All The Stops Have Been Pulled Out For The End Of The World

Rating: 7/10 (14 November 2009)

Roland Emmerich, has, over the years, established himself as a king of disaster films. No matter what you think of his movies, there is no doubt that this man has put quite a bit of thought to what it would be like if the world came to an end...in several different ways. But if you thought his previous films, like Independence Day and Day After Tomorrow displayed a world falling apart, you haven't seen anything until you've seen 2012.
Let's get this out of the way first: this film is exactly what you would expect it to be. Yes, there is a story, and it does have a few heart warming moments, but these moments and the story serve as fodder mostly for the massive action packed disaster scenes that plague the world. That's not to say it's bad. John Cusack is enjoyable, as are most of the cast. They don't serve up stellar performances, but they are certainly serviceable, and that goes a long way in film that puts most of the attention on L.A. falling apart, literally, and Yellowstone becoming a massive volcano.
With that being said, this is the kind of film you expect in the summer. The special effects are massive, and this is a popcorn flick through and through. If you enjoyed Independence Day or Day After Tomorrow, you will certainly enjoy this film. Others looking to kill some time with a somewhat brainless film about destruction will enjoy the plethora of destructive scenes here. And Emmerich pulls out no stops here. Only a few are safe here as we either witness the destruction of many well known areas of the world, or get to see their after effects. Either way, everything here as far as disaster films go are upped. And nearly every disaster plays some part, from fires to tsunamis to earthquakes. The film boasts gorgeous cinematography as well, with some shots that are, dare I say, breathtaking.
With that being said, don't expect anything more than pure entertainment here. It's certainly worth seeing in the theaters for it's scale and enormity, but the film does run a little long. Not that it takes too much of a pause to let you check your watch, but by the end of the film, you'll no doubt have. If you're expecting anything deeper than the entertainment the film provides, you'll be disappointed. But take it lightly, and enjoy it for what it is, and you will find a worthwhile time at the theater.