2012

This is a film only CGI lovers will want to see because that is all the film really offers. In that department, it is fantastic. Think of the effects in ‘The Day After Tomorrow’ and multiply it, because it is so much better. 2012 follows in the same vein as it is also a disaster, apocalyptic type film. No wonder, considering they are both directed by Roland Emmerich, who is also famous for Godzilla and Independence Day.

According to the Mayan calendar, the world will end in 2012 but nobody ever listened. However, scientists discover that fatal changes are occurring within the Earth’s make-up and they inform the Government. These changes will cause sea levels to rise, land to crack and volcanoes to erupt, called earth crust displacement causing the end of the world. The Governments plan is to build ‘Arks’ in China so that people and animals can go onboard to start a new life when the crust has stopped moving. To do this, they do not inform civilians about what is happening and just let the wealthiest people pay their way onto the ships. They are ultimately letting innocent people die and this is where the film has a good message. Scientist, Adrian Helmsley (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is trying to convince the politicians that everyone should have a chance to be let onboard or at least be warned of the forthcoming apocalypse.

While this is occurring, Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) is trying to save his children, his ex-wife (Amanda Peet) and her husband after their home in California falls through the cracks in the earth. They race against time to get to China so they have a chance to get on the Arks too, despite not having any financial bargaining power. Their storyline is the same old sentimental fare that you see in most films like this- a family puts aside its differences in order to save each other. The children realise their dad isn’t the bad father they thought he was, that type of thing.

The science behind the plot makes it sound believable. The Mayan mythology part is actually true, but obviously the science bit is fictional (we hope!) and most of it went straight over my head so I just assume it all makes sense. The script is not the best I’ve ever heard but this film is about special effects and it really delivers with those. The destruction of highways, buildings and landmarks are impeccable and I cannot fault them. Look out for the destruction of St Pauls Cathedral in the Vatican, Rome, it is amazing.

It is an enjoyable film but I found that it went on for far too long, coming in at 158 minutes. There are some funny moments, especially with Woody Harrelson who plays some lunatic who has all the inside gossip on what’s going on. There are also some thrilling moments but these are combined with some scenes where I feel the talking has gone on for too long and it’s unnecessary. The ending situation for the Curtis bunch is predictable and pretty soppy but it still makes you smile. It does have a happy ending which is a relief after over two hours of doom and gloom. Go see, even if just for the special effects.