Directed by Roland Emmerich
Genre: SF, Thriller, Adventure
Starring: John Cusack, Amanda Peet
157min.
Have you ever heard about prophecies concerning the end of humanity? The Great Cycle of the Mayan Long Count calendar ends on the winter solstice of 2012 A.D. Some people portrayed the Mayan Calendar ending on December 21st, 2012 as presaging the end of the world. On the other hand, an ancient document revealed not a specific year but instead the notion of deluge, flood, and apocalypse. Do they indeed foretell the end of the world in 2012? Current events shook the world lately, including earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, Taiwan, Turkey, and other places. These created casualties suffering from hunger, fear and injury. Will the end of the world come at the time foretold?
In the movie, 2012, the main character, Jackson (John Cusack), is an unpopular writer and a divorced man. He is so absorbed in his work that his family left him. In addition, his novels, filled with justice and morality, leads to him being a failed novelist. One day, he takes Noah and Lily (his children) camping and he notices that something suspicious related to the geological features is being researched there. Then, he accidentally runs into Charlie Frost (Woody Harrelson), a radio broadcaster who looks like a madman. Jackson hears news from him that the end of the world prediction will come true, so the government has made some space ships to transport rich people to safety just in case. Jackson can't swallow everything Chalie says but the evidence converging to support Charlie's words are soon revealed. Jackson makes a call to his ex-wife Kate (Amanda Peet) to say that California will disappear and he is preparing to leave. Kate doesn't believe Jackson's words, but soon an earthquake hits California. All the buildings begin to collapse and roads split. Jackson loads his family and Gordon (Kate's boyfriend) into a limo and races to the airport as a giant crack in the earth's surface follows them, causing mass destruction. Jackson and his family fly to Yellowstone to retrieve Charlie's map and then travel to China where the escape ships are located. They don’t find spaceships, but instead modern style versions of Noah’s Ark. They then sneak into one of them. However, one of the ships is not fully-built, and so some people who already have boarding passes are unable to board. Because of a vast tidal wave, they have to make an early start. Adrian, a geologist, insists that people not boarding yet should board with him, though. Adrian's opinion appeals to high-ranking officials, and passengers start boarding in violent haste. The massive geological event leaves few people and animals on the earth.
The movie 2012 doesn't allow us to take our eyes off the screen due to its dramatic special effects. Because the movie shows that nowhere is safe, the tension starts to mount as time goes on. The movie shows a family’s love and that all human beings are brothers. Even though humans can control other people with money and power, we are helpless when nature rages with all its strength. In 2012, what will you do if the end of the world comes?
