"2012" premieres in LA

Roland Emmerich pushes the special effects envelope in his latest epic doomsday film, "2012." The German born director was joined on the red carpet by stars John Cusack and Amanda Peet at the film's premiere Tuesday night in Los Angeles.

The film's plot blends the idea of the Mayan calendar, which predicts the world ending in 2012. Natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, typhoons and glaciers plague the planet.

A large cast of characters have to deal with the ensuing mayhem. Cusack plays a writer trying to save his family.

Actor John Cusack said, "Because, Roland Emmerich is the best in the world at this, Roland Emmerich the director. We knew going in that he was going to, you remember about 10 years ago when you saw "Terminator" or "Terminator 2," when you knew it was going to set a new standard in special effects. That's what he was going for, so we sort of knew he was going to blow people away."

While "2012" relies heavily on special effects, Emmerich credited the cast with making the film work.

Director Roland Emmerich said, "I think it is my favorite ensemble cast that I have ever had. I always say that. I am not trying to put down the other actors that I worked with, but with this everything worked and they all did and amazing job."

Emmerich's most recent disaster film, 2004's "The Day After Tomorrow," was a smash hit. It brought in more than 542 million at the world-wide box office. Hollywood is hoping for more of the same mayhem with "2012."