2012

2012 (2009)
Directed by Roland Emmerich
Starring John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Chiwetel Ejiofor

You can see all you need from this film simply by watching the trailer, I Kid you not. Ok maybe they left out 1 or 2 scenes but thats it. It's a 2 1/2 hr chase film that starts with a bang and ends with a whimper; actually it comes to a grinding halt halfway through. The story prays on mankind's worst fears twisting myth science and history to suit its needs. This film is comedic when it shouldn't be; no one in this movie seems really that concerned its the end of the world. The film doesn't grasp the big global picture, it's too small a story in too big a box.

Also, I just don't see Cusack as an action hero; the role demanded action-man and Cusack didn't feel right; I mean I love his acting but in 2010 he was miscast. The scene chewing performances from Woody Harelsson and Oliver Platt were so OTT that it made the film comedic when it needed tension and dread. Oliver Platt as a whitehouse heavy... I just don't get it.

The special effects are spectacular but its not enough to save this bum number. In the film mankind never really faces extinction as there is an escape, a refuge... an ARK!! This was the final nail in the coffin for me. Still I munched my popcorn and drank my soda and was momentarily entertained, but I go to the movies for more than that. If you like special effects the DVD will be worth owning just for the making of BTS footage.