2012 (Roland Emmerich, 2009)
plot synopsis: An epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors.
Everything about 2012 is over-the-top, ridiculous, and overblown. The script is riddled with cliches. Just about every actor in the film (sans the children…nope, check that, them too) chews every piece of scenery they can get their hands on. And if you showed this to any person with a remotely advanced knowledge of Science, they would probably laugh you out of the room.
But who cares? THIS MOVIE WAS AWESOME.
That is really the only word to describe Roland Emmerich’s (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow) third film in his unofficial “Kill Everyone and Blow Up Everything” trilogy. This is a film that lives and dies with its special effects, and my GOD, do they live up to expectations. Earthquakes sucking up cities, tidal waves swallowing Mt. Everest, it’s all there. Avatar seems to be the big technical frontrunner for next year’s Oscars, but I think my votes will be with 2012.
The summer of 2009 needed its mindless popcorn flick. X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Terminator: Salvation, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen were all massive disappointments. Well, we finally got it, albeit a few months late. Yes, it’s nice when popcorn flicks can be smart as well as entertaining (Star Trek, Drag Me to Hell). But every once in awhile, I like to be able to just shut off my brain and go along for the ride. That happened about ten minutes in here; don’t attempt to follow any semblance of logic you think they’re trying to get across, because it’s not there.
I said the acting was over-the-top, and it was, but again, that is EXACTLY what you need in a film like this. Woody Harrelson is a particular standout as an RV livin’, conspiracy theory preachin’ radio host (who somehow manages to get perfect reception out despite the fact he broadcasts from the middle of Yellowstone in his trailer). Want a pickle?
I may come across as a highfalutin, better-than-you cineaste, but I’m really just a movie lover at heart. And this film (right down to Chiwetel Ejiofor’s cheeseball “we’re ALL humans” speech at the end (clearly aping Pullman in Independence Day)) had me hook, line, and sinker.
Yup, the dog lives. Sadly, the rooster doesn’t.
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