Watch On Hostile Ground
- 2000
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3.8 (487)
On Hostile Ground is a made-for-TV drama movie from 2000 directed by Mario Azzopardi. The film revolves around the effects of an earthquake in New Orleans and how a group of people, ranging from government officials to rescue workers, struggled to deal with the aftermath. At the center of the plot is Jack Yates (John Corbett), a seismologist for the U.S. Geological Survey. Jack is worried that the earthquake could be a sign of the 'big one' and that more seismic activity could be on the way. But his concerns are dismissed by his boss, who thinks that Jack is overreacting. Despite his doubts, Jack is involved in monitoring the situation on the ground in New Orleans.
Meanwhile, reporter Amanda Williams (Jessica Steen) is covering the story of the earthquake for her TV network. Amanda is initially excited about the opportunity to report on a major story, but she soon realizes the enormity of the disaster and the toll it's taking on the people of New Orleans.
Another character who features prominently in the film is Ruth Weaver (Brittany Daniel), a young mother who is trapped in the rubble of her suburban home. Ruth's family is missing and she is desperate to find them. Enter firefighter Jason Laird (Scott Bowie), who is one of the first responders to arrive at the scene of the collapse. Jason works tirelessly to free Ruth from the debris, as her life hangs in the balance.
As the rescue efforts continue and the death toll mounts, Jack becomes increasingly frustrated with the government's response to the disaster. He suspects that there's more to the earthquake than meets the eye, and he starts to investigate the possibility of foul play. His search for answers leads him to a shadowy figure who may know more about the earthquake than he should.
On Hostile Ground is a well-crafted disaster movie that manages to balance the human drama with the spectacle of the destruction. The film is anchored by John Corbett's performance as Jack Yates. Corbett brings a quiet intensity to the role, capturing the frustration and determination of a man who is trying to save lives in the face of bureaucracy and uncertainty.
Jessica Steen is also excellent as Amanda Williams, a character who starts out as opportunistic but finds herself emotionally invested in the disaster. She has great chemistry with Corbett and their scenes together are some of the film's strongest.
Brittany Daniel delivers a moving performance as Ruth Weaver, a character who represents the human cost of the earthquake. Her scenes with Scott Bowie, who plays the heroic firefighter Jason Laird, are some of the most emotional in the film.
Director Mario Azzopardi deserves credit for keeping the film grounded, despite its disaster movie trappings. He emphasizes the human element of the story, showing how people cope with trauma and tragedy. The scenes of the earthquake itself are well done, but they never overshadow the characters or the themes of the movie.
Overall, On Hostile Ground is a powerful and engaging movie that offers a sobering look at the aftermath of a disaster. It features strong performances, memorable characters, and a compelling plot that keeps the viewer engaged throughout. If you're a fan of disaster movies or human interest dramas, this is a film that's well worth your time.
On Hostile Ground is a 2000 action movie. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.8.