San Andreas

2025-07-20T18:19:31-07:00

"Now, I cannot emphasize this enough to the people of San Francisco: You need to get out. And I mean now. And if you can’t, find any means possible to drop, cover, and hold on—because your life is gonna depend on it. God be with you.” ~ Dr. Lawrence Hayes...One day, an earthquake so devastating, so powerful, will split the entire San Andreas Fault in two—triggering magnitudes of 9.0 and beyond. The question isn’t if this will happen... but when. With the fault line already over a century overdue for a rupture, San Andreas dives headfirst into that chilling reality and explores what might happen if disaster struck today. The film follows Ray, played by Dwayne Johnson, a rescue helicopter pilot navigating both a high-stakes job and the collapse of his family. After learning that his soon-to-be ex-wife, Emma, and their daughter Blake are planning to move in with Emma’s new boyfriend, Ray feels like his world is already falling apart. But then... it actually does. When a catastrophic 9.0 earthquake rocks California and threatens to destroy everything in its path, Ray and Emma must reunite to find and save their daughter—separated and stranded in a crumbling San Francisco. Meanwhile, Blake proves to be far more than a damsel in distress. Resourceful and quick-thinking, she teams up with two British brothers, Ben and Ollie, to navigate the devastation and survive rising floodwaters, collapsing buildings, and deadly aftershocks. San Andreas is terrifying—but in the best possible way. It taps into our fascination with “what if?” and presents a frighteningly plausible look at a real-life disaster scenario. The special effects are jaw-dropping, the pacing is relentless, and yet amidst the chaos, there’s heart. The emotional tension between Ray and Emma adds warmth and humanity to an otherwise intense survival thriller. It’s important to note that this film contains some disturbing imagery. Death is depicted in sudden, unsettling ways—from people falling from skyscrapers to being crushed by debris—making it potentially difficult for more sensitive viewers or those unfamiliar with the reality of death. I personally am not usually brave when it comes to disaster films, and there were definitely moments that shocked and unsettled me. But even with those moments, I found this movie too powerful and well-done to miss. Strong language is present, though it feels authentic given the extraordinary circumstances. The destruction is large-scale, the stakes are massive, but the film remains grounded in the personal story of a family trying to come back together. I recommend San Andreas for ages 15 and up due to its intense themes, realistic disaster violence, and strong language. But overall, this is a thrilling, emotional, and unforgettable ride that will have you holding your breath until the very end. Happy watching—and maybe have a pillow or blanket to hide behind. Just in case. 😉