In reference to the ancient Mayan calendar, galactic alignments, time wave zero and many other beliefs and prophesies, it all points back to this date: Dec 20, 2012. This is the day that marks the beginning of a new world, and the end to our present one, in other words, an apocalypse.
Directed by Roland Emmerich (director of The Day After Tomorrow and Independence Day), 2012 is a widely-anticipated, sci-fi action-packed movie. Starring John Cusak and Chiwetel Ejiofor, this movie closes in on the lives of a group of people in present-day America struggling to overcome the destruction of the world.
As with most disaster-genre movies, the most astounding part of the movie that keeps its viewers captivated are its impressive and spectacular visuals. Putting it fifth on the list of most expensive movies of all time, this movie has definitely managed to showcase similarly high standards of digital special effects. From buildings caving in towards each other, hurricanes (and even a plane) destroying cultural icons, the freeway collapsing slowly strewing vehicles around, all these situations are fed to the viewer one after another very realistically. Words do no justice to the lifelike portrayal of these scenes that can only be conveyed through images.
However, peel away the amazing and overloaded digital imaging, and you’ll find a somewhat clichéd and predictable storyline. 2012 centres on the effects as well as interpersonal struggles, which lead up to the disastrous climax at the end. Cold-hearted politicians are given control in making the biggest decision mankind will ever have to make.
As the story progresses, politicians are forced to make a tough verdict between saving as many people as they can and restricting the opportunity for any form of salvation only for the elite. Characterised as the stereotypically greedy and selfish government officials, it doesn’t take much to guess which choice they made in the beginning. The film also revolves around intertwining storylines about people in different parts of the world who are aware of the impending disaster, and the valuable life lessons they learn when death presents itself earlier than expected. Throw in some tear-jerking scenes to the equation, and the movie is done.
While the movie appears to have some political and religious undertones, these subtle messages weren’t played out well enough. Otherwise, chuck that aside and you get a movie that’s purely for entertainment.
On the whole, the movie lived up to expectations, in which the stunning computer graphics made up for the lacklustre plotline. The screen effects truly brought out the core message of the movie – a reminder that death is inevitable, whether it’s predicted to come knocking on your door in 3 hours or in 50 years, so don’t forget to treasure your loved ones before it’s too late. There, perfect for a pre-Christmas flick.
Official Trailer
Release Details
Opens: Nov 12
Duration: 95 min
Language: English
Rating: PG
Genre: Action/Adventure/Sci-fi
Director: Roland Emmerich
Cast: John Cusak, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Thandie Newton
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