Dr. Adrian Helmsley, part of a worldwide geophysical team investigating the effect on the earth of radiation from unprecedented solar storms, learns that the earth's core is heating up. He warns U.S. President Thomas Wilson that the crust of the earth is becoming unstable and that without proper preparations for saving a fraction of the world's population, the entire race is doomed. Meanwhile, writer Jackson Curtis stumbles on the same information. While the world's leaders race to build "arks" to escape the impending cataclysm, Curtis struggles to find a way to save his family. Meanwhile, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes of unprecedented strength wreak havoc around the world.
Even though this movie's running time of two and a half hours is about one hour too long, there's still some pretty cool disaster stuff on the way.
– A.O. Scott,
At the Movies,
16 Nov 2009
rotten:
The worst sins of dialogue are visited upon the wonderfully soulful Chiwetel Ejiofor, who has to remind creepy government types that those massive high-tech arks are for all of us, not just the rich and powerful.
– Joshua Rothkopf,
Time Out New York,
18 Nov 2009
fresh:
2012 is reminiscent of yesteryear '80s shlock-tastic blockbusters -- total popcorn entertainment with ridiculous dialogue and impossible situations and special effects that will boggle the brain for a good two-plus hours.
– Sara Vilkomerson,
New York Observer,
7 Dec 2009
fresh:
2012 is the rare case of a bad film that I'm nevertheless obliged to recommend you see.
– Laremy Legel,
Film.com,
6 May 2011
fresh:
Cusack, with his one-of-the-guys face and his nice way with child actors, does creditable work as an Average American Dad trying to put things right.