Moreland At The Movies: 2012

Movie Review

2012 by T. A. Morleand

The ancient Mayan calendar ends on December 21, 2012.  Some believe this fact foretells the end of the world on that date.  This leads us to the story of movie 2012.

In the film, John Cusack plays Jackson Curtis, a would be author who makes ends meet by working as a chauffer in L.A. Just before the infamous day, he picks up his kids from his ex wife (Amanda Peet) for a weekend visit.  He takes them camping and happens upon a Charlie Frost (Woody Harrelson) who appears unstable. The guy preaches about an impending doom and destruction of earth.  Curtis dismisses his rants and ravings until the next day, when everything Frost predicted begins to happen. Earthquakes and tremors destroy the California.  In Washington, D.C., the president (Danny Glover) and his chief scientist (Chiwetel Ejiofor) debate the best strategy for handling a calamity they’ve known was coming for sometime.  While Curtis tries to save his family, the president decides if and when to tell the American people that the end of the world is at hand.

2012 is the most visually stunning film ever.  Special effects at their ultimate best. This film amazes in the clarity and detail of the destruction of not just nature but of well known national and international landmarks. And 2012 gets a See It rating.

While the characters are interesting and John Cusack, one the best actors of his generation, shines in the lead role, the star is the effects and they are spectacular.  The storyline gets a little hokey and some of the characters’ dialogue is so implausible that it brought laughter from the viewing audience. And the comments were not supposed to be funny.

An interesting note is when the world leaders discussed strategy, there was no African leaders or any reference to Africa except at the end of the movie.

But 2012 gets an A+ for cast diversity grade.  Danny Glover plays the president. Thandie Newton his daughter.  And Chiwetel Ejiofor his top scientific advisor.  There were faces of color throughout the film.

2012 is rated PG-13 for intense disaster sequences and some language. And is just two minutes short of two hours.

And it gets a very strong See It rating.