Familiarity Flows in ABC’s ‘Volcano’

If you’ve seen “Dante’s Peak,” you’ll undoubtedly be struck by an immediate sense of deja vu while watching ABC’s “Volcano: Fire on the Mountain.”

Thematically, there’s more than just a passing similarity between this TV disaster movie and Pierce Brosnan’s current theatrical thriller. In both films, a geologist’s unequivocal warnings that a volcano is about to devastate a small mountain town fall on deaf ears. In each instance, it is largely the fear of losing lucrative business opportunities that prevents community leaders from taking these legitimate claims seriously.

The overall impact of the two films, however, is generally different. “Dante’s Peak” is basically a high-priced adventure that ultimately sweeps the viewer away in a series of spectacular, special-effects-laden action sequences. A more modest production budget undoubtedly contributed to “Volcano’s” greater emphasis on character than heart-pumping thrills.

As a looming mountain begins to percolate in “Volcano,” three mini-dramas unfold at nearby Angel Summit, a town known for its ski resort: The geologist (Dan Cortese) studying the volcano butts heads with his ex-girlfriend, a park ranger (Cynthia Gibb); an entrepreneur (John Novak) is more interested in exploiting Angel Summit commercially than in his own wife and son; and a pregnant woman (Kendall Cross) goes into labor as the lava heats up.

Gibb is quite likable in her heroic role; even when she’s trying to pull off an implausible, only-in-the-movies stunt, you can’t help but root for her. But the other plot lines suffer from hackneyed writing and a lack of substance.

If you’re dying for a disaster flick fix and you’ve got seven bucks to spare, “Dante’s Peak” is the better viewing choice. It’s similarly shallow but far more entertaining and energetic.

* “Volcano: Fire on the Mountain” airs 9-11 p.m. Sunday on ABC (Channel 7).