In one phrase 2012 is a visual delight. Ronald Emmerich once again proves his mettle dealing with a disaster-based film and successfully crafts a 150 minute-thriller, after Independence Day, Godzilla, and The Day After Tomorrow. He succeeds in binding the audience to their seats to a large extent before fading away towards the climax.

It's up to you to believe that the world will end in 2012, but Ronald introduces us to the devastation convincingly, of course in a breath-taking manner.

The director intelligently links the destruction to man-made mistakes and uses scientific terms such as earth displacement, neutrinos, and solar flares to describe the catastrophe rather than discussing the Mayan's theory.

The special effects team needs to be given a standing ovation. The destruction episodes, accompanied by a superb background score, are a treat to watch on the big screen. The first half has the best effects and some leave you awestruck. They continue to haunt even after leaving the auditorium.

As always, with an oft repeated theme - the US /world in danger and a family maneuvering itself through the menace - there are a few deja vu moments. Such films with a simple and straight storyline are like an acid test to a director. The movie carefully juxtaposes emotions and the devastation, but it drags towards the end making the whole show look silly and ridiculous.

However, it's the length of the movie that can stand between its box office success and super success.