The 1997 disaster film 'Volcano,' directed by Mick Jackson, made a significant impact upon its release, both at the box office and among critics. Starring Tommy Lee Jones, the film depicts a volcanic eruption
in Los Angeles and the efforts to save the city from a destructive lava flow. While the film's special effects and action sequences drew audiences to theaters, its reception was mixed, with critics offering varied opinions on its merits.
Box Office Performance
'Volcano' premiered in cinemas on April 25, 1997, and was distributed by 20th Century Fox. At its widest release, the film was screened in 2,777 theaters across the United States. On its opening weekend, 'Volcano' grossed $14,581,740 in box office revenue in Canada and the United States, averaging $5,256 per theater. The film debuted in first place, outperforming other releases such as 'Romy & Michelle's High School Reunion' and 'Anaconda.'
Despite a strong opening, the film's revenue dropped by 37% in its second week, earning $9,099,743. By its final weekend in theaters in June, 'Volcano' had fallen to 12th place, grossing $602,076. Over its seven-week theatrical run, the film accumulated a total of $49,323,468 in ticket sales in the United States and Canada. Internationally, 'Volcano' earned an additional $73,500,000, bringing its worldwide total to $122,800,000. For the year 1997, the film ranked 39th in box office performance.
Critical Reception
Among mainstream critics, 'Volcano' received mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 49% approval rating based on 47 reviews, with an average score of 5.10/10. The site's critical consensus notes that while the film's pyrotechnics and Tommy Lee Jones' performance are highlights, they are not enough to elevate the film beyond a routine disaster movie.
Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average score, gave 'Volcano' a score of 55 out of 100 based on 22 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews." Audiences polled by CinemaScore awarded the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.
Notable Critiques
Critics offered a range of opinions on 'Volcano.' Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times described the film as a "surprisingly cheesy disaster epic," criticizing the special effects and dialogue. Janet Maslin of The New York Times noted the film's technical cleverness but found it lacking in originality. Conversely, James Berardinelli of ReelViews praised Tommy Lee Jones' performance and the film's entertainment value, while Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times highlighted the film's engaging depiction of lava.
In summary, 'Volcano' achieved moderate box office success and garnered a spectrum of critical responses. While some praised its action and effects, others found it lacking in depth and originality. Despite the mixed reviews, 'Volcano' remains a memorable entry in the disaster film genre.
