2012

John Cusack and Lily Morgan (left), in Columbia Pictures’ 2012.

3 stars

How will six billion people survive the end of the world?

Rating: PG
Stars: John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Woody Harrelson, Danny Glover

What’s the story?
Jackson Curtis (Cusack) is a divorced father and limousine driver working in Los Angeles. One day on a trip to Yellowstone with his kids, he learns of an apocalyptic prophecy predicted from a man named Charlie Frost (Harrelson). Jackson isn’t entirely convinced by the theory, until a cataclysmic event strikes in L.A. Luckily he and his family manage to flee to safety in time. Meanwhile, around the world, other natural disasters threaten the human race. It’s up to Jackson’s family and a group of survivors to fight their way to safety before more disastrous occurrences come their way.

Why see it?
Though it won’t win an Oscar, Roland Emmerich has made his boldest blockbuster since Independence Day. He provides dazzling special effects, explosive disaster sequences and great character development. You can feel an emotional connection between the main characters throughout the film. Cusack also gives another winning performance as the protagonist and Harrelson is equally convincing. There are good examples of survival of the fittest as well as the conflict of humans vs. nature as well (which will come useful if you’re taking an English class).

Problems?
If you aren’t into disaster movies, this shouldn’t be on your list. It’s heavy on loud special effects and destruction, which some might not be able to tolerate. The film also suffers from a weak script and hilariously over-the-top moments that you’ll also want to suspend your believability senses in order to watch it. The biggest problem however, it that it drags on for an hour too long, making it clock in at two hours and 40 minutes.

All in All:
An action packed thrill ride that’s over the top, but also enjoyable.