Tsunami 2022 (2009)

18 years on from the devastating impact of 2004's tsunami, the world still fights to come to terms with this devastating environmental disaster. Little does humanity know that it is about to face the ultimate peril; a monumental death wave annihilating everything in its wake. With the threat of another catastrophic tsunami, Prime Minister Tribhop sets up a national disaster alarm centre. His political future and the lives of his people depend upon the decisions he makes. But no one predicts the enormity of what is about to rise from the Thai Gulf. And no one can out run it this time. The Death Wave is coming.

Thailand jumped into the disaster movie world with this offering. What we have here is confused acting, scream inducing flashbacks, tidal waves, big statues and a race against time to save the CGI dolphin! The premise here is that humans have stressed the Earth into wreaking havoc by unleashing a tidal wave on Thailand. It was written, directed and executive produced by Toranong Srichua.  It stars Pisan Srimankong, Sirinda Jensen, Panudej Wattanasuchat, Suchao Pongwilai.

Toranong Srichua uses his film as a cudgel to beat the topic of climate change senseless. The film had a 4 million dollar budget and it shows.  The effects were pretty poor.  It also jumps all over the place.  We have no time to get to know or care about any of the characters.  It's hard to take the movie seriously when the characters are so woodenly and melodramatically portrayed, especially the corrupt politician who harbors a secret and his son the hedonist, who swims with bikini-clad babes, takes drugs and kills sea gypsy fishermen.

 It also has one of the most ridiculous scenes in the history of films.  As the Prime Minister struggles in the water, the giant Buddha statue breaks loose and rises above the waves.  The hand comes up under our hero and raises him above the water to safety.  Buddha takes care of his followers.  Don't go out of your way to see this film.