Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
Director: Brad Peyton, Roadshow Entertainment.
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman, Jake Lacy, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Joe Manganiello.
The need to realise the escapist value is paramount for this film. Sure, there’s a big star, a big monster and some fun. Just don’t take it too seriously.
The tone of disbelief is set early on when a scientist on a space station struggles to save some genetically engineered samples in a fire. The spaceship hurtles to earth, landing in three locations.
One of them happens to be in a San Diego Wildlife Sanctuary managed by Davis Okoye (Johnson). The primatologist shares an unshakable bond with George, the extraordinarily intelligent, silverback gorilla who has been in his care since birth.
When a ‘greed-fueled corporation’s genetic experiment goes awry’, George and other animals across the country are mutated into aggressive super creatures that rampage the city.
George grows at an escalating rate, accompanied by amplified violence and voracious appetite. Giant monsters are destroying half of downtown Chicago or leaping on moving helicopters.
In an adrenaline-filled ride, Davis tries to find an antidote that will not only halt a global catastrophe, but also save the fearsome creature that was once his friend.
The two villains (Lacy and Akerman) are a disappointment, while Morgan and Manganiello are more fun.
Peyton (San Andreas) fails to instill the cinematic excitement that’s necessary of a ‘big monster movie’, though watching a Blu-ray film makes for crisp viewing.
