An active volcano threatens a south Pacific island resort and its guests as a power struggle ensues between the property’s developer and a drilling foreman.
An active volcano threatens a south Pacific island resort and its guests as a power struggle ensues between the property’s developer and a drilling foreman.
“When Time Ran Out…” is a disaster film released in 1980. Directed by James Goldstone, the film features an ensemble cast including Paul Newman, Jacqueline Bisset, William Holden, and Ernest Borgnine. Despite having a star-studded cast, the movie was met with negative reviews and was not a commercial success.
The film is set on a fictional South Pacific island resort called Delos, which is on the verge of a catastrophic volcanic eruption. As the volcano becomes increasingly active, a group of hotel guests and employees must navigate through dangerous situations and attempt to escape before it’s too late.
Critics were generally unimpressed with “When Time Ran Out…,” citing various issues with the film. One common complaint was the poor execution of the disaster scenes. The special effects were considered subpar, especially when compared to other disaster films of the time, such as “The Towering Inferno” and “Earthquake.” The volcano eruption scenes lacked the necessary spectacle and realism to engage the audience effectively.
Another criticism was the film’s weak script and lackluster character development. The story failed to provide compelling narratives for the characters, and their actions often felt contrived and unconvincing. The dialogue was also considered clichéd and uninspired, lacking the tension and emotional depth required for a disaster film.
Furthermore, the pacing of the movie was criticized, with some viewers finding it slow and tedious. The narrative struggled to maintain suspense and failed to generate a sense of urgency despite the imminent threat of the volcanic eruption. The film’s attempts at incorporating subplots and romantic relationships were seen as distractions rather than enhancing the overall storyline.
Overall, “When Time Ran Out…” is regarded as a lackluster disaster film that fell short of expectations. While the star-studded cast may have initially attracted attention, the film’s weak script, underwhelming special effects, and lack of engaging storytelling prevented it from becoming a memorable entry in the genre. As a result, it remains a forgettable and often overlooked film in the disaster movie canon.