Opening this week are Roland Emmerich's new apocalyptic action flick "2012" with John Cusack; and Richard Curtis' comedy "Pirate Radio" with Bill Nighy, Nick Frost and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

2012 (with John Cusack, by Roland Emmerich)

Synopsis: The film focuses on a little group of people struggling with the large-scale cataclysm ensuing from the end of the world in 2012. As usual, Emmerich blows up the entire planet. Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Danny Glover and Amanda Peet co-star.

First thoughts: I usually enjoy Emmerich's films because they offer brainless entertainment, but his last effort "10,000 B.C." sucked. That said, early reviews for this one sound decent enough, and clips and trailers look rather spectacular as well. My excitement meter for this one: 7/10.

***

PIRATE RADIO (formerly 'The Boat That Rocked')

Synopsis: This is an ensemble comedy in which the romance takes place between the young people of the '60s and pop music. It's about a band of rogue DJs that captivated Britain, playing the music that defined a generation and standing up to a government that, incomprehensibly, preferred jazz.

First thoughts: I had the chance to see this film already, and although my review won't go up until Friday, here are some thoughts about it: the music and performances are great, and the film is certainly not boring, even though it really doesn't go anywhere in terms of story. It's a little thin for my taste, but amusing nonetheless.