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Thursday, January 30, 2014

2012 (2009) [PG-13] ***



Six thousand feet underground in a copper mine in India, particle physicists make a terrifying discovery… neutrinos from a solar flare bombarding the earth are mutating into a microwave-like energy source that is heating the core of the Earth. The predicted results include tectonic plate movements which cause earthquakes, tsunamis and shifting of the Earth's poles. And the predicted date for these events is December 21st, 2012, the ending date of the Mayan Long Count Calendar.

This is the ultimate disaster film, and it includes elements from co-writer/director Roland Emmerich's earlier disaster films, including Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow. In fact, if you have seen those two films, plus Deep Impact and Knowing, then you'll be well prepared for this film, in which virtually all of Earth's nearly seven billion inhabitants perish.

Some of the major characters include: the U.S. President (Danny Glover), his daughter (Thandie Newton), his Chief of Staff (Oliver Platt), his Science Advisor (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a failed author (John Cusack), his ex-wife (Amanda Peet) and an eccentric prophet of doom (Woody Harrelson) who has been trying for years to warn humanity about the danger, but who has been ignored. As we have come to expect in Roland Emmerich's films, there's a straightforward plot without any surprises, frenetic pacing, predictable dialog, poorly developed characters, and heavy-handed moral lessons. But the special effects are incredible, especially the eruption of the Yellowstone caldera, the earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault, and the tsunamis. Be prepared to be entertained but not impressed. 

Labels: action, adventure, drama, sci-fi, thriller   
IMDb 58/100
MetaScore (critics=49, viewers=55)
RottenTomatoes Averages (critics=52, viewers=62)  
Blu-ray1  
Blu-ray2




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