2012: Science or Superstition

End-of-the-world prophecies declaring that 2012 will be mankind’s final stand are analyzed, dissected, pondered and (somewhat) debunked by numerous authors and academics in this thought-provoking documentary. Punctuated by Godfrey Reggio-like visuals, the film presents both sides of the issue, from talking heads who believe the prophecies of the Mayan calendar and other ancient sources predicting that the “end times” could indeed be nigh to those who dismiss the apocalyptic hype and favor an interpretation of the materials that predicts rebirth rather than apocalypse.

Shelf Talk: Apocalyptic scenarios are always in vogue, and 2012 taps into some groups’ fear that climate change is linked to more than human indifference to the environment. The film features the writers of various best-selling books about 2012 and nicely foreshadows the upcoming Roland Emmerich disaster picture titled, unsurprisingly, 2012.