This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 233! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey friends,
So, I finally got around to watching “2012,” that disaster flick directed by Roland Emmerich. You know, the one everyone was buzzing about back in 2009. I figured, why not? It’s like, the ultimate end-of-the-world movie. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint in delivering all the explosions, crumbling landmarks, and intense survival drama you’d expect from a disaster epic.
The movie kicks off with the discovery that the Earth’s core is heating up due to some crazy solar flares. This basically means the whole world is about to go up in flames. Enter our hero, Jackson Curtis, played by John Cusack. He’s a struggling writer (aren’t they always?) who stumbles upon the government’s top-secret plan to save humanity. What follows is an insane race against time as Jackson tries to save his family and, well, the world.
John Cusack really nails the everyman role here. He’s just trying to keep it together while everything around him falls apart, literally. He’s not some superhero saving the day; he’s just a dad trying to do right by his kids. You can’t help but root for the guy, especially when he’s doing all these daredevil stunts to stay ahead of the apocalypse. There’s one scene where he’s driving a limo through a collapsing city, and it’s so over-the-top you just have to laugh and cheer him on.
Then we’ve got the supporting cast. Amanda Peet plays Jackson’s ex-wife, Kate. She’s got that whole “strong and independent” vibe going on, but also a vulnerable side. It’s a good mix. and she brings a lot of heart to the role. Their chemistry is spot-on, especially during the more tender moments amidst the chaos.
And let’s not forget Chiwetel Ejiofor as Dr. Adrian Helmsley, the scientist who first discovers the impending doom. Ejiofor brings a sense of gravitas and urgency that really grounds the movie. Also, Woody Harrelson is in this movie as a crazy conspiracy theorist broadcasting the end times from his RV. He’s hilarious and kind of steals every scene he’s in.
Now, I’ve got to mention the special effects. Holy smokes, they went all out. I mean, the special effects are out of this world! There are so many jaw-dropping scenes of destruction. Like, California sliding into the ocean, the Yellowstone super-volcano erupting, and those giant tsunamis swallowing up everything. It’s all very dramatic and, honestly, kind of terrifying when you think about it. But, the visuals are so stunning you can’t look away. They really capture that apocalyptic vibe, you know?
One thing I found particularly interesting is the whole concept of these arks the governments built to save a select few. It’s a bit of a moral conundrum, right? Who gets to live, who doesn’t, and the whole political maneuvering around it. It’s like the movie is saying, “Hey, even at the end of the world, we’re still going to be fighting over who gets the last lifeboat.”
But hey, no movie is perfect, right? “2012” definitely has its flaws. The dialogue can be a bit cheesy at times, and some of the characters’ decisions are just plain questionable. Like, who in their right mind would drive a limo through a collapsing city? Also, the movie is over two and a half hours long! It could have been trimmed down a bit, especially since some scenes felt a little repetitive.
Okay, I know I’m rambling a bit, but I can’t help it. This movie is just one of those guilty pleasures. It’s got everything: drama, action, humor, and a dash of that human spirit stuff. Sure, it’s cheesy and the science is, well, let’s just say ‘creative.’ It’s not going to win any awards for its script or character development, but it delivers on the disaster movie front.
So, if you’re in the mood for some mindless entertainment and want to see the world go to hell in a hand-basket, give this one a watch. Just don’t expect it to be a cinematic masterpiece. And don’t blame me if you start having end-of-the-world dreams!
Catch you later,
Roger