Daily Loaf

Walking out of 2012, the latest disaster epic by Independence Day directer Roland Emmerich, I couldn’t help but feel that the Hollywood Industrial Complex has painted itself into a corner. Make no mistake: 2012 is the disaster movie to end all disaster movies. In the film, almost all of Earth’s continents are destroyed by a combination of massive earthquakes, explosions and huge fireballs that can only be extinguished by massive tsunamis. Cars are flung around like confetti, skyscrapers crumble into dust, and famous landmarks are crushed beneath overturned aircraft carriers. Give credit to Emmerich and his special effects team; 2012 looks terrific. If all you’re looking for is some mindless, high-testosterone action on a Saturday night, I highly recommend this movie.

But for the non-adrenaline junkies in the audience, 2012 suffers from all the same flaws as most of the disaster genre: weak characterizations, preposterous plot and story, and a length (2 hours, 40 minutes) that makes the film ideal for screening on flights to Australia.

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For a big budget, Hollywood-style disaster film, 2012 probably wouldn’t come to mind as an “eco film” to most people. But not only does the movie serve as a message (or warning) of the effects of impending climate change, the director, Roland Emmerich, and producers took great strides to be as green as possible when making it.

Roland Emmerich, known for directing and producing other big budget disaster movies such as The Day After Tomorrow and Independence Day, has been living a green lifestyle himself – driving a Prius and using solar energy to power his home – and wanted to carry over some eco-friendly practices into his filmmaking. He stated to MNN at the Environmental Media Association Awards, “After making The Day After Tomorrow, I said to myself, ‘From now on my movies should have a green footprint’.”
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With history going on in D.C., the movie biz took time out from partying at Sundance to watch Obama’s inauguration speech. Speaking of Sundance, would you believe a documentary about Mike Tyson from director James Tolback was an early highlight of the festival? Only in America. As Nathan points out in the comments, I screwed this up and got an article from the Cannes film fest mixed in with my Sundance reading. I feel stupid and regret the error. This really ruins my use of that Tyson photo, huh?

Sony has decided to postpone the opening of 2012, the latest disaster mess from Independence Day director Roland Emmerich, from July 10 to Nov. 13. Sony claims the delay is due to an already rock-solid summer schedule, but I suspect there are problems with film that can’t be fixed by July …

Looking for previews? Read more of Reel Projections by clicking below…

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