2012
Columbia Pictures | Release Date: November 13, 2009
5.5
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 751 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
304
Mixed:
252
Negative:
195
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
OmarBNov 18, 2009
It is simply an excellent film, special effects are impressive, besides, if they wanted a film where everything is scientifically credible, expect to make a documentary fiction. For me, the best movie I've seen, with touches of It is simply an excellent film, special effects are impressive, besides, if they wanted a film where everything is scientifically credible, expect to make a documentary fiction. For me, the best movie I've seen, with touches of laughter, excitement, love, action ... Finally, movies are not 100% accurate, A movie is for us to ENJOY OK?… Expand
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9
R.LopezNov 19, 2009
In Stargate(1994) he took us to a whole other world, In Independence Day(1996) He Invaded the planet like no ones done before, In The Patriot(2000) He showed us the trials and tribulations of The Americans in there fight for freedom and In In Stargate(1994) he took us to a whole other world, In Independence Day(1996) He Invaded the planet like no ones done before, In The Patriot(2000) He showed us the trials and tribulations of The Americans in there fight for freedom and In The Day After Tomorrow he gave us a glimpse of what Global Warming can do to our planet. It's 2009 and Roland Emmerich has created his disaster film masterpiece and that film is called, 2012. 2012 is epic, exciting, smart, heartfelt, dramatic and powerful, It's one of the most potent and sweeping action drama's to hit the screens in years. I haven't been this moved or shocked by a disaster film since I saw The Poseidon Adventure(1974) and The War of the Worlds(2005). The story is centered around an academic researcher and his family as they try and out run the end of the world as predicted by the ancient Mayan calender which states the world will end on 12-21-2012(Which will never happen.) It starts out like all disaster films setting up events and scientists telling you there is nothing to worry about and wigged out people telling you that there lying and the world is coming to an end. Then you meet the hero of your story, in this case John Cusack and you get to see his troubles and find out some things about him, and then the the Earth starts to shake and the Global destruction begins and Cusack and his family are on the run from the danger that seeks to destroy them. Sounds pretty clique, huh? Well truthfully it's not, because once the Earth starts a go-in' the drama and power starts a flow-in'. It's one of the most satisfying films of the year and delivers on it's promise to shock and wow, and boy does it ever. John Cusack delivers an awesome performance as the father and hero of the story, Cusack gives off a great sense of loyalty and selflessness in this film which is rare to see him do seeing as he has never played a part quite like this. Amanda Peet is great as Cusack's ex in this film, she plays the part of the concerned ex and mother very well and gives much emotion to the role than she has done in the past. Chiwetel Ejiofor does great here as the sympathetic and tough scientific adviser to the President. He brings more power to the film and adds more to the dramatic punch the films has. Oliver Platt is nothing short of brilliant as the self-absorbed and crass as the President's Chief of Staff. He is the villain of the film and makes a rare role out of it (seeing as in all disaster films nature is the enemy.) Platt is cunning ,ruthless and smart he adds to the energy and flare of the film and by the end you'll hate his guts. But all in all the cast delivers knockout performances in this film and really raise the bar for this genre. 2012 is a film you have to go into with an open mind so you can fully comprehended the statement it is trying to make. It's one of those film that when you walk out it leaves you gasping for air and also leaves you thinking about how much we don't respect life sometimes. It's a good film, with a powerful message and a great story that resonates with the heart and soul. All in all 2012 delivers.… Expand
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8
BernieBNov 23, 2009
Anybody expecting serious human drama or even realistic acting is simply watching the wrong movie. This is all about spectacle and visual delight, and on that score, the movie delivers! The presence of bad rich, elitist villains is enough to Anybody expecting serious human drama or even realistic acting is simply watching the wrong movie. This is all about spectacle and visual delight, and on that score, the movie delivers! The presence of bad rich, elitist villains is enough to carry whatever drama is needed to fill the non-disaster portions, but otherwise, if you want to see the world fall apart spectacularly, you will not be disappointed. That's what it's all about!… Expand
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10
FatManNov 23, 2009
This is awesome! I love it, I don't know why people are acting like idiots saying "It's scientifically impossible!" Course it ain'! It's a freakin movie! And a dang good one too. What about CG? Without it, all the This is awesome! I love it, I don't know why people are acting like idiots saying "It's scientifically impossible!" Course it ain'! It's a freakin movie! And a dang good one too. What about CG? Without it, all the smashing and bashing and explosions wound't be there. And people say there's too much relianse on that. HAVE THEY SEEN THE TRAILER? It's meant to show what you can expect, and I got what I expected. 2 hours of the world coming to an end and cool effects(especially when the USS JFK topples on the White house and when the Yellowstone Caldera erupts. Watch this movie! It's awesome.… Expand
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1
LiorCNov 24, 2009
First movie this year I wanted to leave the theatre in the middle of the movie. A formula movie done cliche after cliche. It seems as if a robot directed it. Good CGI, though.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DanKNov 26, 2009
2012 takes the disaster movie -- once content simply to threaten the Earth with a comet, or blow up the White House -- to its natural conclusion, the literal end of the world.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
BenL.Nov 27, 2009
I am a person who doesn't become paranoid about end of the world, and when I saw this movie I thought about how ridiculous the idea of the earth bubbling up and being destroyed. Even with that in mind though, the improbable escapes and I am a person who doesn't become paranoid about end of the world, and when I saw this movie I thought about how ridiculous the idea of the earth bubbling up and being destroyed. Even with that in mind though, the improbable escapes and action scenes contribute with this well acted movie. The director even threw in a dash of comedy, but most of it was a touch of sadness. Anyway I thought this movie was pretty good.… Expand
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5
ZackVNov 29, 2009
It was okay, I would say. It wasn't the worst but was not the the best either. I was hoping jumping up and down action and a lot of disasters. But unfortunately I found myself sitting almost asleep in my chair.
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10
JRNov 29, 2009
Well me and my son went to watch the movie tonight ! And we absolutely loved it! Adventure,action,a little comedy, and great special effects! The story telling was not hard to follow,unlike some others that loose you in the middle of the Well me and my son went to watch the movie tonight ! And we absolutely loved it! Adventure,action,a little comedy, and great special effects! The story telling was not hard to follow,unlike some others that loose you in the middle of the movie! Sure noone knows when the world is gna end! But it's good to make believe and watch something so terrific, but dn't listen to all the critics, Go watch it yourself! tell you something i would of loved to save my on the past movies ive watched over the last few weeks! My money today was well worth it!!! Great job well done to everyone involved in this movie! !!!!!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
SimianNov 29, 2009
Great special effects do not make a good movie. Just so predictable that it becomes boring. The "close calls", one after another - each more implausible than the last - make the movie laughable to watch. Just silly. It could have been a Great special effects do not make a good movie. Just so predictable that it becomes boring. The "close calls", one after another - each more implausible than the last - make the movie laughable to watch. Just silly. It could have been a "Wow!" movie, but instead it was "Wow, that was boring and stupid." This was the worst movie I've seen this year.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
JohnLDec 19, 2009
PAINFULLY HORRIBLE.... I havent seen a movie in the theaters for about 2 years before I saw this one and Im probably never going back.. There are so many things wrong with movie, I dont know where to start.. The sad thing is this could have PAINFULLY HORRIBLE.... I havent seen a movie in the theaters for about 2 years before I saw this one and Im probably never going back.. There are so many things wrong with movie, I dont know where to start.. The sad thing is this could have been a great movie if they have put the right people on it.. Danny Glover as President?? Please.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
MetalMan95Oct 28, 2010
Typical disaster movie, yet still entertaining. The destruction of Los Angeles is beautiful. There is no really deep characters. Once you get used to the destruction, its a meh movie. But I was still entertained to the end. But if you want toTypical disaster movie, yet still entertaining. The destruction of Los Angeles is beautiful. There is no really deep characters. Once you get used to the destruction, its a meh movie. But I was still entertained to the end. But if you want to watch destruction that forces you into the moment, watch until they team up with the russian dude.… Expand
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3
muzzikloverJun 4, 2011
After all these disaster films that Emmerich has thrown at us, he closes with an unsurprisingly stupid encore that is 2012 and yes this is the last disaster film he's going to throw at us, thank god. Like all the previous disaster films heAfter all these disaster films that Emmerich has thrown at us, he closes with an unsurprisingly stupid encore that is 2012 and yes this is the last disaster film he's going to throw at us, thank god. Like all the previous disaster films he made, lets list the obvious stupid: Lots of plot holes, inconsideration with factual science, tacky acting and the ability to make you look stupid. Since this film tackles the issue or at least try to of the survival of the human race, it is done so hypocritically and insensitively that you completely have no sympathy whatsoever. The main character is pretty much indestructible while the supporting characters are either death chowder or annoying plot devices and has completely no shame in thinking that the audiences are dumbasses. Upside; Effects look quite good. 'Nuff said.… Expand
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8
moviefreak12Jan 17, 2011
great movie for the family. the best disaster movie ever made, special affects one the best of 2009. The acting sucks but thats not why i went to go see it i went because this does what hollwood is supposed to do entertain me. so if you havegreat movie for the family. the best disaster movie ever made, special affects one the best of 2009. The acting sucks but thats not why i went to go see it i went because this does what hollwood is supposed to do entertain me. so if you have nothing to do on the weekend go but or rent 2012 and enjoy yourself.… Expand
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6
RumblebeeloveDec 13, 2010
The effects are well done and it does ooze the panic you expect from a disaster movie like this. With all of that there isn't much of a reason to care. The characters are developed, but only a little bit. If you can switch off your brain forThe effects are well done and it does ooze the panic you expect from a disaster movie like this. With all of that there isn't much of a reason to care. The characters are developed, but only a little bit. If you can switch off your brain for 2 hours, you too can survive and smile at the glaring mistakes to physics.… Expand
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8
xShayneDec 10, 2010
I went into the theater not expecting much of this movie - and was positively surprised.

The film looked as good on big screen - if not even better - as it looks in the trailer. The special effects were beautiful, huge, effective andI went into the theater not expecting much of this movie - and was positively surprised.

The film looked as good on big screen - if not even better - as it looks in the trailer. The special effects were beautiful, huge, effective and haunting. Sometimes there was almost too much going on, because there was so much movement on the screen that you could not possibly look at it all.

Of course there were a lot of surreal surviving skills performed by the cast, but a disaster movie is nothing without its core-characters surviving, right? So let's skip the obvious errors and just enjoy the destruction/re-shaping of the planet Earth.

There was more plot into this than I thought possible, and many human dilemmas. Some of them were a bit too underlined, but all in all there were many emotions that really should move the audience. There was also undeniable and well-placed humor within the story, getting many good laughs out of me. I had to roll my eyes surprisingly little during this movie, all in all.

I think this movie deserves its four stars because despite some obvious errors in physics and laws of nature - not to mention the insane amount of pure luck - this movie manages to look beautiful and massive all the same, and bring us a story of survival and compromises.… Expand
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8
MichaelDDec 31, 2010
It's a good movie. The special effects were just unreal. But it's a little repetitive because of the movie The Day After Tomorrow. Still it's an awesome movie and I would recommend this to anyone.
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7
JonnyFendiJan 10, 2011
2012 like I predicted before, It will be a controversial movie. If we talked about the end of the world, issue about some religions was avoidable. Thiz movie itself started with a major box office world-wide. People came to the theaters2012 like I predicted before, It will be a controversial movie. If we talked about the end of the world, issue about some religions was avoidable. Thiz movie itself started with a major box office world-wide. People came to the theaters wanted to know how the world ends. Thiz is totally just theme-victory. The Director is Roland Emmerich, who I called The Master of Apocalypse. Before 2012, Emmerich often brings the topic about the end of the world, such as: â… Expand
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7
Khunter4382May 31, 2011
A visual spectacular of Earth-shattering events! Lots of fun to watch, but ultimately turns to pure cheese in the third act making me say to myself, "No way! Whatever!" This film could have been great, but that third act forces it inevitablyA visual spectacular of Earth-shattering events! Lots of fun to watch, but ultimately turns to pure cheese in the third act making me say to myself, "No way! Whatever!" This film could have been great, but that third act forces it inevitably into the good category. Still worth a look to see the world ripped to pieces!… Expand
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6
aaronpaul121May 21, 2012
2012 is certainly not a "WOW" movie but it is just a "good to average" movie. The special effects were the shining part of the movie. But still, there are flaws which makes 2012 an inconsistent movie. There are also scenes which are2012 is certainly not a "WOW" movie but it is just a "good to average" movie. The special effects were the shining part of the movie. But still, there are flaws which makes 2012 an inconsistent movie. There are also scenes which are predictable especially the death scenes and there are scenes that are great, more like 70%- predictable scenes, 30%- great scenes, I wanted to be more surprised and shocked with the movie. But I must say that overall, it does not deserve bad ratings because of the stellar special effects and the good flow of the story. Great concept but they didn't quite hit on the execution...… Expand
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8
JAM123Dec 2, 2011
If you ask me, this movie isn't all that bad. It's actually one of my favorites. I don't understand why it's getting so much crap. The special effects were some of the best I have ever seen and are great for 2009 and just this time. I saw itIf you ask me, this movie isn't all that bad. It's actually one of my favorites. I don't understand why it's getting so much crap. The special effects were some of the best I have ever seen and are great for 2009 and just this time. I saw it in theaters and it astonished me at how our film industry has evolved computer animation. the part in the film where John cusack and his family are escaping L.A. in the plane and in the limo is just spectacular and in a strange way, beautiful (even though the earth was crumbling around them). But enough about that, the storyline I thought was good too. It wasn't the best but still kept my attention throughout the whole movie. I was on the edge of my seat when the action began and stayed that way. It seemed scientifically accurate but I'm not a scientist or anything so that's not for me to judge. It was funny at times and just plain awesome. But every movie has it's ups and downs. The storyline was good, trust me, but kinda empty and stale. A divorced father trying to get a better understanding of his kids who don't exactly like him (especially his son) and then begins a race with time to save his family after he gets inside knowledge from a crazy radio show host (Woody Harrelson) that the world is going to end on the date of 12/21/12 which the Mayans prophecized of millions of years ago. So the storyline isn't the best part of the film, also some parts of the film made you just shake your head. But not every movie is perfect, right? So this movie is not the worst movie ever made and if you ask me, one of the best. Well, not the best but you know what I'm getting at.… Expand
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5
Potter17Dec 23, 2011
Well, it is not difficult to talk about Emmerich's "2012". Basically, it follows the same pattern formula of other tragedy pictures: brainless action, bland characters and excellent visual effects. But seriously, by now they should haveWell, it is not difficult to talk about Emmerich's "2012". Basically, it follows the same pattern formula of other tragedy pictures: brainless action, bland characters and excellent visual effects. But seriously, by now they should have realized that emotional attachment to the protagonists creates more impact than the unstoppable destruction that we see here.… Expand
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10
JoseRochaPTOct 3, 2011
Actually I'll just wait for the day that supposedly the world will end, to make my criticism, then I'll have more critics where to get the facts. For now leave this brief message to remember.
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9
MediaCriticOct 19, 2011
This movie was a joy to watch. However it didn't have the best plot/story. It didn't have a proper story to it really, apart from the world ending. You get to meet some interesting characters along the way, but there's no real emotionalThis movie was a joy to watch. However it didn't have the best plot/story. It didn't have a proper story to it really, apart from the world ending. You get to meet some interesting characters along the way, but there's no real emotional connection with them like you do with characters in other movies. The CGI and visual effects are stunning, unlike anything I've seen before. Most of the movie was done digitally and most of the landscapes they were on were computer generated. The ending was okay, and the action scenes were stunning. It shows the true force of mother nature at her worst and just how easy it can tear apart a single planet.… Expand
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8
SachiNov 13, 2011
2012 was a nice movie, maybe there were a few elements that need to be fixed but other than that no. The plot maybe needed some fixing but visual effects and the script were mostly fine. The movie is stil a movie worth watching for a quick2012 was a nice movie, maybe there were a few elements that need to be fixed but other than that no. The plot maybe needed some fixing but visual effects and the script were mostly fine. The movie is stil a movie worth watching for a quick entertainment fix so it may have flaws but it is still worth watching.
Breakdown for 2012, Presentation: 8, Plot: 7, Acting: 8, Script: 8, Lasting Appeal: 7. Overall Score: 7.9 out of 10 "Good"… Expand
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8
ZilcellMay 11, 2012
I get the feeling that people give this film bad ratings because they are scared of 2012. Don't give it bad ratings unless you think its really a bad movie, not because you are scared of the year 2012. This disaster movie is pretty chaoticI get the feeling that people give this film bad ratings because they are scared of 2012. Don't give it bad ratings unless you think its really a bad movie, not because you are scared of the year 2012. This disaster movie is pretty chaotic with the effects and there is quite a bit of character development, even if the story is a tad bit wobbly.… Expand
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6
eTurkeyApr 30, 2012
First and foremost, to the critics and users who 'awarded' this film a one or two, what did you honestly expect? It's a disaster feature directed by the master of doomful movies, Roland Emmerich. He's been making these type of flicks forFirst and foremost, to the critics and users who 'awarded' this film a one or two, what did you honestly expect? It's a disaster feature directed by the master of doomful movies, Roland Emmerich. He's been making these type of flicks for quite a while now and his style and overall substance hasn't changed much over the years. Yes, '2012' has cheesy acting, modest screenwriting and an absurdly nonsense plot but again I ask the question - were you expecting something different. As far as cataclysmic pictures are rated, this is average.… Expand
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6
csw12Nov 26, 2015
2012 is the ultimate disaster movie. Some people will hate that and some will not. I found it fascinating. Definitely predictable but i don't care. Forgettable
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6
000Tuld000May 9, 2012
Good special effects but the overall plot is pretty rediculous. Tsunamis as high as Mt. Everest is pretty over the top if you ask me. It kind of has a similar approach to the movie Day After Tomorrow; good effects but an exaggerated plot.
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6
OfficialNov 4, 2013
"2012", just like "The Day After Tomorrow", has spectacular visuals and excellent use of CGI, but the script is very weak. Roland Emmerich, who helmed both movies, never quite seem to understand his mistakes.
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6
iKevinJun 3, 2012
Another movie about the end of the world ... Roland, and not get bored of the same? Now talking about the movie is good, only that it is good already. The only thing that can boast are the effects that are very well made. Mr. Roland, and stopAnother movie about the end of the world ... Roland, and not get bored of the same? Now talking about the movie is good, only that it is good already. The only thing that can boast are the effects that are very well made. Mr. Roland, and stop making films about disasters please!… Expand
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5
dev92Aug 25, 2012
An alright film which won't really gain favourable reviews in comparison to The Day After Tomorrow. Still as a stand alone film, it is one which was watchable but didn't really break any barriers. Some of the ideas are quite good whilst otherAn alright film which won't really gain favourable reviews in comparison to The Day After Tomorrow. Still as a stand alone film, it is one which was watchable but didn't really break any barriers. Some of the ideas are quite good whilst other parts are just juvenile.… Expand
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6
Jack97May 6, 2016
2012 falls short on character like most disaster movies do, but the sequences of tsunamis, earthquakes and other natural disasters are amazingly well realized and very intense. If you want a big, fun, popcorn flick to kick back and enjoy then2012 falls short on character like most disaster movies do, but the sequences of tsunamis, earthquakes and other natural disasters are amazingly well realized and very intense. If you want a big, fun, popcorn flick to kick back and enjoy then 2012 was made for that - even if it is a bit long.… Expand
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0
Qgal5kapJan 21, 2020
The fact that they made this piece of utter garbage, is astounding! Shame on you all, every single cast and crew!
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7
AlexanderLuthorAug 1, 2014
If you went into this film expecting academy performances and a compelling script, blame yourself. This is a popcorn film that gives you just what you'd expect, action, thrills, and adventure and campy one liners.
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7
DibbHansenJul 16, 2013
The visuals dazzle, the acting is pretty good- but the escapism gets old after about the tenth getaway. It just starts to get blah. But the action still entertains and dazzles, but the story just starts to get tired and runs out of ideas.
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8
MovieGuysSep 20, 2013
2012 is a great disaster movie, and will keep you entertained the whole time. The CGI and effects in this movie are amazing, and everything that Emmerich shows you on the silver screen is gold.
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7
jotaesecheAug 11, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In 2012, two things constantly coexist: exquisite special effects, and poor and undeveloped stories that end up enclosing tedious clichés and obvious solutions. Sometimes you forget the flaws and just get overwhelmed by the standouts; sometimes the opposite happens. At the end, you get as lost as the characters in the new world, without knowing how to feel: whether pleased or very disappointed.… Expand
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6
JimbeiDec 14, 2013
I like this. Not the best catastrophic film but good special effects, good acting and the plot is good, too. It's not simple to make a catastrophic film without making it seems stupid or unreal. This is unreal in some moments (first of allI like this. Not the best catastrophic film but good special effects, good acting and the plot is good, too. It's not simple to make a catastrophic film without making it seems stupid or unreal. This is unreal in some moments (first of all the protagonists are too lucky) but i like that they tried to give a sense to the facts that happen.… Expand
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6
Voodoo123Jan 6, 2021
Standard end of the world fare - some excellent visual effects and charismatic cast help make the overlong run time not drag too much. Great pacing with a terrible screenplay but it's heart in the right place.
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10
SyFyMovieGuyNov 19, 2014
Ah yes the beautiful director from Independence Day (1996), and The Day After Tomorrow (2004) comes in with a beaiutiful face-slapping and gut wrenching heart of special effects. 2012 is one of my favorite movies of all time and the one ofAh yes the beautiful director from Independence Day (1996), and The Day After Tomorrow (2004) comes in with a beaiutiful face-slapping and gut wrenching heart of special effects. 2012 is one of my favorite movies of all time and the one of the best disaster films in the book. It wasn't so hard to do, Roland Emmerich is the king of destruction without a doubt. "2012" is the literal end of the world where a family struggles to survive as the world everywhere crumbles . Earthquakes, Volcano's , the ultimate tsunami's, land shifting here and there. Its pretty much a crumble and crunching time here and there but the movie isn't just that, its much more.

The earthquake scene in Los Angeles is the best, Lilly, the little girl was my favorite in this movie., the "escapes" John Cusack did in the Limo wasn't stupid, it was silly in a very funny entertaining way and felt like something in a dumb cartoon but in this case, if you have a crumbling city devastation fest with funny remarks, its a scene I was watching and STILL am over and over again. Roland Emmerich is awesome!

there's plenty of other stuff, but thats it for now.… Expand
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8
juliankennedy23Jun 9, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 2012: 8 out of 10: I love disaster movies. I love “good” disaster movies such as The Towering Inferno and The Poseidon Adventure. I love “bad” disaster movies such as The Swarm and Independence Day. I even enjoy, if not love, “Horrible” disaster movies such as Syfy channel stalwarts Megafault and Magma: Volcanic Disaster.

2012 is solidly in the “good” disaster movie genre. As I have stated before in my The Core review “Disaster movies always seem to do better when the disaster is local in scope. A city threatened by avalanche, a tower threatened by an inferno, a Poseidon threatened by an adventure, that kind of thing. Earth killer movies are always a harder road.” 2012 dodges this bullet slightly by having neutrinos from a massive solar flare penetrate the Earth and cause the temperature of the core to increase rapidly. “Like a microwave” one scientist very helpfully explains. Of course why these same neutrinos don’t cause the oceans to boil is a plot hole that the movie delightfully ignores. Still compared to The Core or The Day after Tomorrow, 2012’s science is practically textbook.

Now since the core is expanding this causes the earth’s crust to erupt in different directions (think a Jiffy Pop container). This allows disaster footage from all over the earth. And we all know where disasters strike first. That’s right monuments. Vegas, Washington DC, Vatican City, Los Angeles, Yellowstone, Hawaii, and others get their turn in the special effects blender. The set pieces are generally well thought out often with sly commentary attached. (A giant rolling donut in LA, A slick atheist “Where is your God now” rub at the Vatican.). The special effects are all magnificent.

I will briefly talk about the actors in a minute (Generally speaking they all do fine) but the star is the effects. The detail work (as can be seen in the disaster porn pictures below) is simply amazing. Director Roland Emmerich puts his 250 million dollar budget on the screen. For once the buildings that collapse have people in them. The disasters do not happen in the rain or at night and the camera doesn’t jerk around as if directed by an epileptic sugar glider.

Both the location work and the disasters are very creative. (Let’s face it a tsunami driving an aircraft carrier into the White House is imagination at work.) In addition, the story is a fairly grounded version of that old When Worlds Collide plot where all the smart, rich and good looking people get on a spaceship and escape Earth while all the less attractive people all die horribly.

The movie halfheartedly tries to address the unfairness of “who gets chosen” but we really didn’t come for a civics lesson and honestly there are worse ways to go than just picking attractive rich people. We also didn’t come for the acting, but unlike many of its contemporaries, the acting in 2012 seems solid across the board.

Some of the various side plots do fall a little flat (for example taking into consideration 2012's two and a half hour length, the old guys on the boat subplot should have been jettisoned in its entirety.) On the plus side Zlatko Buric as the Russian billionaire ex-boxer and Woody Harrelson as the crazy mountain man (doing his best Matthew McConaughey impression mind you) are the stand outs among an above average cast.

Overall we came for the disaster porn and simply put 2012 delivers some of the best disaster porn ever seen on screen, and manages this feat with fewer of the bad acting and horrible storyline distractions that usually accompany such films. Bravo.… Expand
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5
zperry-20Aug 16, 2014
Great visual effects and interesting storyline couldn't pull 2012 through the disaster that it was , its characters were generic and at times this film was cliché.
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5
JadeRegentMar 22, 2015
It feels like the real story of this movie is that "Humanity can do anything it puts its mind to but there will always be hangers on that drag you down." How many people almost drowned because a single family tried to sneak on board that arcIt feels like the real story of this movie is that "Humanity can do anything it puts its mind to but there will always be hangers on that drag you down." How many people almost drowned because a single family tried to sneak on board that arc at the end? They wouldn't even be in that situation if the doctor didn't have the captain open the doors and let the stragglers in. How many people were already on board the arcs, hundreds of thousands? For the sake of the few people waiting to get on they endangered every single person on board.… Expand
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10
ricky1121Oct 8, 2014
Very good effects especially during the Los Angeles earthquake! The volcano eruption in Wyoming is amazing and very realistic. Roland Emmerich never let's me down!
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5
homer4presidentMar 28, 2015
Visually breathtaking in every shape and form, indeed, but the film's lack of impact and delivery combined with the lengthy duration doesn't capture the audience attention and fear of extinction.
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5
CineAutoctonoAug 1, 2015
They were making a movie about doomsday and not really happened ?, that crap that from 2009 to 2012 turned out good . and after the December 21, 2012 has absolutely nothing happened , and today is 2015 and commented that this movie is crapThey were making a movie about doomsday and not really happened ?, that crap that from 2009 to 2012 turned out good . and after the December 21, 2012 has absolutely nothing happened , and today is 2015 and commented that this movie is crap but the argument ( before real, now fictitious ) is good.… Expand
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6
TheFilmDoctorMar 22, 2016
God forgive me, but I enjoyed the nerve-racking silliness of this newest, loudest exercise in destruction. (And God help us all, now more than ever I think cities could crumble and oceans could rise.) Emmerich is, of course, an old hand atGod forgive me, but I enjoyed the nerve-racking silliness of this newest, loudest exercise in destruction. (And God help us all, now more than ever I think cities could crumble and oceans could rise.) Emmerich is, of course, an old hand at bangs, a manipulator who thinks whimpers are for sissies: Aliens tore up the place in Independence Day, an irradiated lizard stomped through Godzilla, global warming ruined everyone’s plans in The Day After Tomorrow, and you don’t want to know all the troubles the prehistoric hero known as D’Leh done seen in 10,000 BC. This time, as the story opens in 2009, the earth’s core is heating up and acting all wonky, alarming an earnest U.S. government geologist (Chiwetel Ejiofor). He rushes to inform the White House chief of staff (Oliver Platt), who rushes to inform the President (Danny Glover), who eventually confides the news? to his tremulous daughter (Thandie Newton). Cut to three years later, and a California Everyman named Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) picks up his cute son and daughter (Liam James and Morgan Lily) at the home of his ex-wife (Amanda Peet) and her new guy (Tom McCarthy). Jackson takes the kids camping at Yellowstone, where he meets a useful mountaintop crazyman (Woody Harrelson) who predicts the end of days.

Don’t worry, be happy: The dog survives in 2012 even though billions of people don’t. The unfortunate masses — innocent as their four-legged fellow creatures but traditionally more expendable in disaster epics like this one — die in ways it takes Armageddon-movie master Roland Emmerich and a mighty army of CG artists to devise. For starters, Los Angeles cracks and falls into the sea, Las Vegas crumbles, Yellowstone National Park becomes a volcanic hellpit, India is devoured by a tsunami, and the Catholic faithful in Rome are buried under the rubble of their own magnificent church buildings. Cool! Oh, and also? A cruise ship on the high seas upends with a ? harrumphing glug-glug, sinking to join its colleagues the Poseidon and the Titanic.

The good news: Thanks to the crazyman, when the end of days begins to make itself known, the Curtis family (plus the ex-wife’s new guy) are able to stay one step ahead of the abyss. This postnuclear clan has a terrific ability to drive on roads that cave in behind them, and fly (in half-borrowed, half-skyjacked airplanes) between toppling buildings, bridges, mountains, and fireballs. Enthusiasts of websites involving the Mayans’ apocalyptic predictions are welcome to join enthusiasts of websites involving planetary instability to discuss the facts behind this chaotic fiction; biblical scholars are welcome to chime in on the meteorological conditions that coincided with the launch of Noah’s Ark. Me, I’m more charmed by the now-classical way in which Emmerich uses scenes with human interest — you know, the introduction of a handful of characters we care about — to offset the sense-battering showpiece action sequences. (Those are usually the ”feelings” scenes in which we laugh with nervous relief at the familiarity of human puniness.) Just ask Steven Spielberg: There’s nothing like imminent destruction on a world scale to make a father want to heal a broken family.

Cusack, with his one-of-the-guys face and his nice way with child actors, does creditable work as an Average American Dad trying to put things right. Of course, Emmerich (and his co-writer, Harald Kloser, who also ? co-scripted 10,000 BC) is never one for subtlety. Average Dad’s homegrown virtues are ?contrasted with the thick-lipped, fat-bellied crudity and obscene wealth of a Russian oligarch (Zlatko Buric) looking out for his own two young sons. Meanwhile, as Commander-in-Chief (in the idealized mode of 24’s President David Palmer), Danny Glover is a good father to the country and his own daughter; however, we know his chief of staff is a cold SOB because he’s distant from his aged mother.

As for Ejiofor’s geologist, he gets to tell his dad he loves him before the end draws nigh. Which, in this rock-solid disaster-pic ? formula, makes him the perfect character to deliver the climactic speech that unites mankind. Well, it’s either him or the dog.… Expand
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6
SrPepeJul 8, 2018
Sacando la falsedad, tiene una trama interesante que va avanzando muy bien, lo malo es como un escritor frustrado y chófer logra todas esas cosas.
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8
FilmClubMar 27, 2016
The notion of playing God is implicit in the job of a film director, and rarely has the sense of a wrathful, vengeful deity at the helm, albeit a pagan one, been so comprehensively felt as in “2012.” For demolition maestro Roland Emmerich,The notion of playing God is implicit in the job of a film director, and rarely has the sense of a wrathful, vengeful deity at the helm, albeit a pagan one, been so comprehensively felt as in “2012.” For demolition maestro Roland Emmerich, “Independence Day,” “Godzilla” and “The Day After Tomorrow” were mere appetizers for the lip-smacking smorgasbord of global annihilation laid out here.

Hooking their doomsday scenario on an interpretation of a Mayan calendar that points to an earthly catastrophe in 2012 — specifically on 12-21-12 (what movie will pin its release to that date?) — Emmerich and writing-producing partner Harald Kloser begin by dumping Los Angeles into the sea and follow with the destruction of Las Vegas, Yellowstone National Park, Washington, D.C., the Vatican, India, Tibet and a giant cruise ship.

Anyone who stops to think about it between grabs of popcorn might pick up the hint that Emmerich is taking particularly gleeful aim at the United States (which other director has destroyed the White House in his films not once but now twice?) and Catholicism (he goes out of his way to detail the collapse of St. Peter’s and Rio’s Christ the Redeemer statue), while no other religion gets taken to task. But then, that would be taking this eye-popping display of movie pyrotechnics far too seriously. Or not.

Coming up with halfway decent characters with which to populate disaster films has always proved an almost insurmountable problem, but Kloser and Emmerich have brought a measure of wit to the enterprise. Pic’s Everyman is Jackson Curtis (John Cusack), a rumpled author whose most recent unsuccessful novel happens to have been called “Farewell Atlantis,” and who never paid enough attention to sexy ex-wife Kate (Amanda Peet) and their two young kids (Liam James and Morgan Lily). He’s now forced to look on as Kate shacks up with Gordon (Tom McCarthy) while he scrapes by as a limo driver for L.A.-based Russian billionaire Yuri Karpov (the very engaging Zlatko Buric).

As SoCal hopes for the best amid an alarming upswing in tremors and cracked streets, government scientist Adrian Helmsley (Chiwetel Ejiofor) alerts U.S. President Thomas Wilson (Danny Glover, almost too predictably grave) that increased solar fires (happily, for a change, not man-made global warming) are about to turn the Earth inside out in a way not experienced since the day the dinosaurs died.

Unfortunately, it’s not easy scripting the final act of a movie about the end of the world when you don’t really want the final image to be a charred rock. Let it be said that “2012” plummets from reasonably distracting spectacle to sheerest silliness when, in the pointlessly protracted final reels, it tries to maintain interest in the (confusingly staged) jeopardy of a handful of characters when much of the world’s population has already been wiped out or is about to be. Never has Rick’s observation in “Casablanca” been more true, that the problems of a few little people don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world.

On any level other than as sheer visual sensation, “2012” is a joke, for the simple reason that it has no point of view; the film offers no philosophical, metaphysical, intellectual and certainly no religious perspective on the cataclysm, just the physical frenzy of it all. But to ask this would be taking the picture far too seriously. Or not.

In Cusack and Ejiofor, “2012” has two actors who convey above-the-norm intelligence for characters in this sort of fare, although even they can’t keep up the pretense as the film degenerates. Most casting choices are agreeably offbeat down through the ranks, with Woody Harrelson supercharging his scenes as a wackjob radio sage who issues on-the-air reports from the front lines of destruction.

Except for some patchy work when St. Peter’s crumbles, the visual effects are pretty sensational, delivering the cutting-edge CGI goods auds want and expect. It will be hard to watch “Earthquake” ever again after this one.… Expand
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8
DoctorFilmMar 31, 2016
The notion of playing God is implicit in the job of a film director, and rarely has the sense of a wrathful, vengeful deity at the helm, albeit a pagan one, been so comprehensively felt as in “2012.” For demolition maestro Roland Emmerich,The notion of playing God is implicit in the job of a film director, and rarely has the sense of a wrathful, vengeful deity at the helm, albeit a pagan one, been so comprehensively felt as in “2012.” For demolition maestro Roland Emmerich, “Independence Day,” “Godzilla” and “The Day After Tomorrow” were mere appetizers for the lip-smacking smorgasbord of global annihilation laid out here.

Hooking their doomsday scenario on an interpretation of a Mayan calendar that points to an earthly catastrophe in 2012 — specifically on 12-21-12 (what movie will pin its release to that date?) — Emmerich and writing-producing partner Harald Kloser begin by dumping Los Angeles into the sea and follow with the destruction of Las Vegas, Yellowstone National Park, Washington, D.C., the Vatican, India, Tibet and a giant cruise ship.

Anyone who stops to think about it between grabs of popcorn might pick up the hint that Emmerich is taking particularly gleeful aim at the United States (which other director has destroyed the White House in his films not once but now twice?) and Catholicism (he goes out of his way to detail the collapse of St. Peter’s and Rio’s Christ the Redeemer statue), while no other religion gets taken to task. But then, that would be taking this eye-popping display of movie pyrotechnics far too seriously. Or not.

Coming up with halfway decent characters with which to populate disaster films has always proved an almost insurmountable problem, but Kloser and Emmerich have brought a measure of wit to the enterprise. Pic’s Everyman is Jackson Curtis (John Cusack), a rumpled author whose most recent unsuccessful novel happens to have been called “Farewell Atlantis,” and who never paid enough attention to sexy ex-wife Kate (Amanda Peet) and their two young kids (Liam James and Morgan Lily). He’s now forced to look on as Kate shacks up with Gordon (Tom McCarthy) while he scrapes by as a limo driver for L.A.-based Russian billionaire Yuri Karpov (the very engaging Zlatko Buric).

As SoCal hopes for the best amid an alarming upswing in tremors and cracked streets, government scientist Adrian Helmsley (Chiwetel Ejiofor) alerts U.S. President Thomas Wilson (Danny Glover, almost too predictably grave) that increased solar fires (happily, for a change, not man-made global warming) are about to turn the Earth inside out in a way not experienced since the day the dinosaurs died.

While Wilson’s chief of staff, Carl Anheuser (Oliver Platt), readies the evacuation of the elite and the president deliberates about how to preside over the planet’s final chapter, Curtis leads his kids on a series of escapes and near-misses worthy of Indiana Jones — in a limo, RV, private plane (flown by nonpilot Gordon), giant Russian cargo jet and, ultimately, the biggest vehicle ever built. The action is preposterous by any standard, but that’s designed as part of the fun; eye-popping indeed are the sights of the streets of Santa Monica rippling like so many ocean waves, molten meteors spewing out of Yellowstone, the sea claiming a ship the size of a football field and a six-engine jet crash landing on a Himalayan glacier.

Unfortunately, it’s not easy scripting the final act of a movie about the end of the world when you don’t really want the final image to be a charred rock. Let it be said that “2012” plummets from reasonably distracting spectacle to sheerest silliness when, in the pointlessly protracted final reels, it tries to maintain interest in the (confusingly staged) jeopardy of a handful of characters when much of the world’s population has already been wiped out or is about to be. Never has Rick’s observation in “Casablanca” been more true, that the problems of a few little people don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world.

On any level other than as sheer visual sensation, “2012” is a joke, for the simple reason that it has no point of view; the film offers no philosophical, metaphysical, intellectual and certainly no religious perspective on the cataclysm, just the physical frenzy of it all. But to ask this would be taking the picture far too seriously. Or not.

In Cusack and Ejiofor, “2012” has two actors who convey above-the-norm intelligence for characters in this sort of fare, although even they can’t keep up the pretense as the film degenerates. Most casting choices are agreeably offbeat down through the ranks, with Woody Harrelson supercharging his scenes as a wackjob radio sage who issues on-the-air reports from the front lines of destruction.

Except for some patchy work when St. Peter’s crumbles, the visual effects are pretty sensational, delivering the cutting-edge CGI goods auds want and expect. It will be hard to watch “Earthquake” ever again after this one.… Expand
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5
Muskrat147Jul 26, 2016
Though filled with dazzling special effects, 2012 stands-out more for its cheesy direction, cliched characters, lack of heart and humor, and, overall, lack of a story-line or plot.
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6
BroyaxJan 1, 2017
Le film-catastrophe hollywoodien dans toute sa "splendeur"... des millions (des milliards ?) de gens crèvent mais les cabots survivent. Et les girafes aussi. Toute la planète part à vau-l'eau (c'est le cas de le dire) mais les téléphonesLe film-catastrophe hollywoodien dans toute sa "splendeur"... des millions (des milliards ?) de gens crèvent mais les cabots survivent. Et les girafes aussi. Toute la planète part à vau-l'eau (c'est le cas de le dire) mais les téléphones portables marchent toujours, d'ailleurs on se passe un coup de fil avant de mourir : "eh c'est moi, un tsunami de sa race arrive, c'est juste pour faire un petit coucou... beuaaargh..."

On a bien entendu la guimauve de circonstance mais également la morale triomphante et la bonne humeur, l'optimisme béat alors que tout se barre en cacahuète à 20m de vous ("ouvrez les portes même si on va tous y passer" ! ce n'est plus le vivre ensemble mais le mourir ensemble... comme des cons. D'ailleurs pour un tel cataclysme, tout se passe plutôt bien, on ne panique pas, on ne se marche pas dessus... on prie.

C'est la génération Facebook-Twitter : "bon bah je crève, LOL". Même le Président du Monde Libre montre l'exemple pour le troupeau et coule avec le navire... Inexact, je rectifie : il se prend le porte-avions Kennedy dans la tronche. Un zeste d'humour in...volontaire ?

Et c'est là que le film brille malgré lui, malgré sa longueur un peu exagérée, malgré ses tics idiots, ses tocs imbéciles, qu'est-ce qu'on rigole ! et ces effets spéciaux dantesques où l'on peut compter chaque million de dollars jeté à l'écran sont à tomber sur le cul. Et ils sont drôles aussi. Qu'est-ce que j'ai ri de voir toute la Californie engloutie, mise en morceaux avec toutes ces petites marionnettes, ces **** lutins qui gesticulent avant de finir écrasés ou broyés : on dirait des fourmis.

Oui, ça donne la même satisfaction que d'écraser des fourmis sauf que des fourmis, c'est moins rigolo quand même.… Expand
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4
eriflynnNov 20, 2017
Just a tipical movie for fun, is not a disaster, but neither a good movie. Just meh. The first time it surprises but the other times it bores. No too much to say (or write).
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5
JPKJun 19, 2019
Meh
2012 is most definitely an ambitious movie, But sadly, it comes up short of the great potential it had (A potential that could’ve possibly dethroned ID4 as Emmerich’s boldest film).
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7
bdjudeNov 30, 2017
The plot was horrible and surlier where it should have been somewhat pragmatic like 'The Day After Tomorrow". Suffice to describe the visual effects are awesome and the cast does their best to keep the going as tough as possible.
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7
MovieReviewer45May 26, 2018
To summarize the overall quality of the film, the visuals are decent. Some visuals are bad because of the fact that some of these CGI effects are over exaggerating a certain disaster in the movie, but summing all those CGI effects, it isTo summarize the overall quality of the film, the visuals are decent. Some visuals are bad because of the fact that some of these CGI effects are over exaggerating a certain disaster in the movie, but summing all those CGI effects, it is appreciable enough. The story, as usual, in this kind of Emmerich's movies is generic and involves a surviving family and a rather illusive government. The running time is long; exceeding 2 hours of movie watching experience. 158 minutes is the total movie time length. The character development in the movie is quite mediocre, although some characters adds some spice to their roles which deserves some appreciation.

One thing this movie doesn't live up to my expectation is that it lacks humane feelings or sentiments of most characters which is quite expected in a sci-fi flick like this.

Enjoy the CGI for this movie, it will deliver anyhow despite it's long running time.

Rating: 7/10 -> 3.5/5 stars… Expand
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6
Vulf001Jun 14, 2018
If you are looking for a good disaster film, this film is for you. The effects are very good and most of the characters are interesting. The issues with this film are a crazy amount of cliches and a predictable plot. This thing is alsoIf you are looking for a good disaster film, this film is for you. The effects are very good and most of the characters are interesting. The issues with this film are a crazy amount of cliches and a predictable plot. This thing is also 2-and-a-half hours long!… Expand
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7
DrCooCoJul 31, 2018
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. For me, the movie is not one to underestimate, and one of those movies I'd recommend to a loose (Or easy-going) friend. Remember, this is my opinion, but I believe "2012" surpassed it's predecessors in a visual aspect. I can easily see why the characters are scared, they're not screaming "ITS KILLING ME" or any chants like that. My heart ran as the characters did. It wasn't like I was there, but it was beating alright. Humanity struggles as they panic, and it's terrifying, especially when some of the characters watch the news about the end of the world. And some of the deaths were shocking, as SOME of them were unexpected. The most jaw wrenching was that Russian guy (I don't know his name, but that'd play into my criticism.)because he sacrificed himself for the kid that couldn't reach the door for the ship. I nearly cried, but then I remembered my dad watching too so yeah... It won't leave you at the edge of your seat or anything, but it's a lot better than most horror flicks I know. However, the biggest strength of this blockbuster is, obviously, the effects, and the music. Together, they create a chaotic setting for the movie, which is very fitting for a disaster movie. At one point, one of my friends called it "Beautiful". I could see why... but anyways, amazing music and visuals. Now for my criticism for this movie. The characters are... ok? The family is quite stereotyped, like every other thriller. But the biggest issue with this movie that might've been the cause for so much negativity around this movie is the "Lucky" factor. It's really outlandish and controlled with little consideration for the possibilities of an event to happen. I mean, the cars were SOMEHOW in the plane for them to escape. (I believe it's because that Russian guy who had the plane just wanted to show off, but still...) And the characters nearly die every couple of minutes. Sometimes, it sorta helps (Ex: The car scene) but mostly, just stupid. However, the biggest problem for me was finding out which character is which. Remember when I referenced one of the characters as "The Russian Guy"? That's because the CGI basically elbow blocked the character development and identities even. It damages the movie greatly, and it's another factor into the film's low grade on most review sits like this. Overall, I'd give it a 7. It's not anything heavenly, there are many flaws that others and I that serve as obstacles for our enjoyment of the movie. But it definitely did what a disaster film as supposed to: Leave me paralyzed in fear on the couch for two and a half hours. So, good effort, Roland.… Expand
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4
AlanoSilvaPBFeb 25, 2023
Esse filme só tem efeitos especiais, e nada mais. Além disso, é um daqueles "filmes de momento": como a história da profecia maia que predizia o fim do mundo estava em alta naquela época, aproveitaram para levá-la às telonas. O problema éEsse filme só tem efeitos especiais, e nada mais. Além disso, é um daqueles "filmes de momento": como a história da profecia maia que predizia o fim do mundo estava em alta naquela época, aproveitaram para levá-la às telonas. O problema é que, poucos anos depois, o filme já ficou "datado", ultrapassado.… Expand
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8
jonslowDec 9, 2018
2012 isn't a bad movie as other people rating. Look at many scenes how the world collapse. The visuals were excellent. Never seen any movies create something like this.
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10
DantistzloyOct 28, 2018
RU:Это шедевр. Просто шедевр. Один из лучших
EN:It is a masterpiece. One of the best movies in history
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6
harvdog03Oct 30, 2018
Mildly entertaining movie about the end of the world. Just get your popcorn and enjoy.
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7
SoulstoneApr 1, 2020
Yes, it is not an art house masterpiece designed for the Oscars. But, it was not meant to be that. This is meant to be a mindless popcorn flick with some insane disaster sequences (notably the LA quake and Yellowstone). Don't go in expectingYes, it is not an art house masterpiece designed for the Oscars. But, it was not meant to be that. This is meant to be a mindless popcorn flick with some insane disaster sequences (notably the LA quake and Yellowstone). Don't go in expecting cohesive storytelling or compelling characters, and I think you will have a good time.… Expand
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7
DiptanshuMar 30, 2020
engaging till last act then came silly and pointless moments at the end made whole movie seems why just why!Story was okish,visuals were amazing so does acting but movie is too much strecthed felt literally pointless to add last act!
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 27, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I felt that the start of the movie was a little long drawn out and perhaps the first twenty minutes or so could have been taken out, making it a more reasonably length, as the movie is really quite long at almost two and a half hours long. Having said that, I'd have rolled my eyes if the world started to end, so to speak, too soon into the movie, though perhaps if more information was given about the Mayan folklore surrounding this supposed impending disaster was provided, if more interesting scientific information was somehow added, that would have perhaps made it more relevant and interesting, rather than the viewer watching Jackson taking his kids camping in the countryside and the whole suburban family situation with the ex-wifes boyfriend having a go at him back at home and Jackson trying to impress the kids by taking them camping in a limo(!). Yes Jackson is one of the main characters and you want to have some character development but it just seems so cheesy and ultimately not very important to have the whole dysfunctional family background brought into it. Of course there's the 'baddies' side of things too and, in this case on an individual level rather than in terms of politicians and so on, this would be the multi-millionaire Russian boxing manager, Yuri. Of course, a rich Russian, he must be a selfish what-not, what an utter villain! well I suppose its a bit harsh to call him a real 'villain' as such as he does help the Curtis' out but it turns out that he is pretty selfish, especially in regards to his girlfriend, as we discover quite late into the movie.

There's a moral to the movie I feel as it tries to teach you to not be so selfish and to know that humanity is all about caring for each other and so we shouldn't just look out for each other (yadda yadda) and this comes to a head quite poignantly when a couple of political leaders decide to make a sacrifice. Of course this can be seen as rather predictable and cheesy, although thats not to say that the moral is wrong per se but all the same, it is rather predictable and cheesy. The other part of the movie thats rather annoying is when the Curtis' are trying to out-run (or out-fly) the disaster and somehow they manage to bridge that gap and the vehicle makes it to the other side or the plane will disappear into the smoke and just manage to come back out etc., which sceptics would likely laugh and roll their eyes at - there again, come on, this is a disaster movie and the world is coming to an end, so, yeah, I can't say I know what that would be like but I wouldn't have thought its too realistic from that point of view and I wasn't so keen on that. At the same time, as I say the visual effects were really good, it was really quite impressive and atmospheric and I wished that my TV had a larger screen because I can imagine that it would look particularly good on a large widescreen TV. From the cinematography point of view, this is a very realistic and perhaps even somewhat shocking movie, with the shots of large long cracks appearing and buildings disappearing into the cracks, the earth seeming to be somewhat swallowed by volcanic eruptions, the earth crust moving etc., the visual effects are definitely what makes the movie worth watching and indeed what saves it from being rather boring or worse really.

The movie is long and I'm someone who can fairly easily lose interest in a long movie if the story is too slow or if there isn't enough action or otherwise if its not entertaining but in this case, I didn't become too distracted and I did watch it in full. I found having the lights off and watching it in the dark made it quite atmospheric and I found myself being quite moved by it somehow, although I do feel that it is still quite cheesy/predictable in parts but I guess I overlooked this.

As perhaps predictable as it is within the disaster movie genre, I did feel quite frustrated and annoyed with the scene where the governer of California, (aka Mr 'I'll be back' Schwarzennegger) was shown holding a press conference and trying to calm the citizens by insisting that he believed the worst was over and that there was no need to panic, only a few moments before the city where the Curtis' were living in and watching said press conference, started to, well, be destroyed. Not that I thought this denial wouldn't happen but gah, I'm sure I was left thinking typical! you can never trust politicians!.

I'll also admit that after the movie (finally...lol) finished, I did have an urge to rush up and open the curtains, just to check and be sure that everything was normal outside - if that isn't too embarrassing to admit lol.… Expand
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5
Legit_LeeJul 8, 2020
Mr. Sun came up and he smiled at me
Said it's gonna be a good one just wait and see
Jumped outta bed, and I ran outside Feeling so extra ecstatified It's the best day ever (best day ever) It's the best day ever (best day ever) I'm so busy gotMr. Sun came up and he smiled at me
Said it's gonna be a good one just wait and see
Jumped outta bed, and I ran outside
Feeling so extra ecstatified
It's the best day ever (best day ever)
It's the best day ever (best day ever)
I'm so busy got nothing to do
Spent the last two hours just tying my shoe
Every flower, every grain of sand
Is reaching out to shake my hand
It's the best day ever (best day ever)
It's the best day ever (best day ever)
Sometimes the little things
Start closing in on me
When I'm feeling down
I wanna lose that frown
I stick my head out the window
And I look around
Those clouds don't scare me
They can't disguise
This magic that's happening
Right before my eyes
Soon Mr. Moon will be shining bright
So the best day ever can last all night
Yeah, the best day ever's gonna last all night now
It's the best day ever (best day ever)
It's the best day ever (best day ever)
It's the best day ever (best day ever)
It's the best day ever (best day ever)
Best day ever
Best day ever… Expand
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10
DeathfistApr 18, 2020
I'm not a professional but this movie is something else, it really got me worried about the antagonists. But all-n-all great movie if you're into psychological horror movies and also the end of the world.
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10
Ryo91Apr 17, 2020
10/10 * Krasser Film. Gut gemacht. Sehr unheimlich. Gesamtbewertung ist viel zu wenig. :-O
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8
Sosmooth1982Aug 26, 2020
If you like end of the world type movies, then this one is for you. I love this movie more then other end of world movies, because it has multiple disasters that happen. Citizens try to survive them all.
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7
Toasty87Jul 12, 2020
Stupid misguided story and cast it fails so much but can be enjoyed at times.
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7
ChunkDumpJan 6, 2021
it was creative but not an original. John puts the pedal to the metal before the apocalypse rises and destroys the planet and forcing a reboot for mankind. even though the movie released in 2009, 2012 is a good prediction of all things thatit was creative but not an original. John puts the pedal to the metal before the apocalypse rises and destroys the planet and forcing a reboot for mankind. even though the movie released in 2009, 2012 is a good prediction of all things that could go wrong when people dont act right and mother nature says NAH!… Expand
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10
hellorhighwaterApr 4, 2021
I got really upset when I saw low rating of this great movie, this movies has every good characteristics of deserter movie . Metacritic is way more reliable than imdb etc . but this rating do not make sense.
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