I think the effects still hold up. I love this movie even though I recognize it's not a great film. I love a good disaster film. And then there is Emmy Rossum.

Same here. I like this movie. Mindless fun

After the very middle aged VP tells the very young US President that Los Angeles has been devastated by a series of tornados, I half expect the President to say, "Well, I guess there'll be no Oscars next year."
I must admit that as flawed as this, "2012" and other recent disaster movies are, I do feel like one of the old Muppet men jokingly criticizing everything with deadly wisecracks. They defy reality but are fun for what they are.
"Great theater makes you smile. Outstanding theater may make you weep."

I know a lot of people don't like this movie and that's fine. I enjoy it every time I watch it which is when I see it on cable and there is nothing else I like. Same story for Independence Day, The Godfather's, and Goodfellas! But what amazes me are people who hate it so much that they have to write long critiques of it to say anyone who likes it is so stupid and that's why bad movies are made instead of good ones. I'd love to know what he considers good movies but after laying it on thick about how dumb these people are I noticed how seeing the Empire State Building freeze and fall over was the last straw for him. I would have called him to mention that it was The Chrysler Building that froze! (Unless they both froze).
Anyway, i'll continue to watch reruns of movies that entertain me because that's why they are made!