Pretty good disaster flick; better than many...
Bunny Man! | Seattle, WA USA | 04/05/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This is very far from the worst of disaster flicks. It has a coherent plot, a nasty villain, and heroic though flawed heroes. One might be impelled to ask whether the effects or the talent had the lowest budget, but given that the film is pretty good.
The movie IS satisfying. It procedes from beginning to end with a rather classic inevitability. Unlike so many films in its genre, the heroes do NOT forsake their responsible positions of authority in order to perform personal quests (for examples of this, see "The Big One," "Aftershock," and "The Day After Tomorrow"--in all of these, the leading characters stop their formal functions midway in order to rescue family members).
One might question the actions of some characters (hide in a dumpster when about to be engulfed by a kazillion tons of water?), but there is a continuity of tragic inevitability throughout the proceedings. Also, the "good guys" are pretty likable. That certainly helps in the enjoyment of the movie.
For folks "into" disaster films, will say this is a must-see.
"
OPEN THE FLOOD GATES
Michael Butts | Martinsburg, WV USA | 04/04/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This made for TV disaster flick has all the ingredients expected:
1. Three former TV Stars (Joe Lando from DR. QUINN; Bruce Boxleitner from SCARECROW AND MRS. KING and Michelle Greene from LA LAW).
2. A corporate baddy whose greed has led to inferior construction of the dam.
3. A broken family with a father who hasn't kept in touch with his child.
4. Stubborn lawmen who answer to money.
5. Lots of oh my Goodness moments.
6. A strongwilled architect who tries to warn everyone of the impending dangers.
7. Average special effects.
But, in spite of its lack of originality, the direction and acting are good, with Greene doing a nice job as the mother/substitute mayor, etc.
A little above average for movies of this type."
Flood Entertainment
Penni Fields | Lumberton, NC USA | 12/19/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this DVD because Joe Lando (DQMW, Higher Ground) was in it. Anyway, the special effects is up-to-par as CGI goes. The plot stayed on course from beginning to end in that the dam is about to burst and a good guy is trying to warn and save the town, and a bad guy is being greedy for himself and not caring what happens to the people in his home town. I thought the acting was done well by all. I was not disappointed. I am pleased to see David Powell (Joe) is the hero. I am most pleased that in this movie the hero isn't portrayed as a egomaniac that no one listens too (like in many of these type of disaster movies), but instead is treated as an intelligent person. Watching Bruce Boxleitner as the big, bad, corrupt big-wheel was a treat, (although I prefer to see him as a good guy.) Michele Greene has wonderful chemistry with Joe Lando. I recommend this movie to all."