Introduction： 2012 the movie

Released in 2009, 2012 is a disaster movie directed by Roland Emmerich, who is famous for his previous films, The Day After Tomorrow and Independence Day. As a science fiction blockbuster, 2012 tells the story of how the world faces a global crisis caused by a series of natural catastrophes due to the Earth's crust displacement.

The Plot of 2012

The film's plot revolves around protagonist Jackson Curtis (John Cusack), who works as a limousine driver and failed author. Jackson unexpectedly discovers an alarming book, written by a scientific researcher named Adrian Helmsley (Chiwetel Ejiofor), disclosing the inevitability of a catastrophic event in 2012. The event is caused by the enormous solar flare and shifts of the Earth's crust. He tries to convince his ex-wife, Kate (Amanda Peet), and their two children to leave Los Angeles before everything is too late. After a series of dangerous adventures and obstacles, they finally arrive at the safety spot at the highest point of the Himalayas while the rest of the world perished in vain.

The Special Effects and Criticisms

Even though 2012 didn't win any major awards, it managed to gain attention for its impressive visual effects and grand-scale destruction scenes, including the sink of California, shattering of the Vatican City, and the eruption of the Yellowstone volcanic eruption. Critics praised the special effects for the stunning and realistic disaster projections and the entertainment value of dramatic scenes. However, some critics criticized the film's storyline, which was considered too simple and predictable for a disaster movie.

Influence on Pop Culture

Although it has been over a decade since the release of 2012, its influence on pop culture remains. The term "2012 apocalypse" has become a cultural phenomenon and remained a topic for debates among scholars and enthusiasts. Several conspiracy theories were associated with the Mayan astronomical prophecy in 2012, which alleged the end of the world. Also, the craze of "prepping" for the apocalypse of 2012 inspired several similar end-of-the-world narratives and pop culture products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 2012 the movie was a thrilling disaster movie that manages to entertain and capture our imagination with its stunning visual effects. It tells a simple tale of human survival against a monumental disaster of epic proportions. Regardless of its perceived flaws, 2012 remains influential and unforgettable in popular culture and has left a lasting impact on the audience's imagination.