MovieChat Forums > Joe Versus the Volcano (1990) Discussion > Waponi's and Orange Soda

Waponi's and Orange Soda

posted 16 years ago by BillyBarue
4 replies | jump to latest

So most fans of this movie got alot of the messages and symbolism involved - the crack/lightning, Meg Ryan playing 3 roles, the big leap.... I always thought the Waponi's obsession with orange soda was just a joke and a way to make them a little more colorful and original.

But I was just thinking there is some symbolism and a message in there too. The chief said as long as they have lived on the Island there has always been some one to volunteer to sacrifice themselves into the Volcano. That is until they discovered orange soda. They love the stuff so much, now nobody wants to make the jump. They became junkies for soda and became so comfortable with the pleasures of life that they were unwilling to face death. That of course is what caused their downfall.

Is this another critique on life? Once you become so accustomed with the comforts of life you become unwilling to make the big leap into the unknown and progress, that you end up just sinking into nothingness

[–] gplechuckIII 16 years ago

Good Call!

Also a good note on movies these days (I know I'm sidestepping here) But there was a time when existential movies didn't have to take themselves so seriously. I think you hit it right on the money there.

Gentlemen, is it just me or do my balls itch? -Tom Aldridge

[–] puirt-a-beul 15 years ago

As a tiny bit of trivia, given that part of the Waponis' background was "Celtic", it's worth noting that Scotland is the only country in the Western World where the favourite soda *isn't* cola-based or cola-flavoured. In Scotland, the favourite is a drink called "Irn Bru", and it's -- you guessed it! -- orange flavoured.

You might very well think that. I couldn't possibly comment.

[–] TheHungryAndAngryShow 10 years ago

I've had Irn Bru a few times, and it always reminded me more of Mountain Dew than orange soda. I just saw this movie for the first time at a theater here with the director speaking after it, and once the movie was over I had to go straight to CVS and pick up some orange soda. It has been at least a year or two since I had any, so that was a nice bonus!

[–] atg_commish 9 years ago

As long as there is Orange Crush soda and butter pecan ice cream and Hershey's candy bars with almonds, I ain't jumpin' in no volcano for nobody.