2012

In interviews Roland Emmerich comes across as a decent chap with a self depreciating sense of humour. He seems pretty aware that the majority of his output, though enjoyable in parts, is nonsense. So lets make one thing clear about 2012. It is total nonsense. So far, no surprise there then. What’s frustrating though is that Emmerich has no interest in addressing the same criticisms that permeate his previous efforts. 2012 is full of wooden acting, terrible dialogue and the worst kind of emotional cheese. That’s a pretty bad combination for a film that’s 158 minutes in length. If only Emmerich would tackle those problems instead of letting the film succeed or fail on the strength of the special effects and marketing alone. As for the effects, they are spectacular at times, but are oddly un-thrilling. It’s the end of the world, but you frankly don’t care. This just proves the major problem with CGI in modern movies. When there isn’t a single ounce of threat or apprehension in 158 minutes of a film you’re watching about death and destruction then there is a major problem somewhere. Of course, if you are going to show the end of the world in such a fashion, CGI is the only way it can be told. However, if all your movies got is a load of CGI and nothing else, then you’re never going to hold an audiences attention for one hour, let alone almost three. Of course, it’s not all bad. The ending is mildly thrilling for a while, and Chiwetel Ejiofor never gives a bad performance. Then again, he got paid for starring in this. You have to pay to see it. Something not quite right there.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
A film of eye-catching but unemotional special effects, littered with attritions dialogue. You’ll be entertained in parts, but this can easily be described as a disaster movie in both senses of the phrase. Rating: 4/10.