Provide a brief description of the film/program's story plot for our readers
2012 explores (or should I say exploits) the latest prophecies, rumors and anticipations surrounding the enigmatic year 2012. The movie clearly settles for a more apocalyptic scenario in which the Earth is in its final stage of life. Stripped of its life bearing qualities, we are led to follow a number of human lives as they struggle for their own and their family's survival.
What is your personal opinion of this film/program, as entertainment?
As entertainment, I was slightly disappointed in the movie as it had no premise, a weak script and cliche-like scenarios. The characters were under developed (lack of profundity, character insight...), their interactions were superficial and predictable. With this being said, the special effects, which are the drivers of this movie, were incredible. However, good effects with a mediocre script simply does not do it. However, just special effects will not do it for me.
What is your personal opinion of this film/program as a social and/or cultural message? Does it succeed or fail in this regard?
Clear-cut answer: it simply fails.
In my opinion there is nothing educational, insightful or 'enlightening' about the entire movie. The movie comes across more as a form of entertainment or as a video game than anything else.
The acting is a complete turnoff and the greed/human nature portrayed in the film a true downer.
Great disappointment on this front.
What impact do you feel the movie will likely have on the way people worldwide will perceive the Mayan Calendar?
Ultimately, not so much. Many of us are already familiar with the echoes of 2012 whether from the Bible or other sources such as Nostradamus, ancient prophecies and recently the many movies (based on such story lines), books etc.
Although the movie does mention Mayan civilization and the Calendar, I was personally more taken aback by the whole doomsday scenario which diverted much of my attention away from the "prophecies". On top of this, the movie wasn't great, taking away its credibility on whatever it had to say about the Mayan Calendar.
My more immediate concern, pointed out by the movie, is the lack of information, maybe "education"? out there to help us better understand the Calendar (or the little that we do know). The fact today that many people are worried about the world coming to an end (and make movies on such topics) underlines the lack of knowledge and understanding we have about the Calendar and its (potential/profound) meaning.
If you had the chance to remake this film/program, what would you do differently?
I'm not even going to go there :)
Would you recommend this film/program to your family, friends and colleagues? Why or why not?
What would you like to say to the film's director, and/or the production studio?
I am sorrowed by the fact that so much money has been put into this film and the only message that comes out of it is one of human greed, shallowness and despair.
I further encourage you to explore Mayan related material as there are facets that may quite enchant you.
("2012" only) Roland Emmerich is allegedly planning a television series "post 2012". What do you think of this idea?
Very bad. Considering we have not lived it.
