This is the way the world ends

Mon, Nov 16 2009 5:42 PM

Comments 6

This isn’t going to happen in 2012! Baseless theories, like a proposed planetary alignment on the scale of this photo illustration, have led many to fear the year 2012 needlessly. Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (NASA) photo

Rejoice, for the end is nigh. Not of the actual world, of course, but of 2012’s marketing campaign.

As you are no doubt aware, Roland Emmerich’s end-of-the-world epic, 2012, opened this weekend. As in Emmerich’s previous movies (Independence Day, Godzilla, The Day After Tomorrow), 2012 features mass destruction and plucky everyday people who become heroes. But, whereas the destruction was somewhat limited before — even the aliens focused on large cities — the entire world now lies on the chopping block.

Infinitely worse, though, pseudo-scientific ads and posters featuring a fictional (but very realistic) Institute for Human Continuity were part of the movie’s ad campaign, making people think the world really might end in 2012. And being in charge of correspondence here at Astronomy magazine, I bore the brunt of many letters asking about the supposed planetary alignment, or the phantom Planet X/Nibiru impact, or why we help NASA cover up the facts that point to planetary destruction. This meant the movie 2012 went from “seems dumb, but it might be fun to watch” to “I hate this movie” pretty quickly for me.

And apparently I’m not the only one. NASA set up a web page explaining, “Nothing bad will happen to the Earth in 2012.” While that sure is nice of them, isn’t it a little sad that NASA has to go on record and officially let people know these random Internet rumors and hoaxes aren’t true? Do people really need to be reminded that what happens in movies isn’t necessarily true?

So, basically I want to know: Did you see or do you plan on seeing 2012? Given my personal animosity, you may be able to predict my response, but the reviews aren’t making it sound that great either. One thing’s for sure, though. Once the movie’s been out a while, the ads will stop, and my life will get a lot easier. For about a year and a half, anyway.

NASA, solar system, life, planets, Bill Andrews

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Comments

tkerr

Mon, Nov 16 2009 7:21 PM

I don't plan on going to a theater to view this movie. I might however depending on the reviews I hear and read between now and the time it is released on DVD, I might decide to purchase and view it then.

As for this blog, NASA's web site, or any others debunking the idea that anything bad will happen, I seriously doubt any of that will sway the preconceived notions that something bad is going to happen for those who believe that it will. The matter that NASA represents the government of the United States might only feed the conspiracy theorists ideologies claiming government cover-up.
zachsdad

Mon, Nov 16 2009 7:27 PM

Don't get too comfortable, Bill, there are several other similar films planned for release in the near future, and, as we all know, since 2012 seems successful the copy-cats won't be far behind.

I do plan to take a look at it when it makes it to Netflix in a few months, but I won't waste my money -- my hearing -- to watch it in a theatre.

Get lots of rest, eat all the right things, because you are going to need your stamina.
dixonge

Mon, Nov 16 2009 7:42 PM

After perusing RottenTomatoes.com - I'll wait till the DVD - can't justify too many $$ on this kind of movie. My head wants to explode when the plot holes are larger than world-ending hurricanes like The Day After Tomorrow.
jeturcotte

Mon, Nov 16 2009 7:56 PM

I went to see the film this weekend, and don't regret it. Of course, I didn't have to suffer through what you did, and I came to the movie knowing full well that it would be full of terrible science. I think, having freed myself from that expectation, I was able to enjoy the movie.
Bill Andrews

Tue, Nov 17 2009 5:31 PM

I think jeturcotte has it down, that as long as you know what's coming and don't expect much more, it might be a fun movie to see. Like everyone else, even I might sit down at some point to see this on DVD (or even cable TV someday), but right now I'm just not up to it.

After all, as zachsdad says, I need to save my strength!
Starwolf

Wed, Nov 18 2009 3:22 PM

I can's wait to see what happens Dec. 22, 2012!!!! When ppl wake up and....evrything is the same. I think this movie will lose it's appeal shortly after 2012 comes and goes. (Much like "End of Days" with Arnold Schwarztnegger being set on December 31, 1999).

This is the way the world ends