Triple Feature: Volcano/Dante's Peak/The Core

Triple Feature: Volcano/Dante's Peak/The Core

From Radulich in Broadcasting by Mark Radulich

May 1, 2026 · 1h 36m

About this episode

The episode discusses three volcano-themed disaster films and their evolution in Hollywood.

Three takes on lava-driven disaster, each reflecting its moment in Hollywood. In 1997, Dante’s Peak (directed by Roger Donaldson, starring Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton) leaned on scientific realism and modest character drama, earning solid box office returns and a reputation as the more grounded of the twin volcano films. That same year, Volcano (Mick Jackson, with Tommy Lee Jones and Anne Heche) went bigger and more chaotic, dropping lava into Los Angeles for a spectacle-first hit that performed well commercially and remains a cable staple. By 2003, The Core (Jon Amiel, starring Aaron Eckhart, Hilary Swank, and Stanley Tucci) pushed the concept to its extreme—less lava, more planetary meltdown—failing at the box office but gaining cult status for its ambition. Together, they chart lava’s evolution from scientific threat to cinematic excess. Disclaimer: The following may contain offensive language, adult humor, and/or content that some viewers may find offensive – The views and opinions expressed by any one speaker does not explicitly or necessarily reflect or represent those of Mark Radulich or W2M Network. Mark Radulich and his wacky podcast on all the things…

People in this episode

Host: Mark Radulich

Topics covered

  • lava-driven disaster
  • Hollywood films
  • scientific realism
  • cinematic excess
  • box office performance

Keywords

  • Dante’s Peak
  • Volcano
  • The Core
  • disaster films
  • Hollywood
  • box office
  • lava

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Dante’s Peak, Volcano, The Core

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