2012: Science or Superstition

While the masses discussed the feared meltdown and possible apocalypse at the turn of the millennium, the real experts already knew the big date would be almost 13 years later on December 21, 2012, the end date of the Mayan Long Count Calendar. Like many ancient cultures, the Mayans were sophisticated astronomers who built their knowledge of the stars over many generations, and 2012: Science or Superstition uses science to show the accuracy of their calendar and the very real possibility of the importance of that date, citing the lining up of the planets and the move into the Age of Aquarius as proof. With the sides firmly drawn between those who believe December 21, 2012 will be the end of the world and those who believe it will bring a rebirth of consciousness, the documentary is sadly short on any dissenting voices from those who believe that date will have no significant effect whatsoever. Still, experts like international best-selling author Graham Hancock, conspiracy author Jim Marrs and leading authority of the "Symbolist" School of Egyptology John Anthony West, among others, offer rather interesting scientific theories to validate their individual stances on what many might consider nothing more than superstition. Especially intriguing is the theorizing over the slow change that occurs in the positioning of the stars, which Walter Cruttenden posits is caused by the repeating cycle of our sun in a binary orbit lasting 24,000 years versus the more widely believed theory of the Earth as a wobbly planet. Whether the date of the apocalypse, a rebirth or nothing at all, 2012 serves as a great jumping-off point for discussion on this fascinating topic, which has been extensively covered in print, as long as you can get past the cheap computer graphics and numerous talking head interviews that result in all of the lustre of a made-for-TV doc. Bonus features include a tour of Palenque, a classic period Mayan city and Terence McKenna's analysis of Time Wave Zero.