’2012′ shakes to the core

According to the Mayan calendar, on Dec. 21, 2012, the world as we know it will fall to a series of natural disasters. Ronald Emmerich’s movie 2012 depicts these cataclysmic events.

The movie begins in 2009 when Adrian Helsmley (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a young scientist, predicts the disasters that will happen in 2012. He reports his findings to the President.

The movie then jumps to the year 2012 where we meet Jackson Curtis (John Cusack), an author and limousine driver. On a family camping trip to Yellowstone National Park, Curtis discovers that Yellowstone has been fenced off but he does not realize until later that it has been closed in anticipation of a catastrophe.

Curtis and his children leave, but not before they meet Charlie Frost (Woody Harrelson), a man who hosts a radio show about the Mayan’s predictions.

Frost tells Curtis about a number of indestructible ‘arks’ that are designed to save the heads of state and the powerful and rich who can afford the tickets. Curtis blows Frost off, believing he is crazy.

Once catastrophes begin with an earthquake in Los Angeles, Curtis realizes Frost’s theory is correct and he spends the rest of the movie trying to get his family on board.

Amanda Peet convincingly portrays Curtis’ ex-wife Kate, displaying the love and distress any mother should in this situation. Cusack’s depiction of the unlikely hero succeeds as well. However, the best performance came from Morgan Lily, who plays their daughter. She perfected the role of a terrified, confused six-year-old.

Like most action movies, 2012 features a predictable story line: the loser-turned-hero wins the girl and the glory, and they live happily ever after. However, the graphics play a major role in making this movie interesting.

Just the sights of St. Peter’s Basilica being destroyed and the Washington Monument collapsing are enough to horrify the audience. Along with the two giant tsunamis and numerous earthquakes, the destruction of famous structures all over the globe will really hook the viewer’s attention.

While the end of the world may not be coming in 2012, this movie is entertaining account of what could happen if the world really ended.