2012 is a big production movie. While the Oscars this year may have gone to a much smaller film, 2012 is one of those films that you’d expect to see being mentioned for the sheer size of its budget.
2012 is being released on DVD and BluRay in UK and Ireland later this month, but I got my hands on a copy from the US yesterday.
Before I talk about the film, let’s have a very quick look at the bluray itself.
It is quite disappointing. The bluray comes with the now standard “digital copy” (does anyone actually use them?) and very little else. The “extras” are pathetic. There’s an “alternate ending”, which isn’t 100% finished, as you can see some of the CGI fillers. You’ll also find a commentary, but that’s about it. There’s no “making of” or anything on the visual effects. To be frank this annoyed me quite a bit, as I really wanted to know more about the visual effects and science they used in the film. Maybe it will turn up somewhere online, but do I have to “jump through hoops” to get this content? I’d have thought not.
So what about the film itself?
It is BIG.
It’s got a pretty big name cast (John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Danny Glover, Thandie Newton and Woody Harrelson) which is probably quite impressive in itself.
But what’s really big about it is the story and more importantly the special and visual effects.
If there was an award for most dramatic (and possibly over the top) scenes then 2012 would be a very strong contender.
The storyline is pretty simple and isn’t that different from previous “the end is nigh” type films. The notable difference this time round is that nobody is going to be drilling to the centre of the earth or going out in space to stop the comet / disaster / cause of destruction.
Is it entertaining?
Hell yes! I was completely riveted for the entire film.
Is it over the top?
Yes, but that’s no reason to knock it. I picked up the bluray of 2012 knowing it was going to be over the top. If it hadn’t been over the top I’d have been quite annoyed and disappointed.
Conclusion – see it. It’s great fun and the visual / special effects are amazing.
Word of warning though – some people might find another “end of the world” type tale to be quite depressing. I didn’t though!
I agree, it was very entertaining! I know a lot of critics hated it, but let’s face it, we go to the cinema to be entertained:) The visual effects were great and of course there’s John Cusack, lots to like!