2012
In 2009, scientists discover that the solar flares from the sun are beginning to cause the earths crust to heat up – and will soon cause world wide devastation.
In 2012 it begins, and several groups must now try to get to safety.
Direction
A typical Roland Emmerich film, but is turned up to eleven with the entire world ending.
There was good camera choices, as some of the film was clearly shot on HD especially in close conversational parts, and others in enclosed spaces such as the gear room scene in the arc.
Cast/Characters
Featuring a who’s who of B grade celebs, each of who’s characters are connected on some level. Some of the connections feel a little ‘too convenient’ and has a ‘lazy writing feel.
With too many cast to really list with characters etc, I felt that some of the cast were either poorly cast, or the performances seemed too wooden for the characters job role.
I will give special mentions to Oliver Platt, who plays a nuanced Chief of Staff – and Woody Harrelson who plays a conspiracy theorist early in the film. Both get my equal MVP.
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
A few too many cliche’s at times, (divorced parents, children with health issues etc).
At almost 3hrs in length – at least half an hour too long.
It is a bit too cliche with how characters know each other (Jackson is driver to a billionaire, whose girl-friend had plastic surgery by Kate’s beau)
The ‘dumb luck’ for survival and characters meeting up half way around the world by chance is a little overdone too.
They also did our boy Gordon dirty.
Overall
Passable end of the world film, is a little too long and makes you think too much at times.
Also since when did volcano’s that size create a small breeze instead of head shattering boom?
3/5