With 2012, Roland Emmerich is the new "Master of Disaster"

Rating: 6/10 (13 November 2009)

Volcanoes. Tsunamis. Earthquakes. These are natural disasters which have movies of their own. In 2012 Roland Emmerich throws all three of them in, and then some. It is a roller-coaster of a movie from start to finish, and an immensely entertaining romp.
The story is the usual "group of survivors trying to survive" type with the usual disaster movie clichés and pseudoscience (as if the 70's never happened), but what makes it special is the more human touch to it, thus making us care for the characters. Sure, there are some cringe- worthy and "are-you-kidding-me?" moments (more of the latter), but both of them are overwhelmed by the disastrous spectacles on the screen. The film may drag at parts but that's just a breath-catcher before an even bigger disaster occurs. Oh, and in each disaster people of all kinds are perished; men, women, children, elderly, religious and political leaders, EVERYONE. Very few people are spared.
The movie has a strong ensemble cast who look like they're having a blast. Cusack and Harrelson are the best actors in the movie. Ejifor and Glover are care-able characters, especially the former. Thandie Newton and Amanda Peet are OK but I felt that their characters are given little to do other than to whine and act as a love foil. And Oliver Platt gives a very sleazy performance, that's what he does best.
On a technical level, the film is near-flawless. The special effects are stunning and eye-popping (although overblown), and in my opinion topple every summer movie this year; "Star Trek", "Transformers" (admit it), "G.I. Joe", "Terminator", and "Harry Potter". I feel that it deserves an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects and Sound Effects, even if it doesn't win. The action sequences are nicely handled. Emmerich knows that some parts of the action are over-the-top, so he handles it in a subtle tongue-in-cheek manner, making it even enjoyable. The intensity of certain scenes are there, and you can't help but feel sorry for the billions of people who perish. My favorite disaster scenes are the sinking of California and the Yellowstone eruption. In fact I think that Emmerich purposely filmed some disaster scenes as homages to the disaster films made or inspired by the previous "Master of Disaster" Irwin Allen; there's "Earthquake", "When Time Ran Out" and briefly even "Poseidon".
Also, the music score by co-writer Harald Kloser and scoring partner Thomas Wander is perfect for the movie as it captures the true spirit and awe of the movie.
In short, I think that this movie is trying to be the mother of all disaster films; while not exactly succeeding that, it does manages to deliver some of the most awesome destruction scenes ever on film. It manages to be a near-excellent disaster film, not just one of the best ever. You don't really need to understand the Mayan prophecy rumor to fully understand it, nor will you become a believer of it after watching it. What I can guarantee is, that you'll have a blast watching this Hollywood blockbuster. This is not to be missed on the big screen as the disaster sequences are worth the price of five movie tickets alone.
Roland Emmerich, you are now crowned the new "Master of Disaster". If this is really your final disaster movie, congratulations, you have outdone yourself. He can be proud of this film. Bravo.
Entertainment value: 10/10
Overall: 6.5/10
P.S. I think that Emmerich purposely camped up the tone of the film. Had it not became campy and instead became dark and brooding, the 2012 believers (and believe me there are a LOT of believers out there, some so die-hard that they are willing to kill themselves before the coming "apocalypse") out there will give us some more headaches to think about. So relax, check your brain (and pulse) at the door, and enjoy this blockbuster.