2012 Cinema Review

Buckle up for a seat of your pants CGI ride in this frenetic end of the world disaster movie.

The end is nigh after an American government scientific advisor discovers rapid apocalyptic changes to the environment. A secret project in China has been developed for just such a doomsday scenario with state of the art ships designed to withstand and protect the lucky few from annihilation. Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) is on a supposed break with his kids when he runs into hippie screwball Charlie Frost (Woody Harrelson) who tries to warn him. When Curtis finds out that Frost was not just another crazy he begins an epic battle to save his ex-wife and kids from the impending disaster. On his quest he hooks up with his Russian billionaire employer and a random Tibetan family.

Just like huge CGI spectaculars like the Transformers franchise this is pure unadulterated escapism of the no brain required variety. It really is a fun visual extravaganza which is worth catching on a big screen to get the full roller coast effect. The CGI effects are amazing and will leave you on the edge of your seat and breathless at times.

OK plot wise there will be collective sighs at some of the sickly mushy emotional interludes designed to pull at the heart strings but probably better suited for passing of sick bags. The interactions between the President (Danny Glover) his daughter Laura (Thandie Newton) and the Government advisor (Chiwetel Ejiofor) are particularly nauseating. There also could have been a little more humour infused into the whole thing.

Silly but enjoyable and entertaining escapism.