams. What's he gonna do!?

By the film's final scene, the distinguished Lloyd Nolan stares at the crumbled buildings amidst the smoke and fire, dirt and sweat covering his tired face. He says to no one in particular, "This used to be a hell of a town." George Kennedy, tears in his eyes, shakes his head in agreement as John Williams' terrific musical score closes the show.

To call "Earthquake" a BOMB is entirely missing the point of why we watch and love films. "Caligula" is a BOMB. "Earthquake" is an immensely watchable, loveable pet. A testament of an era, line after quotable line, glorious like a funhouse at the local carnival. A few mirrors may be cracked and the hinges may squeak, but Mr. Maltin, this funhouse makes me smile. If "Earthquake" is a BOMB, then I wish Hollywood would make more of them.

Summary of Earthquake