2012 (PG-13, 2009)

common sense media says

Massive global destruction -- not for worriers.


parents & educators say
  • 56% say violence is an issue
  • 46% say language is an issue

What parents need to know

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. ...

Positive messages: Despite the relentlessly depressing, gruesome subject matter and millions (billions?) of deaths, the film's main point is that family is ultimately the most important thing in life. Several characters risk their lives or well-being for family members, and one character tries (tragically) to contact his family too late. Certain selfish characters are redeemed by saving family members, and the movie makes a point of mentioning that the most selfish character of all has no family. Aside from that, a few characters look beyond family to try to rescue total strangers as well.
Positive role models: The characters aren't very deep, but some of them still demonstrate marked heroism and selflessness. Hero Jackson Curtis previously ignored his family in favor of his career, but he returns to them during the disaster, learning how to connect with,  love, and forgive them. Later, he risks his life to save thousands of people. Other characters clash over methods by which to choose who's rescued, with some seeing only the bottom line, but others arguing that everyone has a right to live. The president shows heroism and self sacrifice.
Violence: Not much blood and gore (one character gets his leg gouged in a giant gear), but the massive destruction results in countless anonymous deaths. The movie does focus dramatically on certain known faces as they meet their terrible fates, but it rarely stops to linger on them. Two children watch as their father falls to his death and another character is ground up in some machinery. Smaller moments of hostility at a boxing match, and a character punches another character in the face. A mass suicide is mentioned on a news report.
Sex: One character is a plastic surgeon who does breast implants. He meets one of his patients, and they mention her surgery several times. Gordon and Kate briefly discuss "making a baby" of their own. Kate and Jackson kiss once, and there's a near-kiss between Adrien and the president's daughter.
Language: Fairly light use of strong language, although there's at least one "f--k," a few uses of "s--t," and other words like "damn," "ass," "hell," "goddamn," and "oh my God." One character flips another one off.
Consumerism: A wealthy character brags about his fancy new Bentley. Pull-Ups diapers are discussed and shown.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Two minor adult characters are shown drinking. One takes his first drink in 25 years when he discovers that the world is going to end.

More on 2012

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • 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?

What's the story?

What's the story?
When the sun suddenly begins bombarding Earth with a higher neutrino count, heating up the planet's core, it all-too-quickly leads to massive natural disasters -- from earthquakes to tsunamis -- and even shifting of the north and south poles. A secret project is underway in Tibet to build "arks" to rescue a certain number of people, but most of the seats have been reserved for the world's richest and most important people. While scientist Adrian Helmsley (Chiwetel Ejiofor) collects data and fights against greed and corruption, small-time Los Angeles author Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) tries to rescue his ex-wife (Amanda Peet) and their two kids, get them to Tibet, and secure them seats on one of the arks. But can he do this impossible task in time?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Disaster movies are usually very popular and have long managed to thrill plenty of people with their huge scale and awesome special effects. Since 2012 (which is tied to a much-debated Mayan prophecy that supposedly names that year as the one in which the world will end) is one of the biggest and most spectacular to date, it will no doubt follow suit -- and, in terms of visual effects and clear, exciting filmmaking, it is well done. And the impressive, appealing cast does its level best to read through the third-rate dialogue without too much eye-rolling.

But anyone looking for character depth, powerful emotional content, intelligence, poetic images, or personal expression of any kind is advised to look elsewhere. At best, it's a nearly three-hour film packed with several tons of clichés whose best features are explosions and general destruction. At worst, it's a gruesome, depressing subject as viewed from the seat of a passing roller coaster.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Columbia Tristar
Director: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Amanda Peet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Cusack
Genre: Science Fiction
Run time: 158 minutes
Theatrical release: November 13, 2009
DVD release: March 2, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: intense disaster sequences and some language.
Watch our review

This review was written by Jeffrey M. Anderson
 
 

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What parents & educators say

12
Based on 39 parent & educator reviews:
  • 56% say violence is an issue
  • 46% say language is an issue
  • 44% say there are positive role models
  • 28% say there are positive messages

Most useful reviews by all members

Phoeberainbow
kid, 13 years old
 
Don't see this movie!
i am already NOT a fan. my lttle brothers are scared, and oh? The mayans did not say the world would end, they said THEIR civilization would end. last time i checked, we are NOT all mayans!!!!!!!!!!! It is NOT WORTH my little brothers being scared!!!!!!!!!!!or anyone else.

Silbixia
teen, 17 years old
 
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.

A.lineup
teen, 15 years old
 
It's okay I didn't like it much.
This movie to me is basically showcasing explosions, stuff breaking, and well how the earth's destruction. I would recommend it to 11+ if they're not gullible and mature. It's kinda selfish because they only try to benefit themselves if you think about it. Like commonsense media said up there ^ it's very cliche. I don't believe in the Mayan calender thing. I got bored most of the time thinking this is so unrealistic. I always felt like the world is going to end because us, the human race did some thing to destroy earth. But of course, let's bring in explosions, stuff falling down on millions (billions?) of people who die, and a government that makes machines secretly so that way the more important people can live. It was strange to see the kids kinda unaffected by the pilot dead or the adventure they were having. Yea they were scared but to my opinion not too scared. If I was a little girl (the main character's daughter) I would be freaking right now, traumatized, shaking. All that stuff. If you really believe that Mayan junk or 2012, and are scared of it, forget it.(unless your immortal but I really doubt that) Someday you're going to die so live your life to the fullest. So on 12/22/12 I'm going to laugh at those people who thought the world was going to end. To wrap it all up, if you like fireworks, action then watch this. (even though unrealistic) It's not the greatest thriller, but it will past the time for some people.

kayleelyn
parent of and 3 , 6 , 11 , 13 year old
 
I had to explain to my 10 year old how every few years society comes up with another inevitable date, that history has somehow predicted, when the world would end. The trailers have her spooked, she worries that it is real. I don't need this for her....

CandiceTalks
teen, 14 years old
 
Amazing, yet sad and violent. Not for young, immature or weak-stomached viewers.
This was an amazing movie, the plot line, the special effects. I actually cried. It's also very creepy to think that it's 2012 so it gives you that "real" feeling. Violence - Not much blood or anything.. (one character gets his leg messed up in a huge gear). A lot of the main characters that you get to know die. Two young characters watch as their father falls to his death and another character is ground up in some machinery - yuck, not really anny blood or gore though. There's a boxing match..nothing really except punching. A really bad suicide is mentioned on the news. Sex - One character is a surgeon who does plastic surgery on breasts. He encounters one of his previous patients, and they discuss her surgery several times. Two characters mention making a baby together. Two characters kiss once, and there's an "almost kiss" between two other characters. Language - Rare use of strong language, although there's at least one "f--k," a few "s--t," and other words like "d-mn," "-ss," "h-ll," "godd-mn," and "oh my God." One character gives another a rude finger gesture. Drinking, smoking, drugs - There is some drinking to relieve the stress that it is the end of the world. Overall, it's a very sad movie, and there are a lot of deaths. It has a lot of heavy content so not for young or immature or weak-stomached viewers. Amazing film though!

 
a bit over the top (unrealistic) in many places but great thriller

MikaylaaMadisonn
teen, 16 years old
 
Great movie! Lots of action with a little love mixed in there. (:

UnforgettableM ...
teen, 14 years old
 
The movie overall is great. I wouldn't recommend people younger than 11watching it though because of bad language. It also is a tiny bit long and a bit scary at times. I think this review is right and seeing as it's a 12a (in the UK. it means you can watch it if you are 12 on your own, but any younger, watch with and adult) and hope that many others agree!!!

Conservmom
parent of and 5 , 8 , 11 year old
 
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)"

BlueBalloon
teen, 16 years old
 
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. :)

DarkStorm12
kid, 13 years old
 
A sci-fi thriller great for movie-goers
Even though violence is present throughout the "big event", it doesn't go into horrifying detail. Only in a few scenes you can see people die right in front of you, but other times the camera turns an angle away from it or an object gets in front of the scene just in time. I don't see much of a problem in this movie, because comparing it to "Knowing" this movie is not based on a total extermination on mankind. This movie is a bit selfish since people who actually got on the "arks" to stay away from the flood were wealthy men and women. A scene also shows a man abandon his older son (or relative of some sort) in a boxing match, but later on sacrifices himself to get his younger sons on an "ark" in the last fourth of the movie. Good comments about this movie is that the role model the main character takes is good, since he would do anything for his family to keep them safe. The CG special effects are the best I have seen in my life, so sci-fi fans will love this movie. If you have kids over 11 that don't worry about the chosen date for this movie (which is really close from today), this would be no problem for them.

corneater
parent of 12 year old
 
No questionable behavior but, unrealistic scenes
I didn't have any concerns about this movie. I was actually disappointed in a different sense. I went to the movie thinking that it would be more realistic and would grasp you from the moment u watched but, I was wrong. The main characters just so happen to miss an explosion, crash, any type of destruction just by a centimeter. I felt that it was a stupid plot and had nothing that I admired in it except the effects and a few of the actors did the best they could with their parts. For overall the movie was boring, pointless, unrealistic, but did have nice special effects and a few good acting moments. Not the best work stacked all together. The facts don't lie.

 
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

xPeacex95
teen, 16 years old
 
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.

Mafatu32
educator
 
Lenter Field Movie.
It does send a message that family is more important then your job, especially if your family is faced with death and your are there life line. I'd like to laugh in the face of any idiot that says 2012 is real. I know for a fact that some nut will use all them dying fish and birds as a message.

 
Terrible film and not really that violent.
I expected an ultimate disaster movie. Oh wow great. But I got a 3 hour long boredom marathon. Its not got any realism. Its the worst film I've watched for a while. The violence is moderate, there is some stupid falling to deaths and every day stuff. A man supposedly gets his leg gouged. But you will get so bored you won't see that stage anyway. The language isn't too bad with a few swears.

Soccer boy
teen, 15 years old
 
2012 looks AWSOME!
I cant wate to see this movie! I like Nastrodamus so much im doing a speech on his predictions!

Adept
teen, 16 years old
 
2012 (some spoilers...)
Another apacalyptic tale of "the end of all things." fun, right? oh goodness. This movie has some pretty stunning special effects, (we see San Francico heave up and into the sea, and yellowstone finally blows,) but the characters are painfully shallow. And, once again, the bad guys are the stereo typical capitalists who really don't have a problem with killing people. This movie was fun to watch (it's oddly entertaining to watch giant tsnamis rise up to mt. everest,) but the characters really don't have a lot going for them. It's fairly clear who needs to die, and who is going to live. While there are some touching scene amongst the side characters, the main characters really don't make you want to cheer for them. There is some bad language in here, (the f-word is used at least once,) and some violence. (if you think about how you're watching the death of entire cities, you start feeling pretty bad...) I was really disappointed when none of the characters pondered on how the Mayans had the whole end of the world thing figured out....(*sigh*) There's some really inappropriate talk between two characters, so I would definitely heed the rating. (PG-13.) This is an entertaining movie, but it's not that memorable or frightening.

ocie14
teen, 14 years old
 
eww
really bad movie, good special effects and stuff but really horribly violent and sad. i dont reccomend it at all. not for kids, maybe bored teenagers but the messages arent good. its all about one familys survival when what matters is the entire world. too sad and not even a good movie. please dont watch this, its boring and awful.

erraggarn98
kid, 13 years old
 
Great Movie
The Special Effects were outstanding! I wouldnt really let kids under 12 see it because they will probaly belive that doomsday WILL BE 2012. I mean it could be, but you dont want little kids scared about doomsday. I liked how they had the family together and it showed that even the worst of times when your with family your home.

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