Special effects and action will make '2012' a blockbuster hit

How would our nation handle the knowledge that the world is going to end within the next couple of months? What would we do in order to survive?

Director Roland Emmerich explores this idea in his new film 2012. He draws from the Mayan prophesy that the world will come to an end in the year 2012. The plot of the film is based on the theory that an alignment of the planets will result in an increased level of solar activity, overheating the core of the earth, which would then result in the shifting and deterioration of the earth's crust. Emmerich's film uses elaborate special effects to illustrate this image, creating scenes of giant tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the collapse of all man-made buildings.

Amidst the various disaster sequences, the film centers on several different characters fighting for survival. John Cusack plays Jackson Curtis, an unsuccessful writer who is struggling to maintain a relationship with his children after separating from his wife, Kate Curtis, played by Amanda Peet. Cusack's character quickly becomes the hero of the film, as he fights to lead his family to safety from the destruction. Cusack does an excellent job of portraying a loving and driven father, though the feats that this character goes through to keep his family alive, such as stealing a small plane and flying it through an ash storm, seem a bit too unbelievable.

2012 also focuses on the implications that the White House had knowledge of this impending event. Although Danny Glover does a fantastic job of portraying a president who is dedicated to his people, the film does not leave the viewer with much trust in the American government during a time of crisis. The government in this movie works to save only a small portion of the population, leaving the majority behind to face the global disaster unprepared. Among these seemingly heartless government officials is Carl Anheuser, played by Oliver Platt. Platt delivers an excellent performance and really gives the audience a character that they love to hate.

Emmerich's film provides an interesting contrast between self absorbed characters, like Anheuser, and characters who work together to help each other survive. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Dr. Adrian Helmsley, the morally-conscious scientist who helps predict the disaster. His character serves as a counterbalance to Anheuser, illustrating two opposing reactions to such a massive crisis. This leaves viewers pondering what they would do in such a situation - would they fight for their own lives, or would they risk the opportune chances of survival in order to save others? The movie successfully lightens the morbid scene with bits of comic relief, including witty one-liners by Cusack and the rest of the cast, including the crazy but humorous rants of the outrageous character Charlie Frost, played by Woody Harrelson.

While many of the disaster sequences are over-the-top, the special effects are phenomenal and effective in illustrating the enormity and horror that this event entails. These special effects really draw the audience into the film and help to add to its suspense.

The emotional impact of the movie is right on the mark. There are several powerful and emotional scenes, but they are quickly cut off by intense action and suspense. This prevents the film from making the viewer feel swarmed by too many sentimental moments, without disregarding human feeling amidst all of the action.

The movie is action-packed, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats throughout most of the film. The film's attempt to set the stage at the very beginning of the film takes a little long, but once the action picks up in the latter part of the movie, it never seems to stop. The suspense is continuous, as the characters strive to push through one obstacle after the other, with very little relief in between. This is both a strength and a flaw of the film, as the suspense keeps the viewer engaged, while the last action-filled segment becomes almost too suspenseful and lengthy; there is a point when the viewer thinks, "Haven't these people been through enough already?"

2012 is sure to be a blockbuster hit, as the powerful special effects and non-stop action will keep viewers immersed in the movie. Though the plot is a bit far-fetched, the question of how our nation would react in this kind of crisis is interesting. The cast was chosen well, and each member delivered an excellent and compelling performance. The film is lengthy, but it is definitely worthwhile, both in its entertainment value and in the complex moral questions that it brings to the surface. For anyone who is willing to overlook the somewhat unrealistic plot, this is a great and enjoyable film, and it is absolutely worth the $10.50 at the box office!