"2012" is a science fiction disaster film released in 2009, directed by Roland Emmerich, known for his penchant for creating large-scale disaster movies. The film showcases a series of catastrophic events leading up to a global doomsday scenario, inspired by the Mayan calendar's prediction of the world ending in the year 2012. With a star-studded cast and jaw-dropping visual effects, "2012" became a topic of discussion for both its portrayal of apocalyptic events and its entertainment value.
Plot Summary:
The movie "2012" revolves around the concept that the Earth's core is heating up due to solar flares, leading to the planet's imminent destruction. Jackson Curtis (played by John Cusack), a failed writer and limo driver, stumbles upon this information when he takes his children on a camping trip to Yellowstone National Park. There, he meets Charlie Frost (Woody Harrelson), a conspiracy theorist who believes that the world will end soon.
As the Earth's crust begins to destabilize, causing massive earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, governments around the world enact a secret plan to save humanity. They construct massive arks in the Himalayas, designed to house select individuals and species to repopulate the Earth after the disaster.
Jackson, determined to save his family, embarks on a perilous journey to reach these arks. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges, from navigating through crumbling cities to escaping massive tidal waves. The movie culminates in a race against time as Jackson and his family, along with other survivors, try to board the arks before the final catastrophic events unfold.
Cast and Characters:
- John Cusack as Jackson Curtis: A struggling writer and limousine driver who becomes the film's central hero, determined to save his family from the impending apocalypse.
- Amanda Peet as Kate Curtis: Jackson's estranged wife who, despite their differences, teams up with him to protect their children.
- Chiwetel Ejiofor as Adrian Helmsley: A geologist and Chief Science Advisor to the U.S. President, he discovers the impending disaster and works behind the scenes to ensure humanity's survival.
- Thandie Newton as Laura Wilson: The First Daughter of the U.S., who forms a close bond with Adrian Helmsley.
- Oliver Platt as Carl Anheuser: The U.S. President's Chief of Staff, who takes a pragmatic and often ruthless approach to the crisis.
- Woody Harrelson as Charlie Frost: A conspiracy theorist and radio show host who has predicted the end of the world based on the Mayan calendar.
Where to Stream
United States (US):
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
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Australia (AU):
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Great Britain (GB):
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Germany (DE):
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Brazil (BR):
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Spain (ES):
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France (FR):
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Canada (CA):
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Production Details:
Roland Emmerich, known for his grand disaster films like "Independence Day" and "The Day After Tomorrow," took on the ambitious project of "2012" with a budget of over $200 million. The film was primarily shot in Vancouver, British Columbia, with some scenes filmed in Los Angeles and Yellowstone National Park.
The visual effects, a highlight of the movie, were handled by multiple studios, including Digital Domain and Scanline VFX. These effects brought to life the massive destruction of cities like Los Angeles and Rio de Janeiro, as well as the awe-inspiring arks designed to save humanity.
Reception and Awards:
Upon its release, "2012" received mixed reviews from critics. While many praised its visual effects and action sequences, others criticized its thin plot and character development. However, the audience reception was generally positive, with many enjoying the adrenaline-pumping sequences and the film's grand scale.
At the box office, "2012" was a massive success, grossing over $769 million worldwide. The film was nominated for multiple awards, primarily for its visual effects, and won the Satellite Award for Best Visual Effects.
Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes:
- The idea for "2012" was inspired by Roland Emmerich's interest in the ancient Mayan calendar, which ends in the year 2012, leading to various doomsday theories.
- The visual effects team used over half a million data files to create the destruction sequence of Los Angeles.
- Woody Harrelson's character, Charlie Frost, was not in the original script. He was added later to provide exposition about the Mayan prophecy.
- The film's promotional campaign included a faux documentary titled "2012: Science Behind the Destruction," which explored the scientific theories presented in the movie.