For most audiences, the whole fun of the 3D gimmick ran out a long time ago, what with studios failing to emphasise the "specialness" of the presentation which made it so successful in films such as Avatar and How to Train Your Dragon. San Andreas was filmed in 3D as opposed to being post-converted, which gives it a major leg-up on a lot of similar films which have been lazily 3D-ified after filming has wrapped. And boy, does it show or what? Though 3D is far from vital to enjoy the movie, it adds an unexpected level of depth to the vertiginous opening rescue sequence in particular, as well as the numerous scenes of destruction throughout the film (which will be covered themselves in due course). Director Brad Peyton frequently frames the action in such a way to emphasise the scope of the action, and even things as simple as rescue cables being flung in front of the screen adding a real sense of urgency to the whole outing. It might not be right up there with the best uses of the format, but it certainly soars above most other films adopting it, which simply phone it in for a quick buck.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
