‘Into the Storm’: Just a lot of hot air

  • By Robert Horton Herald Movie Critic
  • Tuesday, August 5, 2014 3:44pm
  • LifeGo-See-Do

If you ever sat around daydreaming and thought, “I wonder what a tornado looks like on fire?”, the movie you’ve been waiting for is here.

No, this is not a Syfy original TV-film, and there are neither sharks nor wicked witches in the waterspout. (Every review of “Into the Storm” is obligated to mention “Sharknado” and “The Wizard of Oz,” so we can now proceed.)

The scene in question takes place at a gas station. A truck spills its unleaded, downed power lines ignite the gas, and the tornado catches on fire. Which looks pretty cool, unless you’re the videographer sucked up into the flaming spout.

“Into the Storm” is full of scenes like this, and they are why people will see the movie. Sadly, the mayhem is periodically interrupted by scenes of people talking, although I use the terms “people” and “talking” loosely.

The setting is the Midwest, where a documentary crew chases the storm clouds: money-hungry director (Matt Walsh, from “Veep”), brainy meteorologist (Sarah Wayne Callies, a “Walking Dead” veteran), and their gofers.

Meanwhile, teenager Donnie (Max Deacon) is filming his high-school crush Kaitlyn (Alicia Debnam Carey) in an abandoned paper mill, where a sign outside reads, “Worst Possible Place to Be during a Tornado.” Or maybe I imagined that part. Donnie’s macho-voiced dad (Richard Armitage, Thorin in “The Hobbit”) runs around dodging lightning bolts looking for his kid.

Director Steven Quale, a special-effects guy, tries to keep up the found-footage approach (as though everything we see is being filmed by the various participants). But I’m pretty sure the wide shots we see of airplanes being lifted by winds or bird’s-eye views of buildings collapsing have no traceable source.

As bad as the non-action scenes are, the windstorms are incredible. Sheer humongous spectacle is one reason to go to the multiplex, and if you like digital sound and fury, “Into the Storm” does not disappoint. The whooshing of one character inside a tornado and up to the calm above the storm is a high point, in every sense.

The film scolds its video crew for exulting about the great footage even though people are dying in the storm. Needless to say, the movie is also pretty excited about these images, and doesn’t feel much guilt about it. When a movie makes you check your watch during the dialogue scenes, wondering when the next twister will hit, best not to look for the moral compass.

“Into the Storm” (1 1/2 stars)

Bad dialogue scenes alternate with incredible special-effects footage in this digital extravaganza. We follow some tornado-chasers as they barrel into a huge storm system in the Midwest; mayhem ensues.

Rating: PG-13 rating is for violence, language

Talk to us

More in Life

Bern’s famous clock tower, part of the original wall around the city, looms at the head of Marktgasse street.
Rick Steves’ Europe: Bern, Switzerland’s classy yet fun capital

This easygoing riverside city gives travelers a good reason. to descend from the Swiss Alps.

Teaching children the value of money in a digital age

Today’s increasingly cashless society makes it harder for kids to understand money.

Icelandair changed her flights. Can she get a refund for her tour?

When Icelandair changes Patricia Boyle’s flights from Baltimore to Washington Dulles International Airport, she asks for a refund from her tour operator, Icelandair Holidays. So, why isn’t it responding?

Dave "Bronco" Erickson stands next to the pink-and-purple 1991 Subaru Justy hatchback “Pork Chop Express” car that he is seeking to re-home for $500. The car has been on Whidbey Island for years, mainly as yard art. (Andrea Brown / The Herald)
For sale: Whidbey’s fabled ‘Pork Chop Express’ gets great smileage

Asking price is $500 for the 1991 Subaru Justy, a three-cylinder econobox with 65K miles and a transmission as rare as hen’s teeth.

Carolyn Lhamon scoops together a bowl of ice cream for a customer while working her summer job at Kapaw’s Iskreme on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Greenbank, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Plays, parks and perfect sundaes: Whidbey serves up summer island getaways

It’s not tropical, but the island is full of family-friendly activities (and ice cream) for those long summer days

Tracey Silla of Everett leaves her shoes outside as she sets up sleeping bags and pads in her tent at Gold Basin Campground. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Best local campground

You voted, we tallied, here are the results.

Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band will perform June 4 at Chateau Ste. Michelle. (Associated Press)
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Ex-Beatle Alert: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band stop by Chateau Ste. Michelle on Sunday.

The M/V Puyallup docks at the Edmonds waterfront on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020 in Edmonds. The ferry along with the passenger loading walkway were struck by lightning last week. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tune in for virtual meeting on Edmonds-Kingston ferry

The series of Washington State Ferries meetings are for updates and public comment. A recording is available online.

Mukilteo Police Chief Cheol Kang smiles while trying a Diamond Knot Tot on Thursday, May 18, 2023 in Mukilteo, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Police chief departing Mukilteo after 20 years, 322 Yelp reviews

When he’s not keeping the city safe, Cheol Kang moonlights as an “elite” dining reviewer. He’s also known for his haircuts.

2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited (Hyundai)
2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited

IONIQ 5 is the first vehicle Hyundai has built to be exclusively electric.

Unless you have phenomenal soil, you should always add compost and starter fertilizers when you are planting new plants. (Getty Images)
Protect your gardening investments with compost and fertilizer

For a few extra bucks, you can give your newly purchased plants the tools to succeed for years to come.

The silvers and purplish-reds that are overlaid on this fern’s fronds will brighten any shadowy situation. (Richie Steffen)
Great Plant Pick: Eared Lady Fern

What: Japanese painted fern, or eared lady fern, brings amazing and colorful… Continue reading