2012 Destroys Comic-Con
Roland Emmerich shows off his latest disaster epic.
by IGN Staff
Source: www.ign.com

July 25, 2009 - Columbia Pictures presented their upcoming disaster epic 2012 today at San Diego Comic-Con. The blockbuster's producer-director, Roland Emmerich, was on hand to talk up and present footage from the film, which stars John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Thandie Newton, with Danny Glover and Woody Harrelson. Beware of spoilers.

Centuries ago, the Mayans left us their calendar, with a clear end date and all that it implies. Since then, astrologists have discovered it, numerologists have found patterns that predict it, geologists say the earth is overdue for it, and even government scientists cannot deny the cataclysm of epic proportions that awaits the earth in 2012. A prophecy that began with the Mayans has now been well-chronicled, discussed, taken apart and examined. By 2012, we'll know – we were warned.

Cusack stars as Jackson Curtis, a writer whose devotion to his failed-but-possibly-brilliant novel broke up his marriage and left his family in flux. But Jackson remains a loyal dad and when the chips are down, he will prove he will do anything to save his family. Jackson's ex-wife, Kate (Peet), who maintains friendly contact with Jackson but has long tired of competing with his work for his attention. As the earth's plates start to shift – destroying L.A. in the process – Jackson and his family will begin a desperate journey by land and air to survive to see the new world.

Meanwhile, at the very highest reaches of the world's governments, there is a plan. They will not be able to save the entire human race, but they will be able to save some, and those will have the chance to begin society anew. President Thomas Wilson (Glover) is very quick to understand the crisis the world is about to face – and equally quick to prevent mass hysteria by keeping the information secret. The president's chief science advisor, Adrian Helmsley (Ejiofor), who has managed to decode the earth's messages and is determined to do what he can to help as many people as possible.

Carl Anheuser (Platt), the president's chief of staff, might be pompous and quick-tempered, but he is equally determined to see society – at least, those in society who can afford it – survive. The president's daughter, Laura (Newton), is shocked to find out what her father's government has hidden from the world. In fact, it seems that the only man outside the government with any clue as to what is about to happen is the radio host (and maybe prophet) Charlie Frost (Harrelson), who broadcasts his predictions to anyone who will listen.

Emmerich showed one extended sequence of the destruction of Los Angeles. Jackson, driving a limo, comes to get his ex-wife and daughter who initially don't believe him until, of course, the ground literally begins to fall from under them. Jackson drives like a madman as the City of Angels -- highways, office towers, the very ground itself -- goes to hell. Every L.A. landmark is obliterated as Jackson and his loved ones make their way to the Santa Monica airport and then attempt to fly out over the city through a maelstrom of debris and falling highways and buildings.

2012 opens November 13th.