2012 movie review essay

The late, great planet Earth: A thoroughly destroyable show

John Cusack gets an aerial tour of the apocalypse in "2012."

It's not so much that the Earth is destroyed, but that it's done so thoroughly. "2012," the mother of all disaster movies (and the father, and the extended family) spends half an hour on ominous set-up scenes (scientists warn, strange events occur, prophets rant and of course a family is introduced) and then unleashes two hours of cataclysmic special events hammering the Earth relentlessly.

This is fun. "2012" delivers what it promises, and since no sentient being will buy a ticket expecting anything else, it will be, for its audiences, one of the most satisfactory films of the year. It even has real actors in it. Like all the best disaster movies, it's funniest at its most hysterical. You think you've seen end-of-the-world movies? This one ends the world, stomps on it, grinds it up and spits it out.

It also continues a recent trend toward the wholesale destruction of famous monuments. Roland Emmerich , the director and co-writer, has been vandalizing monuments for years, as in " Independence Day ," "The Day After Tomorrow" and " Godzilla ." I still hold a grudge against him for that one because he provided New York with a Mayor Ebert and didn't have Godzilla step on me and then squish me.

In all disaster movies, landmarks fall like dominos. The Empire State Building is made of rubber. The Golden Gate Bridge collapses like clockwork. Big Ben ticks his last. The Eiffel Tower? Quel dommage!

Memo to anyone on the National Mall: When the Earth's crust is shifting, don't stand within range of the Washington Monument. Chicago is often spared; we aren't as iconic as Manhattan. There's little in Los Angeles distinctive enough to be destroyed, but it all goes, anyway.

Emmerich thinks on a big scale. Yes, he destroys regular stuff. It will come as little surprise (because at this writing the film's trailer on YouTube alone had more than 7,591,413 views) that the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy rides a tsunami onto the White House. When St. Peter's Basilica is destroyed, Leonardo's God and Adam are split apart just where their fingers touch (the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel having been moved into St. Peter's for the occasion). Then when Emmerich gets warmed up, the globe's tectonic plates shift thousands of miles, water covers the planet, and a giraffe walks aboard an ark.

Also on board are the humans chosen to survive, including all the characters who have not already been crushed, drowned or fallen into great crevices opening up in the Earth. These include the heroic Jackson Curtis ( John Cusack ) and his estranged wife, Kate ( Amanda Peet ); President Wilson ( Danny Glover ), his chief science adviser, Adrian Helmsley ( Chiwetel Ejiofor ), and his chief of staff, Carl Anheuser ( Oliver Platt ).

Many gigantic arks have been secretly constructed inside the Himalayas by the Chinese, funded by a global consortium, and they're the only chance of the human race surviving. Along with the animals on board, there's the maybe well-named Noah (Liam James). In theory, ark ticketholders represent a cross-section of the globe, chosen democratically. In practice, Carl Anheuser pulls strings to benefit the rich and connected, and wants to strand desperate poor people on the dock. I'm thinking, Emmerich often has a twist when he names villains, like Mayor Ebert from "Godzilla." So how did this villain get his name? What does "Anheuser" make you think of?

Such questions pale by comparison with more alarming events. The tectonic plates shift so violently scientists can almost see them on Google Earth. This havoc requires stupendous special effects. Emmerich's budget was $250 million, and "2012" may contain more f/x in total running time than any other film. They're impressive. Not always convincing, because how can the flooding of the Himalayas be made convincing? And Emmerich gives us time to regard the effects and appreciate them, even savor them, unlike the ADD generation and its quick-cutting Bay-cams.

Emmmerich also constructs dramatic real-scale illusions, as when an earthquake fissure splits a grocery store in half. Cusack is the hero in an elaborate sequence involving his desperate attempts to unblock a jammed hydraulic lift that threatens to sink the ark. He does a lot of heroic stuff in this film, especially for a novelist, like leaping a van over a yawning chasm and riding a small plane through roiling clouds of earthquake dust.

The bottom line is: The movie gives you your money's worth. Is it a masterpiece? No. Is it one of the year's best? No. Does Emmerich hammer it together with his elbows from parts obtained from the Used Disaster Movie Store? Yes. But is it about as good as a movie in this genre can be? Yes. No doubt it will inflame fears about our demise on Dec. 21, 2012. I'm worried, too. I expect that to be even worse than Y2K.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

• Amanda Peet as Kate Curtis
• Danny Glover as President
• Oliver Platt as Carl Anheuser
• Woody Harrelson as Charlie
• John Cusack as Jackson Curtis
• Chiwetel Ejiofor as Adrian Helmsley
• Thandie Newton as Laura Wilson
• Harald Kloser
• Roland Emmerich

Directed by

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2012′ by Roland Emmerich Film Analysis

One of the reasons why, along with representing an aesthetic value, some movies can also be considered as such that represent an unmistakably philosophical one, is that it is in the cinematography’s very nature to reflect what happened to be the essence of the affiliated socio-cultural discourse. That is, while exposed to a particular film, viewers are usually able to identify the nature of the featured characters’ unconscious anxieties – hence, gaining an in-depth insight into the socio-cultural discourse in question. In this paper, I will explore the validity of the above-stated, in regards to the 2009 film 2012, directed by Roland Emmerich, while promoting the idea that the concerned movie may well be referred to as yet another indication that, as time goes on, Americans grow increasingly effeminate/degenerative.

Following the film’s plot does not represent a particular challenge. In essence, this plot revolves around the effects of the ‘end of the world’ on humanity. More specifically, Emmerich’s movie focuses on the fate of the main characters of Jackson Curtis and his ex-wife Kate. The film’s secondary characters, which nevertheless play an important role, within the context of how 2012 conveys its message of the ‘humanity’s overhaul,’ are Dr. Gordon Silberman (Kate’s boyfriend), Charlie Frost (a supposedly crazed conspiracy-theorist) and Yuri Karpov (a Russian-born billionaire).

One of the film’s most peculiar aspects is the fact that, as it was mentioned in the Introduction, it describes the American society as such that is becoming increasingly estranged from the rationale-based masculine virtues, which in the past made it possible for the affiliated citizens to ensure the U.S. undisputed dominance in the world. The validity of this suggestion can be well illustrated about the character of Jackson.

Even though, as the film implies, Jackson is a well-known scientist, he nevertheless prefers to make a living by being a limousine-driver. Moreover, he even appears to be proud of the situation. This, of course, can be well interpreted as the director’s subtle hint at the fact that the very realities of a post-industrial living in America naturally predispose the society’s most valuable members to experience a hard time, while trying to ‘fit’ in the highly hedonistic American society (Choi and Berger 316).

The director’s hint, in this respect, correlates perfectly well with the empirical observation that it is specifically those Americans who lead the essentially parasitic lifestyles (such as movie-celebrities, for example), who define the manner of how this society functions. It is understood, of course, that this state of affairs could hardly be considered beneficial to the continual well-being of America – hence, the clearly defined apocalyptic undertones to the scenes of this country being destroyed by the forces of nature, as seen in the movie.

The film’s other character, which can be well deemed an embodiment of the earlier mentioned process of American men growing increasingly feminized, is Dr. Gordon Silberman, who works as a plastic surgeon. As can be seen in the movie, Gordon is a rather well-off individual, which explains why Kate decided to stick with him. It is specifically the character’s ability to help the LA-based socially parasitic celebrities to get rid of the excessive amounts of fat, and not his ability to contribute to the society’s well-being in the meaningful way, which allowed him to become a financially secure/socially dominant citizen.

Having been unconsciously aware of the sheer unnaturalness of this situation, Gordon strived to affiliate himself with the virtues of manliness. For example, he succeeded in acquiring a pilot-license. However, there is the undeniable spirit of artificialness to Gordon’s ‘machismos’ – throughout the film’s entirety; he never ceases positioning himself as an effeminate ‘geek,’ utterly incapable of ensuring his physical survival on its own. Enough, apart from being driven by the desire to prove to the world his ‘manliness,’

Gordon did not have a clue as to why he needed to learn how to fly, in the first place. Thus, the character of Dr. Gordon Silberman can be well-referred to as an epitome of what is wrong with today’s America – namely, the fact that, as time goes on, more and more Americans are becoming increasingly deprived of those psychological qualities that allowed their ancestors to ensure America’s greatness.

The legitimacy of essentially the same idea Emmerich explores, in regards to the character of Yuri Karpov. While exposed to this character initially, viewers cannot help developing a strong antipathy towards him. After all, Yuri is being represented as a money-greedy and self-indulgent individual, who would not move a finger to help anyone who happened to be in need. However, as the film’s plot unravels, people start to think of Yuri in rather positive terms – all due to the character’s clearly defined existential vitality. Having been a person who the least deserves to be described as an intellectual sophisticate one; he nevertheless was able to prove himself thoroughly capable of acting sober-mindedly in time of a worldwide crisis. Partially, this can be explained by the particulars of the character’s ethnocultural affiliation. As a native-born Russian, Yuri has not been strongly affected by the anxieties of decadence – something quite uncommon among native-born Americans (Lipovetsky 68).

The film’s irony is concerned with the fact that, despite exhibiting the psychological traits of a mentally inadequate person, it is specifically the character of Charlie Frost, who radiates the aura of positivity more than anyone else does. Having been smart enough to uncover the government’s conspiracy to keep the majority of citizens arrogant, as to the nearing end of the world, he was much too idealistically minded not to consider sharing the concerned insights with the rest of Americans. Therefore, there is nothing incidental about Charlie’s image of a ‘psycho.’ In the film, he symbolizes the anxiety of purification through death and destruction, experienced by many effeminate American males on an unconscious level – the sensation that they nevertheless strive to suppress consciously.

To confirm the soundness of this specific suggestion, one would not have to go far – the sheer popularity of the film 2012 is nothing the consequence of this movie having been packed with the scenes of death and destruction. As such, this popularity implies that the ‘instinct of death’ (Georgescu 135) is growing ever-stronger in American moviegoers – just as was the case with decadent Romans (during the Roman Empire’s decline), whose main priority in life used to be enjoying the bloody spectacle of gladiators killing each other at the Coliseum (Thompson 28).

I believe that the earlier deployed line of argumentation, concerned with the idea that the film 2012 contains several clues, as to what can be considered the main causes of America’s geopolitical weakening, is fully consistent with the paper’s initial thesis.

Works Cited

2012 . Dir. Ronald Emmerich. Perf. John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet. Columbia Pictures, 2009. DVD.

Choi, Chong and Ron Berger. “Ethics of Celebrities and Their Increasing Influence in 21st Century Society.” Journal of Business Ethics 91.3 (2010): 313-318. Print.

Georgescu, Matei. “The Duality between Life and Death Instincts in Freud.”  Contemporary Readings in Law & Social Justice 3.1 (2011): 134-139. Print.

Lipovetsky, Mark. “New Russians as a Cultural Myth.” Russian Review 62.1 (2003): 54-71. Print.

Thompson, Leonard. “The Martyrdom of Polycarp: Death in the Roman Games.”  The Journal of Religion 82.1 (2002): 27-52. Print.

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‘2012’: film review.

If you rolled every disaster movie into one spectacular package, you would wind up with something close to "2012," Roland Emmerich's latest apocalyptic fantasy.

By Stephen Farber

Stephen Farber

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If you rolled every disaster movie into one spectacular package, you would wind up with something close to “ 2012 ,” Roland Emmerich’s latest apocalyptic fantasy.

This time Emmerich and co-writer Harald Kloser use the Mayan calendar and other end-of-days prophecies for their doomsday scenario, which imagines the world coming to an end in 2012. Eye-popping special effects ensure that this movie will be a smash hit, and while it’s entertaining for most of its excessive running time, the cheesy script fails to live up to the grandeur of the physical production.

Stitching together highlights from “Earthquake,” “The Poseidon Adventure,” “Volcano,” and even “Titanic,” the movie follows the fate of a dozen characters as they fall victim to a series of calamities brought on by some kind of solar meltdown. The issue is not so much what caused the cataclysm but how humanity will respond to the crisis. A venal presidential adviser (Oliver Platt) has the task of handpicking the people who will be allowed to board the atomic-age equivalent of Noah’s ark. So the film aims to ask profound questions about how we choose the people worth saving. But profundity is not the director’s strong suit.

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Luckily, Emmerich’s movies — which include the disaster flicks “Independence Day” and “The Day After Tomorrow” — never take themselves too seriously, so it’s easy to enjoy the often laughable dialogue without balking. Credibility takes a flyer near the start, when an amateur pilot (Tom McCarthy) is able to steer a small plane through all kinds of fireballs and find his way to a tiny landing strip in Yellowstone National Park. You know the major characters aboard the airplane (John Cusack and Amanda Peet) aren’t going to meet a fiery death this early in the movie, so you tolerate the ludicrous plot device.

Every disaster movie derives its suspense from trying to guess which of the characters will survive and which will expire. One of the disappointments of “2012” is how predictable the crash-and-burn list turns out to be. As in many of these epics, the characters who have committed some kind of extramarital transgression are the ones marked for death. Cecil B. DeMille would have been pleased.

Technically, Emmerich and his crew bring off a series of wonders. The movie hits its peak early on, when Cusack drives a limo through the streets of Los Angeles as freeways and skyscrapers crumble all around him from the shock of a 10.5 earthquake. The preposterous flying sequence is equally thrilling. The climax occurs aboard the giant ark, when an equipment malfunction almost threatens the entire mission. Unfortunately, this crucial sequence is not filmed or edited with the requisite clarity. Say what you will about “Titanic,” but James Cameron did a brilliant job of photographing the spectacular shipwreck so that the logistics were always crystal clear. In “2012,” by contrast, Emmerich leaves us befuddled as to exactly what is happening to whom.

On the other hand, Emmerich deserves credit for offbeat casting. Cusack supplies his trademark hangdog charm, and McCarthy (recently better known as the director of “The Station Agent” and “The Visitor”) has perhaps his best role ever as Peet’s cocky but likable boyfriend. Danny Glover lends dignity to the role of the tormented president. (The role originally was written for a woman, until Hillary Clinton’s star began to fade during the 2008 primaries.) Chiwetel Ejiofor, as the chief scientist advising the world leaders, brings a moving sense of anguish to a stock role. Platt has fun playing the villain of the piece, and Woody Harrelson also chews the scenery as a bug-eyed radio prophet trying to warn his listeners about Armageddon. Peet’s role as Cusack’s ex-wife is drab, and Thandie Newton as the president’s daughter has to struggle with some ponderous dialogue. But then disaster movies never have been kind to their female characters.

Cinematography, production design and visual effects are awards-worthy. Music also propels the movie, with “American Idol” runner-up Adam Lambert providing a rousing anthem over the end credits.

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“2012” by Roland Emmerich Report (Assessment)

Introduction, descriptive criticism, interpretive criticism, evaluative criticism, works cited.

The movie 2012 is a sci-fi science fiction disaster film released on 11 th November 2009. Its filming began in August 2008 in Vancouver and its DVD and Blu-ray are due for release on March 2010. It was to be released on July 2009 but the date had to be changed to November 2009 because the movie director anticipated that the global financial crisis would have subsided by then, prompting an increasing number of individuals to watch the movie. On 13 th November 2009 the movie was released in Sweden, UK, Canada, Mexico, India, United Arab Emirates, and the U.S, among other countries. In these countries, most cinemas set their screening time to 2012 hours (24 hour clock) to coincide with the film’s title.

The movie characters are evading a series of disastrous incidences as they struggle to reach the Himalayas. Here, the government had prepared ships for purposes of saving the lives of its citizens following the crustal displacement they had experienced. This particular part of the film coincides with the Mesoamerican long count calendar which portrays a ‘doomsday’ in December 21 st 2012. The film has gained a lot of popularity both negative and positive. Negative for its lack of realism and positive in that it is a real thriller, entertaining and will have you glued to the screen to its end to know the fate of the actors. This paper seeks to discuss the movie in detail, its plot, meaning, relevance and quality.

The film is directed by Roland Emmerich who together with Harald Kloser wrote the script. Columbia pictures are the movie’s distributors. It consist twenty four active actors prominent among them being John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Thandie Newton and Woody Harrelson. Its music has twenty four sound tracks with songs like ‘fades like a photograph’ by Filter and ‘it aint the end of the world’ by George Segal and Blu Mankuma. The movie starts in India where Dr. Satnam a geologist realizes the earth’s temperature is rapidly increasing as a result of microwave radiation. He tells his American colleague Adrian Helmsley who consequently inform the white house of the possibility of catastrophobic natural disasters. This result in a series of meetings with diplomats and a plan to save humanity is conceived, with secret construction of ships in the Himalayas. The ships are to be preserved for heads of governments though tickets are sold out to the private sector as well to raise funds for the project. Jackson Curtis, a writer and part time limousine driver for a Russian billionaire learns about Mayans predicting that the world would come to an end in 2012 from Charlie a conspiracy theorist while Jackson is camping with his children. Charlie also has a map for the secret project. Jackson’s suspicion makes him rent a plane to flee his family as cracks have just started in Los Angeles. They retrieve Charlie’s map after he dies in the eruption and joins another group with Jackson’s boss and his sons in Las Vegas where they head for China. At the same time, Air Force One is also headed for China with Adrian, the president’s daughter, and other dignitaries. The president chooses to remain behind and die with his people. More people die due to the ensuing earthquakes while Jackson’s plane crash just after entering China. Chinese army refuses to take Jackson and his family because they do not have tickets to the arks but a Buddhist monk rescues them. They finally board the ark whose engines are rendered inactive because one of the drivers is lodged between gears and the gates cannot close. Jackson and his son save the driver and the ark does not collide with Mt. Everest as expected. After the tsunami subsides, the ark resumes its sailing. It is headed towards Cape of Good Hope. Here, Jackson, a divorcee, enjoys a reunion with his family. On the other hand, Adrian is lucky to befriend Laura, the president’s daughter with whom they start a relationship.

2012 is a reminder of our duty to taking care of the earth. The tsunamis are as a result human activities, which causes abnormal solar flares which come with radioactivity and consequent heating of the earth’s core. The film also depicts human values like selflessness, admirable is the president’s and Adrian’s cause of staying with his people and admitting everyone in the ark despite disapproval respectively. Jackson and his son save the driver too. Loyalty is depicted by Jackson and the Russian billionaire to their families. Selfishness is punished with death for the billionaire who does not make it to the ark.

The movie’s graphics are at their best, the storyline balanced to give room for relaxation after traumatic events have occurred. However, some portions lack authenticity and are too ideal, like ability to fly after one lesson in pilot school! Sounds ridiculous, and it is also disappointing to think the world is ending, not many people want to imagine so (Dargis 81).

I would watch this movie again. Anyone with a liking for science fiction would refer to this as a classic disaster film. It is an awakening of things we have no control over.

Dargis, Manohla. “When the world hangs in the balance, a reliable calendar is needed”. The New York Times. 2009. Web.

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Once in a while, you’ll be asked to do a movie review essay. This task is a great training tool for enhancing critical thinking skills. Essays on movie review aim at presenting a film from the most important scenes, special effects, to exciting moments and may be accompanied by criticism. From an advertising perspective, such a paper is aimed at convincing readers to watch the movie in question. Your writing should let a reader draw a conclusion, i.e, whether the film is worth their time or if they should try something else. Most importantly, your opinion must be independent and accurate. But how can you create a perfect introduction if you don’t have the experience in this type of writing? Relax. A good online writer can do it for you. If you have an idea but need some guidance, simply ask for a professional outline or use evaluation essay examples for students for more insights.

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Movie reviews serve as invaluable tools for both avid moviegoers seeking recommendations and filmmakers eager for critical feedback. Crafting an informative and engaging movie review demands a delicate balance of captivating storytelling, insightful analysis, and thoughtful critique. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential elements of writing a movie review, accompanied by illustrative examples to elucidate each point. If you’re looking for examples of such reviews, you can find them here or here .

A Comprehensive Guide to Movie Review with Illustrative Examples

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The introduction serves as the gateway to your review, setting the stage for what follows. Begin by offering a brief summary of the film’s plot, genre, and overarching themes. Additionally, mention any critical acclaim or noteworthy accolades the film has received. Here’s an example:

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“In the cinematic tour de force ‘Parasite,’ praised director Bong Joon-ho intricately explores the complexities of class division and societal commentary within contemporary South Korea. Winner of the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Film Festival in Cannes, ‘Parasite’ has captivated audiences and critics alike with its bold narrative and stellar performances.”

• Analysis: Delving Deep into the Film’s Components

The analysis section forms the core of your review, where you dissect various elements of the film, including direction, acting, cinematography, and narrative structure. Provide specific examples to support your observations and offer insights into what makes the film compelling or lacking. Here’s an example:

“Bong Joon-ho’s directorial prowess in ‘Parasite’ is nothing short of extraordinary. His adept synthesis of dark humor and suspense creates a palpable tension that keeps viewers enraptured from start to finish. Moreover, the film’s masterful use of symbolism, such as the recurring motif of staircases symbolizing social hierarchy, adds layers of depth and nuance to the narrative.”

• Evaluation: Offering Your Overall Assessment

After thoroughly analyzing the film’s components, it’s time to offer your overall evaluation. Reflect on whether the film succeeded in achieving its objectives and whether it warrants recommendation to others. Be honest and balanced in your assessment. Here’s an example:

“In summation, ‘Parasite’ stands as a cinematic masterpiece, seamlessly blending elements of thriller, drama, and dark comedy to deliver a thought-provoking and immersive viewing experience. While some may find the film’s narrative twists disconcerting, others will appreciate its audacity and originality. ‘Parasite’ is a must-watch for cinephiles seeking a captivating and socially relevant cinematic pilgrimage.”

• Conclusion: Wrapping Up Your Thoughts

The conclusion serves as the final impression you leave with your readers. Summarize your main points and offer a closing thought or reflection to leave a lasting impact. Here’s an example:

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“‘Parasite’ transcends cultural and genre boundaries to emerge as a cinematic triumph that echoes long after the credits roll. The directors’ visionary storytelling and the stellar performances of the ensemble cast elevate ‘Parasite’ to a level of cinematic excellence seldom seen. As the film confronts societal norms and delves into the complexities of human nature, viewers are left pondering the enduring ramifications of inequality and the pursuit of the ‘American Dream.’ ‘Parasite’ is more than a film; it’s a cinematic experience that demands to be savored and contemplated.”

Additional Tips for Writing a Movie Review

• Maintain Objectivity: While expressing your opinion, strive to remain objective and avoid personal biases.
• Provide Context: Consider the film’s cultural, historical, and social context when evaluating its significance.
• Use Descriptive Language: Engage readers with vivid descriptions and imagery to bring your review to life.
• Support Your Claims: Back up your analysis and evaluation with evidence from the film, such as dialogue, visuals, and thematic elements.

By following these guidelines and incorporating illustrative examples, you can craft reviews that inform, entertain, and inspire readers while paying homage to the artistry of cinema.

Don’t miss your favorite movie moments because you have to pee or need a snack. Use the RunPee app ( Android or iPhone ) when you go to the movies. We have Peetimes for all wide release films every week, including Red One, Venom: The Last Ride , Transformers One, The Wild Robot and coming soon  Wicked, Gladiator II, Moana 2  and many others. We have literally thousands of Peetimes—from classic movies through today’s blockbusters. You can also keep up with movie news and reviews on our blog, or by following us on Twitter @RunPee . If there’s a new film out there, we’ve got your bladder covered.

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How to Write a Movie Review Essay: Tips, Outline & Example

Writing a movie review essay is a great way to share your take on a film but it goes beyond simply summarizing the plot. Here are the steps involved in creating a thoughtful review:

• Watch the movie carefully.
• Look up details about the director, cast, and any historical or cultural context.
• Provide a short summary to give readers a sense of the story.
• Discuss the acting, direction, soundtrack, etc.
• Share your perspective.
• Conclude and give a recommendation.

Our article review writing service is here to guide you through each of these steps and offer you a good movie review essay sample to help you present a fair critique. And if you need further guidance, EssayHub is always available to assist with any type of schoolwork!

What Is a Movie Review Essay?

A movie review essay is a critical evaluation of a film that offers insights into its various elements. This type of essay goes beyond simply summarizing the plot; it analyzes aspects like acting, direction, cinematography, writing, and overall impact. Essentially, a movie review essay aims to inform the audience about the film and provide a thoughtful critique.

In this essay, the writer typically begins with a brief summary of the film, including key details such as the title, director, cast, and genre. Following the summary, the writer evaluates the movie by discussing its strengths and weaknesses. This includes examining character development, thematic depth, and how well the film achieves its intended purpose.

The goal is to help readers decide whether they should watch the film or not. A well-crafted essay blends personal opinion with objective analysis, making it informative and engaging for the audience. In addition to being insightful, a movie review can encourage discussion and reflection about the film’s broader themes and messages, making it a valuable addition to film criticism.

Purpose of Movie Review Essay

The purpose of a movie review essay extends beyond simply sharing an opinion. By critically analyzing a film, the writer not only refines their own understanding but also provides valuable insights for others. Here are some key purposes of a movie review essay:

• Informs : It provides essential information about the film, including plot details, themes, and character arcs, helping readers understand the context.
• Critiques : The review evaluates the film's strengths and weaknesses, guiding readers in their viewing choices.
• Engages : It fosters discussion by presenting unique perspectives and interpretations, inviting readers to think critically about the film.
• Educates : The essay enhances viewers’ appreciation of cinematic techniques and storytelling methods, deepening their understanding of film as an art form.
• Encourages Exploration : It motivates readers to explore similar films or genres based on the reviewer's recommendations.

How to Write a Movie Review Essay?

Here are the essential steps to guide you through writing a movie review essay:

• Take note of key scenes and characters.
• Learn about the director, cast, and any relevant historical or cultural context.
• Give a short overview of the plot without revealing spoilers.
• Analyze aspects like acting, direction, and soundtrack.
• Express what you liked or disliked about the film.
• Summarize your thoughts and advise whether others should watch it.

Essay Movie Review Introduction

The introduction of your movie review essay outline sets the stage for your readers. Start by briefly stating the title of the film, the director, and any relevant details about the genre or release year. This helps provide context. Next, give a short summary of the film’s premise without revealing major plot twists. This should be concise, just enough to inform the reader about what to expect.

Additionally, consider mentioning your initial impressions or what you were anticipating from the film. This helps engage the reader and sets the tone for your review. Finally, end your introduction with a clear thesis statement that reflects your overall perspective on the film. This will guide the rest of your review and prepare the audience for your analysis.

Essay Movie Review Analysis

In the analysis section, start with acting . Here, you should assess the performances of the main actors and supporting cast. 

• Were they believable in their roles? 
• Did their chemistry contribute to the film’s emotional weight? 

For instance, if a film features a complex relationship, analyze how well the actors portrayed that dynamic. Use specific scenes as examples to illustrate your points.

Next, turn your attention to direction . The director plays a crucial role in shaping a film's vision. Discuss how their style influences the storytelling. 

• Did the director’s choices enhance the film’s mood? 
• For example, was there effective use of close-ups to capture emotional moments? 

Consider how pacing affects the overall experience, too. A well-paced film keeps viewers engaged, while a slow one might lose their interest.

Then, focus on the cinematography . This involves the visual aspects of the film, including camera angles, lighting, and composition. 

• How do these elements contribute to the story? 
• For example, did the cinematographer use light and shadow to create tension? 
• Or perhaps the vibrant colors helped establish a certain mood? 

Provide examples that highlight these techniques and their impact on the viewer's experience.

Don’t overlook the soundtrack and sound design . Music can elevate a film, setting the tone and enhancing emotions. Discuss whether the score complemented the narrative. 

• Did it build suspense during intense scenes? 
• Were there moments when silence was more impactful? 

Sound design also matters—think about how background noise or sound effects added to the atmosphere.

Throughout your analysis, be sure to weave in your personal perspective . Your unique insights are what make your review engaging. Share what resonated with you and why. 

• Did a particular scene move you?
• Was there a moment that felt clichéd or out of place? 

Use specific examples from the film to support your views, creating a rich and detailed picture for your readers.

Essay Movie Review Conclusion

The conclusion wraps up your review and reinforces your overall thoughts. Start by summarizing the key points you discussed in your analysis. This helps reinforce your arguments and reminds the reader of your perspective.

Next, provide a final assessment of the film. Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not? This is your opportunity to summarize the film's strengths and weaknesses in a few sentences.

Conclude with a thought-provoking statement or a question that leaves the reader contemplating the film’s themes or messages. A strong conclusion not only ties your review together but also encourages the audience to reflect on their own viewing experience.

To learn about writing a book review essay , see our dedicated article.

Movie Review Essay Example

In this section, we'll look at a movie review essay example to illustrate how to effectively analyze and critique a film. We’ll focus on a less commonly discussed film, The Farewell, which provides a rich narrative and cultural context for review.

Don’t miss out on our article review example in a separate blog post. 

5 Helpful Tips for Writing Movie Review Essays

Knowing how to write a movie review essay can be rewarding, but having some guiding tips can make the process smoother:

• Be Honest, but Fair : When expressing your opinion, aim for honesty while also being respectful. It’s okay to dislike a film, but try to back up your criticism with valid reasons. Avoid personal attacks on the filmmakers or actors; instead, focus on what didn't work for you and why.
• Keep It Concise : Readers appreciate reviews that get to the point. Aim for clarity and brevity in your writing. Stick to the essential details that convey your thoughts effectively. A concise review allows readers to quickly grasp your perspective without wading through unnecessary fluff.
• Use Specific Examples : To support your analysis, provide specific examples from the film. Whether you’re discussing a particular scene, a character’s development, or a striking visual, referencing moments in the film strengthens your argument and helps readers understand your points better.
• Avoid Spoilers : While it’s important to discuss key elements, be cautious not to reveal major plot twists or endings. Many readers may not have seen the film yet, so keep your review engaging without giving away surprises. You can hint at themes or character arcs without ruining the experience for potential viewers.
• Revise and Edit : After writing your review, take the time to revise and edit it. Look for areas where you can improve clarity or strengthen your arguments. A fresh set of eyes on your work—yours, a friend’s, or a peer’s—can help catch errors or unclear phrasing that you might have missed initially.

Here’s a quick recap of the essential steps involved in writing a movie review essay:

• Watch the movie attentively.
• Research details about the director, cast, and context.
• Provide a brief summary of the plot.
• Analyze elements like acting, direction, and soundtrack.
• Share your personal perspective.
• Conclude with your recommendation.

For additional assistance, consider using paper writing service EssayHub that can help with any type of essay, ensuring your writing is clear, engaging, and well-structured!

How Long Should a Movie Review Essay Be?

How to write a movie review essay example, how to start a movie review essay.

Ryan Acton is an essay-writing expert with a Ph.D. in Sociology, specializing in sociological research and historical analysis. By partnering with EssayHub, he provides comprehensive support to students, helping them craft well-informed essays across a variety of topics.

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How to Write a Movie Review Essay: Guide and illustrations

Are you experiencing some difficulties writing a film critique? More importantly, do you know what it takes to write a film or movie review essay that will convince your professor to give you the grade that you deserve? Many students are required in high school or college courses that require them to analyze film as an art form.

A student should know how they feel about the film by writing an engaging opening paragraph with strong opinions on the topic at hand as well as making connections between their life experiences and what was shown in the film. This blog post will provide some helpful tips on how to write a good review on Movies.

Movie Review Definition

What is movie review? A movie or film review essay is a form of literary criticism in which a writer analyzes the film’s production elements, genre and style, thematic content, and social or political implications. A well-written movie review essay may be used as an example of a persuasive text to convince readers that they should see the movie for themselves.

Steps of Writing a Movie Review

• Outline your thoughts on paper before starting typing them up onto the keyboard (this gives you time to think about what points you want to make)
• Start with an introduction paragraph where you state who this film targets and why would someone want to watch it.
• Think about what you want your readers to take away from the review and how they can apply that knowledge when watching this film for themselves (you may not know until you have watched it completely).
• Draw comparisons between films, actors or actresses, directors etc. so that your essay has substance and doesn’t seem like a one dimensional opinion piece;
• End with an ending paragraph where you summarize all of the points in your review by saying whether or not people should see it. Give some parting words too if there are interesting facts which came up during filming but didn’t make into the final cut of the movie.

At this point, the thing to keep in mind when writing a film review is that you need to have an opinion. There will be people who disagree with your rating and some may even find it offensive, but they are entitled to their own opinion as well! If after watching this movie you were bored or didn’t like it at all, say so confidently! Be convincing by explaining why you liked/didn’t like something about the movie and get others thinking about what worked for them too.

Examples of Film/Movie Reviews and Sample Outline

Title of Film Review Essay example: “A Quiet Place”

Introduction sentence that gives the reader a short synopsis which will entice them to want to read further into your review. In this case, it is giving the summary and what you thought about the film in regards to how it was executed.

“ A Quiet Place follows an unnamed family’s struggle for survival as they live life in silence while avoiding detection by mysterious creatures.”

Body sentences include thoughts on specific elements such as cinematography and acting performances with one main idea being explored at a time. The body paragraphs are broken up by subheadings (subheading titles) so that each point can be discussed individually without getting too wordy.

Conclusion sentence to summarize your thoughts on the film and whether or not you would recommend watching it.

“ A Quiet Place is a well-executed, suspenseful thriller that takes place in silence. It beautifully captures fear of everyday objects we usually take for granted.”

“ I would highly recommend seeing this movie as there are only two others like it out right now: “Get Out” and “Bird Box”. A Quiet Place uses sound brilliantly by being completely silent yet still having an intense soundtrack .”

Film Title “ There Will Be Blood “.

– Begin with an introduction sentence, which should be a summary of what can be expected from this review.

-“ This write-up will explore There Will Be Blood in detail: its themes and meaning as well as where it falls on the spectrum between artful cinema and exploitation .”

– The paragraph that follows should introduce each point presented in your outline by writing at least one sentence about the idea or theme before moving onto another topic.

-“ The first third of There Will Be Blood introduces Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day Lewis) talking to his son HWT Jr.; he tears up when speaking about how much he misses him because they’re apart so often. ”

“ The second third of the movie consists mainly of Plainview’s attempt to find oil and build a drilling company from scratch. ”

“ The final part, which covers only fifteen minutes as opposed to an hour and a half or so in total, is where he achieves this goal – but at what cost? ”

You may want to end your review with some concluding thoughts. Here you should summarize the paper by looking back on what was presented and/or adding any extra information that will help others who read it understand its message better.

-“ In short: ‘There Will Be Blood’ manages to be both entertaining for those seeking pure entertainment while also carrying a subtle brilliance beneath its surface if one cares enough about it.It might not be the most sophisticated of films, but it is full of human emotion and that might be its greatest strength. In the end, there may not be any more to this than a film about oil drilling. The movie’s finale leaves room for interpretation. It was good enough in my opinion. ”

You can also check other movie review essay sample for documentary on Beslan.

Get Help to Write Movie Review Essays

In this blog post, we’ve provided a review of what goes into writing an engaging movie review essay. We hope that our tips and examples can help you accomplish your goal- whether it be to write a high school or college level paper on film reviews or just for fun! If you need more help with any aspect of the essay process, let us know by contacting Essay-writing.com today. Our expert writers are waiting for your “ help me with my homework request ” – to take on your next assignment with enthusiasm and professionalism so that we can work together to create something amazing -all while meeting all deadlines set forth in advance. So go ahead, explore some new movies now and then get started on your first draft!

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The hidden symbolic meaning of the movie “2012”.

The disaster movie “2012” is about the near-total destruction of planet Earth in accordance with predictions made by Ancient Mayans, thousands of years ago. While most of the movie is centered around spectacular explosions and impressive special effects, “2012” also communicates messages and symbolism about the elite’s plans for a New World and the coming of the Age of Aquarius.

Warning: Major spoilers ahead

Released in 2009, Roland Emmerich’s film 2012 plays on the fears and panic engendered by the “OMG-the-Mayans-said-we’re-gonna-die-in-2012” scare. The movie’s apocalyptic scenario depicts in vivid detail people’s worst fears regarding 2012: The destruction of everything and the killing of everyone … well, almost everyone. While a good portion of the two-and-a-half hour movie is dedicated to CGI destruction, 2012 contains many Biblical, mythological and historical references that gives the story a deeper underlying meaning. Furthermore, a specific message can be understood by the way the crisis has been handled in the movie. It basically says: “If something happens, the rich and powerful will live and the rest of you suckers will die” .

In the article entitled ‘Contagion’ or How Disaster Movies “Educate” the Masses , we discussed how disaster movies are an important indoctrination tool that present and sell specific “political responses” to major crises. In 2012 , the political response to the mega-cataclysm that is threatening Earth is rather unsettling: The world elite learns about 2012 a few years in advance, secretly plans its own rescue mission (while keeping the masses in the dark) and leaves the world to die while creating a new world that is only populated by the elite. A few “regular” people do manage to infiltrate the elite’s ships. Apparently their survival, along with the world’s rich and powerful, constitutes a happy ending.

When I first finished watching the movie, I wasn’t exactly feeling happy having just paid a few bucks to basically watch a flick that predicts my death and the death of everyone I know while the elite embarks on giant ships to start a new world by themselves. It’s a little insulting.

Does the movie accurately predict what will happen on December 23rd, 2012? Probably (hopefully) not, but I do believe that the movie uses the 2012 scare tactic to communicate specific messages to the masses about the elite’s plans for a New World Order and the coming of the Age of Aquarius. Let’s look at the movie’s most symbolic scenes.

The Preparations

The movie takes place in 2009 and begins with a cosmic event that triggers the cataclysm: A planetary alignment.

The alignment of astronomical bodies causes a series of events that lead to the destruction of Earth. On an esoteric level, the alignment of astral bodies is representative of the dawning of a new era – what some may call the Age of Aquarius.

On Earth, a few scientists discover that massive solar flares are causing the planet’s core temperature to rise. Adrian Helmsley, an American geologist, realizes that the end of the world is rapidly approaching. He rushes to Washington D.C. to inform the highest level of power that action must be taken, but it turns out that the world’s ruling elite is not only well-aware of the coming disaster, but have been secretly working on a rescue plan for years. The elite are taking steps to preserve the lives of those that are deemed “worthy” and collecting the Earth’s most important artifacts to bring to the new world.

In this scene, the Mona Lisa at the Louvre is fake. The real painting will be brought into “post-apocalypse” world.

The only people that know about the 2012 rescue plan are the world’s most powerful people. Tickets were also sold to private individuals. The price? 1 billion Euros … per person. In other words, there is no way that a regular person would survive. And that’s all part of the plan.

Meanwhile, as usual, the masses are portrayed as a herd of idiots, prone to panic and violence.

As it is the case in most disaster movies, the masses are portrayed as a “bewildered herd” that cannot act civilized. While the elite is planning its secret escape from the 2012 cataclysm, the masses are shown rioting during a G8 Meeting. Seeing how people are portrayed to act in times of crisis, one might be inclined to think: Maybe the elite is doing the right thing by hiding the truth from the masses …

This massive conspiracy against the public is not an airtight secret. Some prominent figures discover the ugly truth and attempt to warn the public, but they are rapidly silenced.

When the director of the Louvre discovered the elite’s plans, he called a press conference to disclose the truth to the entire world. He then dies in a “mysterious” car accident, right before he makes his announcement.

There are interesting facts about the above car “accident” that killed the French museum director. First, it is clearly stated in the movie that the accident occurs in the Pont d’Alma tunnel … the same tunnel where Princess Diana lost her life in an odd car accident. In my article Princess Diana’s Death and Memorial: The Occult Meaning , I’ve explained the symbolic meaning of the Pont d’Alma tunnel and how the death of Lady Di had all of the markings of a ritual sacrifice. The death of the Museum director at the exact same spot might be the movie’s way of saying that his death was a ritual sacrifice by the elite. The movie might also be indirectly saying: “If the death of the Museum Director inside the Pont D’Alma tunnel was a murder disguised as an accident, what do you think happened to Lady Di?”.

It is later discovered that the museum director is not the only whistle-blower that has “mysteriously” lost his life. Many other people who had the public’s well-being in mind also died in strange circumstances during the elite’s secret preparations.

A conspiracy theorist dedicated an entire wall to news clippings of people who got killed by the elite.

All of the elite’s decision-making is done in secret and secluded meetings and involving only the world’s most powerful people.

Meanwhile, the public is restless, to the point that the London Olympics are suspended. Is the movie predicting events to come?

While all of this is happening, the Chinese government has been put in charge of building the gigantic boats named  “Arks” that would allow the elite to survive 2012.

Farewell Atlantis

The hero of the movie is Jackson Curtis, a regular divorced father, that discovers the truth and attempts to embark on one of the Arks in order to survive 2012.

Jackson Curtis and his kids are told by the US Army that they must leave the national park. They are not told why because the public is not allowed to know about the upcoming 2012 disaster.

Jackson Curtis is a not-too-successful writer of a book entitled Farewell Atlantis , which is very symbolic in the movie’s context. Atlantis is the name of a fabled continent that got submerged by a massive flood several millennia ago. Legend holds that the highly advanced civilization that flourished on that continent disappeared, but some survivors of Atlantis managed to sail to places like Egypt, America, and Asia, where they became great teachers to the natives. Atlantis is of a great importance in the occult elite’s Mysteries as it is believed that the continent actually existed and was the origin of the world’s occult knowledge. Atlanteans who sailed to far-away lands in order escape the Great Flood are considered the teachers of esoteric knowledge to the Ancient Egyptians, Mayans and possibly even the Celts. Mystery schools often state that the Biblical story of the Great Flood is, in fact, the story of the disappearance of Atlantis. They also claim that many other ancient cultures have similar stories within their folklore.

Today’s secret societies perceive and refer to America as the “New Atlantis”, a country that was founded on the principles of Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism, the supposed descendants of Atlantean Mysteries.

Francis Bacon’s 1605 book “New Atlantis” describes an ideal society where science and reason would rule, according to the principles of Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism. The book is said to be the blueprint of the founding of America. Bacon is known for writing “Knowledge is Power”, a famous phrase that has deep resonance in Rosicrucianism and that is prominently featured in the US Library of Congress.

While Sir Francis Bacon’s New Atlantis appeared to be foreshadowing the founding of America, Jackson Curtis’ novel Farewell Atlantis appears to be foreshadowing its destruction. The same way Atlantis was completely submerged by water, America, the home base today’s occult elite, will suffer a similar fate. The lucky few that will embark in a modern version of Noah’s Ark will be given the task to found a New World – and the movie subtly states which institutions will carry on and which will disappear.

The Disaster

As the film progresses, the Earth begins to heat up and fissures start to appear in Los Angeles. Although it is obvious that a major disaster is about to happen, mass media (which is in collusion with the elite, in the movie and in real life) downplays everything in order to keep the population calm and oblivious to the fact that the world is ending. The only non-elite guy that appears to know what’s going on is a nut-job conspiracy theorist living in the woods (apparently, according to Hollywood movies, truth seekers cannot be level-headed, rational people).

Charlie Frost is a near batcrap crazy conspiracy theorist that hosts a radio show and that runs a not-so-great-looking website. He actually knows the truth and he is right about everything, yet, in the end, he is still depicted as a complete nutjob. Knowing the truth is not “cool” in Hollywood movies.

Charlie Frost describes everything that is about to happen to Jackson Curtis and even provides him a map to the Arks.

The map to the Arks are conveniently placed in Charlie Frost’s “conspiracy files”, right next to his documents on Marilyn Monroe. A little wink to the ultimate mind-controlled Presidential slave?

As the world is crumbling apart, members of the elite receive an important and top-secret message on their mobile phones.

When things get serious, members of the elite are notified that it is time to embark on the Arks and to leave the rest of the world to die.

When hell breaks loose on  Earth, several important monuments are shown being destroyed. These scenes are not only spectacular to watch but they also represent the fall of important institutions as the world enters the Age of Aquarius. In one scene, the famous Brazilian monument “Christ the Redeemer” is shown falling down in a matter similar to the way statues of Saddam Hussein fell after the Gulf War.

Does this symbolize the fall of Christianity in the wake of a new era?

In another scene, St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, the “epicenter” of the Catholic faith, is shown crashing down on faithfuls and killing thousands of people who assembled to pray.

In this symbolic scene, a crack appears on Michelangelo’s iconic painting in the Sistine Chapel, right between the fingers of God and Adam – which can represent the break of the connection between humanity and the divine. Is the elite’s New World devoid of the touch of God?

Other religions are also shown being destroyed during the movie. According to an article in The Guardian , 2012 was supposed to contain a scene depicting the destruction of the Kabaa, the holiest site of the Muslim faith. However, the scene was axed for fear of backlash from Islamic groups. The elite’s new world is therefore not only devoid of Christianity but of all major religions – one of the goals of the New World Order.

2012 does not only show the destruction of religious monuments but also of political landmarks. These scenes symbolize the fall of regular nation states before the formation of a single world government.

The White House, a symbol of US power, is shown being hit by one of its own warships and taken away by a gigantic wave. In the elite’s new world, it is not about National powers and military might: It is about a single world government and a single military.

The American President addressing the Nation for the last time. The “leader of the free world” symbolically stays in Washington D.C. to die with regular people. In other words, the (supposedly) democratically elected representative of the people has no place in the elite’s new world government.

The Noah’s Ark of the Elite

Several of these gigantic Arks were secretly built in China.

While most of the world’s population is getting killed by floods and earthquakes, the “chosen ones” are taken to China to embark in gigantic Arks.

In this clear allusion to the Biblical story of Noah’s Ark, animals are shown carried to the ships by helicopter.

Entry to those Arks is far from fair and is reserved for those that are “one of them”. For example, the Indian scientist that discovered the coming of the 2012 cataclysm is left to die, while greedy Russian billionaires are granted access.

Of course, as a member of the world’s occult elite, the Queen of England and her dogs are granted access to the ships. Because her hat-wearing skills will be very useful to humanity in the future.

Seeing how many people were left to die, the scientist Adrian Helmsley makes an unavoidable speech about how us humans must stick together and whatnot. However, we don’t see him giving up his place for anyone and everyone still dies … except for the elite. So, despite the moralizing monologues about caring for each other, the elite’s plan carries on right on schedule and only those that were chosen to survive do.

After the disaster, humanity enters a new era and resets its calendar to year 0001. The previous calendar was based on the birth of Jesus Christ – which is esoterically associated with the Age of Pisces. The resetting of the calendar signifies that Christ’s era is over. It is the beginning of the Age of Aquarius.

At the end of the movie, the entire world is completely submerged by water, except for the African Continent. The Arks set sail to the cradle of Civilization to start anew in a place symbolically called “Cape Hope”. Is this a happy ending? Depends if you’re in the elite or part of the 99% of the rest of the world that died.

The Age of Aquarius

Esoteric schools teach that a “Great Solar Year” is the period of time during which the sun cycles through all of the zodiacal constellations, lasting about 25,000 years. Every 2,000 years (more or less) the sun enters a new zodiacal constellation and humanity, somewhat unconsciously, adopts symbolism that relates to that zodiacal sign. For nearly the past 2,000 years the sun was in the constellation of Pisces (represented by Two Fishes), meaning that we are in the Piscean Age. Oddly enough, Christianity has always been represented by the symbol of a fish (i.e. the Jesus Fish). Every 2,000 years, the sun migrates to the previous sign of the zodiac, which means that the world is set to enter to Age of Aquarius.

By showing the fall of Christian symbols and the emerging of a new world after a massive flood, the movie 2012 appears to be announcing the coming of the Aquarian Age.

The astrological sign of Aquarius consists of  a cup-bearer pouring water. In Greek mythology, the cup-bearer is said to be the cause of the Great Flood that probably caused the disappearance of Atlantis.

Since the symbol of the sign of Aquarius is a man pouring water and is methodologically associated with the legendary Great Flood, it is rather appropriate to depict the coming of the Aquarian Age with a flood that submerges New Atlantis, aka America.

In Conclusion

While 2012 is often described as a big orgy of explosions and special effects, the movie nevertheless contains plenty of messages and symbolic moments. Its references to historical, Biblical, mythological and esoteric concepts give the movie a deeper meaning, one that fits with the worldview of today’s occult elite. While the world will probably not crash and burn on December 23rd, 2012, the movie uses the scare relating to the Mayan Calendar to communicate its plans for the future: The fall of religions, dissolution of Nations and the glorification of a select elite on the backs of the clueless masses. Everything that happens in the movie is remarkably on-par with “ten commandments” found on the Georgia Guidestones (see the article Sinister Sites – The Georgia Guidestones ). Here are some of them: “Maintain humanity under 500,000,000 in perpetual balance with nature” , “Unite humanity with a living new language” and so forth. The way things go down is also reminiscent of the symbolic stories told on the prophetic murals found at the Denver International Airport and the murals at the Bank of America . Both of these pieces depict a period of great tribulation, destruction, and oppression that is followed by the founding of a new world based on the elite’s principles.

On a more esoteric level, the movie equates America with Atlantis, an advanced civilization that was destroyed by a great flood. The survivors of ancient Atlantis, who are said to be the originators of the occult lore of secret societies, went on to perpetuate their knowledge across the world.

And while solar flares are said to be the cause of the 2012 disaster, major floods are the actual cause of the Earth’s destruction. Through this symbolism, the movie appears to announce the end of the Age of Pisces and the coming of the Age of Aquarius.

There is therefore much more to 2012 than originally meets the eye. Unfortunately, as it is often the case in mass media, the messages being communicated are neither enlightening nor inspiring. Quite the contrary, the movie basically tells the story of a gigantic conspiracy against the public, complete with cover-ups and murders. In the end, the elite saves its own ass and leaves billions of people to die. To top it off, this conspiracy is presented as the only viable solution to such a crisis. Is the public being prepared for a major crisis that will be resolved with the heralding of a New World Order? As the movie’s promotional poster clearly states: “We Were Warned”.

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