2012 (REVIEW)
Depending
on how you look at it, this film could be the end of days, or a new beginning.
The concept of global cataclysm and the destruction of the
world in 2012 is mentioned in the Mayan calendar as reaching its third cycle on
December 21st. References to this as a plot line are only a fleeting excuse that
give way to an array of intense and breathtaking special effects that become gripping
to the point of exhaustion.
The always reliable actor, John
Cusack, plays Jackson Curtis, the main member of a massive ensemble cast, almost
as big as the annihilation itself. He still loves his wife, even though she is
with another man. Reunited with their young daughter, they form a family in peril
from the elements. The rest of the world seems to follow suit.
The
earth's crusts are shifting which causes every kind of disaster you can imagine,
all happening at once. Among the landmarks being flattened are the White House
and the Vatican. High-rises tumble like a house of cards and tsunami's sweep through
the Himalayas on their way to every major city imaginable. President Wilson, of
the United States is under stress, while a renegade scientist said all along something
like this catastrophe was due - nobody listened, of course.
Showing
little rationality amongst the mayhem, except to survive, a dozen interconnected
characters with philosophical rants are mixed with humour. Disaster movies have
been a staple of cinema for eternity, they usually provide thrills and spills
as long as you don't take things seriously.
Directed by the
current master of disaster, Roland Emmerich ('Day after Tomorrow', 'Independence
Day'), his latest exploration into catastrophe, '2012' is no different. Exaggeration
is at a premium at the expense of intelligence. The contrasting A-List cast includes
Danny Glover as U.S President Wilson, Oliver Platt, his geek chief of staff and
the slender Thandie Newton, dressing down since her executive turn in 'Rock'n'Rolla'.
Look
closely for a star on the rise, the unforgettable and enigmatic Eve Harlow. Impressive
in the hit film 'Juno' and soon to be seen in the zombie romance 'Jennifer's Body',
her minor role as a checkout girl amongst the surrounding chaos is a sweet treat.
The
superior special effects are worth hundreds of millions of dollars, every cent
is on show as they completely dictate the narrative. The acting involved however
is extraordinary, considering most of the time the immense performances were probably
done with a blank background before computer effects were put in place - emotions
are terrific.
Comic one-liners are typical in the most inappropriate
situations that only adds to the ongoing clichéd nonsense. The eminent
Woody Harrelson makes an appearance as a wild haired prophet, a crazy conspiracy
theorist who shouts his messages across the airwaves. He sums things up nicely
by admitting, 'We're all doomed!'
The implications of escaping
the unescapable is quite an imaginable experience and one true experience best
within the confines of a cinema. At around 151 minutes, there is plenty of time
for popcorn. Take in a big bucket - it's that kind of movie.
Shane
A. Bassett
