Bullet Points: Skyfire
Disaster movies are meant to be watched at the movies. With our current climate, who knows when we can all return to the movies safely. Screening Skyfire at home felt odd, because this is definitely a movie meant to be seen on the biggest screen possible.
- The Plot: Skyfire is a Chinese action disaster flick. A volcano explodes, killing a lot of people. Twenty years later, the volcano is supposed to be dormant and is supposed to stay that way for at least 150 years. Why not open an amusement park inside the volcano? What could possibly go wrong? Skyfire achieved audience success when it was released in China back in December 2019. It stars Xueqi Wang and Hannah Quinlivan as a Father and Daughter with a lot of experience with this volcano. It also features Jason Isaacs as an Australian businessman who will stop at nothing to open his amusement park on time. It should also be noted Skyfire is directed by Simon West. He’s brought us Tomb Raider, Con Air, The General’s Daughter, The Expendables 2, The Mechanic and he directed Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” music video. The runtime is a bit short for a movie like this, Skyfire comes in at around 97 minutes. This tells me a lot was possibly edited out of the final cut.
- Green Screen: There’s a lot of CG in Skyfire. It is understandable, because it would be too hot to film in and around a volcano. We definitely have a Green Screen theme. The entire film might’ve been filmed inside of a studio for all I know. The CG isn’t terrible. However, it would appear cleaner if it was screened at the IMAX, instead of at your house.
- Boring Characters: Character development is almost nonexistent in Skyfire. Most of the cast fall flat on their faces. Xueqi Wang as Wentao Li is a cool older fella as the lead. He carries the action scenes, and he’s by far my favorite person in the film. Jason Isaacs also has some depth to his character. He could’ve easily been the stereotypical Western bad guy you see in some Chinese movies, but he is not. His character evolves, and in my opinion, that’s something different, and I like it.
- Crazy Action: The action in Skyfire makes The Fate of the Furious seem plausible. Yeah, it is that unbelievable. I’ve never seen cars, motorcycles or volcanoes act the way they do. You have to suspend belief to get anything out of Skyfire. Turn off your brain, and maybe you will enjoy the show.
- Overall Verdict: Skyfire isn’t the worst disaster film I’ve ever seen. However, it is best viewed on the big screen, but right now, most of us don’t have that opportunity. It is supposed to get a DVD & Digital release in the UK on November 23rd, and I’ve heard rumors of a possible USA theatrical run in December. I feel bad for Skyfire. In any other year, it might just be a must see popcorn munching movie theater blockbuster.
Bonus Bullet Points…
- Boy Band: Some guy who looks like he was a member of Chad Cruise’s boy band sings a catchy song during the end credits.
- Possible Sequel: Skyfire: Volcano in Space. Coming in Summer of 2000 and never.
- Ticking Watch: A watch plays an important role in Skyfire. It takes a licking, and it keeps on ticking.
