It was an excellent movie, despite some disaster movies clichés. The destruction scenes are very real, which might be exciting for youngsters, but at the same time they may be a bit scary. The message is quite positive, since there's criticism over the fact that, in a major disaster situation, rich people would have higher chances of being saved.
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2012
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Massive global destruction -- not for worriers.
Themes in this movie include: family relationships
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13–15
The good stuff
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Role models:
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About 2012
Parents need to know that director Roland Emmerich's 2012 is an intense, violent disaster movie, with billions of anonymous characters getting killed during massive scenes of destruction (earthquakes, tsunamis, and more). Although the tone is mainly exciting, the relentless devastation could terrify or depress many viewers (both kids and grown-ups), especially those who've been through natural disasters themselves. In other words, this is no movie for kids anxious about the state of the world. Fans of the genre will find some of the effects truly impressive, but there's not much in the way of character or plot depth. Expect a little bit of kissing, drinking, and swearing (including "s--t"). All that and it's almost three hours long. ...
Read our full review by Jeffrey M. Anderson
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the movie's destruction and violence. Much of it is of a sci-fi/fantasy nature, but if you stop to think about it, the enormity and frequency of it can be overwhelming. Is this kind of violence more or less upsetting than gory horror movies?
- One of the movie's major themes is the importance of family. Does that come through amid the chaos and destruction? Did the movie make you feel closer to your own family?
- Why do you think the wealthiest and most important people were chosen for seats on the arks? Should other people have gotten a chance? What would have been a better way to go about the process?
- Do you think a disaster like this could occur? If so, is it better to try and prepare or better not to worry about something we can't control?
Our Members Say
See all 27 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Exciting, but maybe a bit scary
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Excellent kids movie
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Too much style, not enough substance.
This movie's realistic (visual-wise) depiction of humankind's destruction would be disturbing to young viewers. Although there are some positive messages to be gleaned, they would be lost on younger viewers overwhelmed by bombastic visuals and inane plotting/dialogue. As for adults, what passes for escapist fun is more a mindless waste! See a father and daughter review it together, on YouTube: "Gab and Dad review 2012".
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Non-stop action! Maybe too much for 10 and under.
In our household, we are all fans or R. Emmerich movies. Our kids don't seem to have a problem with intense scenes in his movies but the film does have more language than we would have liked. PG-13 rating is appropriate.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
IT WAS 1 OF THE BEST MOVIES EVER!!!!!!!!!!
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Great movie, really awesome!!
This movie is a really good disaster movie, if you're a fan of the genre, you do not want to miss this movie! This is a LOT better than Roland Emmerich's last movie, day after tomorrow. Although the movie is 3 hours long, you'll stay interested throughout the whole movie. If you worry that the theories of 2012 are true, you might not want to see this movie, but if you're not a believer, go experience the movie for yourself, it's really worth it!
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Excessive consumerism
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Great movie, but not for younger kids
I personally love disaster movies like this one, as long as they're well made; and believe me, this one is very well made. This movie is similar to The Day After Tomorrow, but on a much more massive scale (if you can imagine that). This could easily scare younger kids, so don't let your 7-year old watch it, but it's great for fans of events of epic proportions. LA is torn apart and basically turned upside-down, China and India are flooded by giant tsunamis (as well as DC in a scene involving the USS John Kennedy), and Yellowstone erupts (epically). Finally the movie is wrapped up with slight Christian overtones and everyone lives happily ever after. That is, the less than one billion people still alive. And this guys leg get torn off. Oh no. Besides the mass death and violence, there are strong family messages and good role models. So yeah.
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
The Movie Man on 2012
2012 is an action packed thriller that will have your heart pumping in suspense. This movie could be summed up into a lot of words like: Amazing Fantastic and spectacular This movie is great but it nearly scared me off my seat. If you have seen Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow and other Roland Emmerich films you will know how much action this movie holds but 2012 has ten times more violence. A lot of people die in this movie and a family cries seeing their home get destroyed. A couple kiss also. There is also drinking. And there is also a lot of language. Overall this movie is a must see for teens 14 and up.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
ok
this movie wasn't bad but it all was based apon the apoclipys so kids who are scared of it should'nt see it. otherwise everything else wasn't horrble. there were consitent deaths sadly, but you barley notice them. a little bit of bad language
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
ok
this movie wasn't bad but it all was based apon the apoclipys so kids who are scared of it should'nt see it. otherwise everything else wasn't horrble. there were consitent deaths sadly, but you barley notice them. a little bit of bad language
- I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
No Worriers!
I really liked this movie. They swore alot and there were alot of deaths. SPOILER The main characters do not die, which I appreciated. The best way to see this movie is by not taking it seriously! It is a tearjerker and I almost cried!
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Perfect for action lovers
My favorite movie in a while, worth watching, much better than any other disaster movie I've seen.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
The BEST movie I have ever seen in my life. I reccomend it to all who have previously known about the ending of the world. This movie really makes you think about your salvation and what is truly important.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
Should be allowed for 13+ year olds
Ok what I have to say about this movie. I have not seen it. My parents, due to Conservmoms review refuse to let me see it. First of all I want to be a director when I am older. So I know how everything works, I can't think of a single disaster movie with the point of the movie being that christains are backwards. First of all this would devistate movie profit, second of all its just a movie. The movie looks like another Roland Emmerich disaster flick, not a movie that suggests we should all go join a cult. If you want to see a movie just like this one, meaning bodies everywere and millions of deaths, try Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, or the second Terminator, they are all the same. This movie is age appropriate for your teenager.
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
pretty effing awsome
very good, intense, and very violent. it was 1 disaster to another. very gross, also main characters die, it's sad. also do not go if you beleive in 2012, firt your crazy, it wont happen but if you still think so it will scare you. i can see it is nightmare materal. awsome!!!
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
I LOVED this movie. You see how a family banned together in the worst. Yes, there is ALOT of vilance but you would guess that it would be because it is about the end of the world. what do you think? There is alot of deathes too. But I think it has a family that bands together in a good way. It is not for people that hate thinking about the word ending and it is not for small kids because they will get majorily scared.
- I rate this title off for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
AntiGod and Satanic Overtones Makes Film a Flop
The movie 2012 had at least 4 stanic overtones. Before going into those three things, I would like to comment on one of the trailers they showed before movie started. I can't remember the name of that movie trailer, but it was about insane people on an island that were ghosts or demons or something. I definitely could have lived without that 3 minute torture trying to scare me to death! It was horrific! On to the satanic overtones in the movie 2012. Danny Glover, President of America, while sitting at his desk in the oval office gave a sign with his right hand that is also known in the satanic movement as the symbol for the number 666. He did this for the number zero. It is when thumb and first finger is touching and three fingers are held in the air. Also, known as an "ok" symbol. By itself I wouldn't have thought much, but there is more. When Mr. President is saying his last Presidential address to country, he concludes in a prayer. He starts to recite Psalms 23, but power goes out after two lines. The lines are, "The Lord is my sheperd, I shall not want". Kind of like saying I don't want the Lord. Last satanic symbolism I found was when Woody Harrelson, crazy radio man, said that the end of the world would hit on December 21st...winter solstice. December 21st is the longest night in the whole year and is a satanic high day. Satanists around the world are performing occultic activities in honor of their god. Last but not least, the day of this movie's release is Friday the 13th. The satanic "Harvest Feast" runs from October 15th through November 15th. This is the time of the most celebration and activity for satanists. This whole movie criticizes religion of all types, christianity the most. A huge Jesus statue crumbles to pieces. We don't see the face of Jesus, only his back view. What does that say? Christians are following a backward religion. Vatican priests are killed by a massive earthquake and chapel falling on them. Faithful catholics who gather around are also destroyed. The earthquake starts to split the Sistine chapel. Slowly, a crack starts down the wall dividing the painting of Adam and God. The painting that is titled "The Creation of Adam" is split right where God's hand touches Adams hand. Is this symbolism for God leaving man?...Or God destroying what he once created? Either way it portrays God as not being there for his believers who are on their knees in a prayer vigil. The ark theme is similar to Noah's ark, but with a twist. Once again, I question the symbolism. I won't spoil the ending for those who haven't seen the movie and plan to go. I will say this, the true story of Noah's ark in the bible is a lot different from this movie. Google Genesis 7:15-24. This movie blasphemed God's name at least 5 or 6 times. It is definitely an anti-God film. Only the christians are killed in such horrific ways. I'm sure some amusement park could turn the turbo limo into a cool motion ride. Great special effects througout. If it wasn't for the cursing of God and Jesus throughout, the antiChrist theme, it would have been a better film. If you decide to go see this film, keep your eyes opened for the satanic symolisms. John Cusack was the man with the foul language. I liked the African-american male actor who played scientist. Him and Amanda Peet did a great acting job. Thanks, Conservmom "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2nd Peter 3:9)"
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
I loved this movie far more than I thought I would. I was expecting a dumb disaster flick; but what I got was the best disaster film since Armageddon. It was funny, deep, scary, and had absolutely top-notch special effects and disaster sequences! I loved it, and it certainly made up for 10,000 B.C. (the same director). PARENTS: This is an unbelievably, EXTREMELY intense film with multiple sad main character deaths and countless deaths of billions of anonymous citizens. Thanks for reading - Movie Man
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
must watch this grand film
I wud luv to watch it
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
I'll just say, even though we all know that the mayan prophecy is just a bundle of crap, this does look like an incredibly intense and epic movie. :)
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Ratings at a Glance
| 67% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 67% | of parents say it's too violent |
| 56% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 44% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
| 44% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
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