It's all about special effects. If such films provide a decent story and engrossing characters, that's a bonus. Brosnan plays Harry Dalton, a volcanologist with the U.S. Geological Survey. He travels from locale to locale, using a variety of meters, gadgets and chemicals to check on possible volcanic activity. Harry has been dispatched to Dante's Peak, a charming community nestled at the foot of a dormant volcano in the Northern Cascades of Washington state.
Early indicators point to a possible eruption.
Surprisingly, the chief naysayer is Harry's boss at the Geological Survey. He's seen the effect of crying wolf before and is reluctant to give the town an early warning. Before the mountain blows, Harry and Rachel also heat up a bit, gradually developing a romance. Rachel's a single mom, and Harry also likes her two kids. For the first hour or so, moviegoers will have to be content with brief hints of impending doom.