Review: 2012

2012 poster

Make Way For The Mother of All Disaster Films!

2012 (PG-13)

Director: Roland Emmerich

Cast: John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt and Danny Glover

Genre: Disaster Film

Rating: **

One of the best scenes in the film is when a phenomenal earthquake rips off the City of Angels. In comparison to J.J. Abrahams’ Cloverfield where our fair lady, Liberty’s head is decapitated by the monster, the Statue of Jesus in Rio de Janeiro is destroyed by a known monster called Nature. Emmerich has waited long to bring this so-called epic disaster film. Well, I pronounce 2012 as the mother of all disaster films. I would be darned if he makes something more terrible.

2012 depicts the Rapture a.k.a Judgment Day a.k.a End of the World a.k.a Global Warming killed the world buddy. Emmerich has signed more than twenty three companies to add visual effects to the film. Hence, you find that 90% of the movie is shot in front of a green matte. Bear with me, the tsunami in 2012 is deadly that it can overturn an aircraft carrier onto the White House which kills the country’s black president. John Cusack’s stunts with the limousine are probably the best car stunts. 2012 has a $200 million budget which mainly comprises of the enormous visual effects used.

Woody Harrelson plays a psyched RJ who keeps informing the public of strange things happening in Yellowstone National Park. He manages to ward off Cusack by guiding him to China for safety. But, the problem is – how will Cusack make it to China from LA with his two kids, ex-wife and her husband. Strap on for an entertaining ride which takes you from halfway and keeps you geared to witty humor and swashbuckling visuals.

The twenty three companies which have worked on the film’s visual effects deserve applause. For without them, there’s no 2012. 2012 is catastrophe created through CGI. While Cusack, Amanda Peet and a handful of Russians struggle inside a battered airbus, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton and a rude Oliver Platt struggle for supremacy inside Air Force One.

There is enough disaster in the script to keep you plugged to the screen. The scenes involving the private jet and limousine offer a death leap. But, in the end, it’s Roland Emmerich who plays the death game as he kills each and every supporting character in the film allowing only the protagonist and his family to stay alive.

Watch 2012 and learn on how to survive Judgment Day. Firstly, you must be a failed novelist and must have two kids from your first marriage and a part-time job as a limousine driver. Secondly, your failed book must inspire this top end man in Science and Technology wing of the White House. Thirdly, there must be a Black President on board. If you do so, you can survive the apocalypse. If you don’t fulfill the three qualifications – ‘til death do we part?

2012 can be defined as a giant bag full of splendid visuals, tiny character timelines, insensible emotions and enough hero worship.

Review: Crash

 

Thought Provoking And Fascinating

Crash (R)

Director: Paul Haggis

Cast: Don Cheadle, Jennifer Esposito, Brendan Fraser, Sandra Bullock, Michael Pena, Ludacris, Terrence Howard, Thandie Newton, Matt Dillon, Bahar Soohmekh

Rating: ***

Yes, we’re talking about the winner of the 2005 Academy Award for the Best Picture. A film which stood out of all odds when gay film Brokeback Mountain was the most awaited winner. Paul Haggis has written, produced and directed this film which depicts LA in the shades of racism. Yes, racism has been a controversial subject in this age but kudos to Paul Haggis who has weaved a terrific story or should I say stories and made an impact.

As mentioned earlier, Haggis has weaved terrific stories which follow the lives of different people. . This film has got an ensemble cast. The first ones are Protagonist Don Cheadle and Jennifer Esposito. The pair portrays a detective couple and they investigate a crime scene which everyone else dubs it as ‘hate crime’. Cheadle finds out that this was really not hate crime but he has to agree to everything as his brother’s records in jail are in stake. Esposito as his supporting detective is offered a little space on the screen. Sadly, the actress is desperately looking for leading roles. The next two are Brendan Fraser and Sandra Bullock. Fraser plays the DA of LA. So, he’s got the power to do anything. Bullock appearing as his wife does wonders in her short-lived role. Next is Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges and Larenz Tate who play the nigger duo who carjack every expensive vehicle. They are fine actors. Then it’s the critical Matt Dillon and Ryan Phillipe. The cop duo portrays the most serious roles in the film. I was happy to see Matt Dillon in a fascinating role. Terrence Howard and Thandie Newton play a posh couple who are harassed by cop Dillon. The film mainly portrays their inter-racial marriage which may have been the cause for their molestation. Newton once again pulls off an amazing performance. Michael Pena plays an emotionally driven role of a locksmith who’s racially described a gangbanger. Shaun Tohb and Bahar Soomekh play a Persian father and daughter who get caught in between racist talks on people calling them Iraqis and Arabs. Probably one of the best outlived roles I must say.

Hence, Crash is full of racism and multi-ethnicity. The film is supported by ravaging editing by Hughes Winborne, subtle and soothing music by Mark Isham and a credulous direction by Paul Haggis. It is perhaps the most provocative and thrilling movie in recent times. Nail biting experiences are many in this film. It rightly deserves the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Racism can be taught through Crash. Another subject that Crash can teach the future is anti-racism. The film is a double-edged sword designed by Paul Haggis.