Pacific Rim (2013)

This is what the Transformers film probably should have been like.

This is a tremendously fun homage to Japanese culture, primarily giant monster movies and anime, but there's homages to other monsters and genre luminaries as well.

Set in the near future, Earth is being devastated by giant monsters called Kaiju who emerge from an interdimensional portal located deep in the Pacific Ocean. After conventional warfare proves ineffective, the various nations of Earth unite to create giant robots called Jaegers to combat the beastly threat. The Jaegers are controlled simultaneously by two (or more) pilots who are connected by a neural bridge that forces them to share one another's thoughts and fears, forcing them to work together.

After a prologue that sets all this up, the film jumps ahead a few years near the end of the ongoing war. Things are taking a turn for the worse for the human forces, with the Kaiju attacks happening more frequently, and by stronger and stronger monsters each time. A washed up pilot is called out of retirement and is paired up with a strong but untested rookie to dust off a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger in a last ditch effort to win the war for good.

While there is some depth and substance going on here, namely with the idea of the neural link (referred to in the film as "drifting"), this film is, above all, supposed to be a fun, epic, popcorn sci-fi action romp in the truest sense of the word.

And it doesn't disappoint. The film is a wonderful homage to things past, and, while it does traffic in cliches and stock characters, there's just enough of a creative spin to keep things fresh and interesting, and help set this film up as both a tribute and it's own entry into the cannon of similar films.

Unlike many recent summer blockbuster films, this is not a pretentious, dour, work of art that probably takes itself a little too seriously. It's bright, colorful, creative, and a lot of fun. Sure, there are serious moments, and it kinda gets dark at times, but it's never heavy handed, nor is it too self aware either.

While watching this, I found myself either with a big dumb grin on my face, or had my jaw on the floor in awe of how awesome this spectacle was. It is a lot of fun, and the action and ideas are all executed marvelously. As I said, the film does traffic in cliches, but only a couple of times did I roll my eyes at them in a way which could be considered negative (mostly with the dopey science guys trying to be hip). Also, the subplot with the science geeks at first seemed to be unnecessary, but it eventually worked itself out and made it's point (and potential for sequels) known. So, I'll dock it a little bit for my initial reaction, but not too much sense it does come full circle. Also, I think they could have focused on/dealt with the "drifting" concept even more. I mean, they do deal with it, but I think they could have played around with it further, and really gave it more bearing on the actions of the pilots and whatnot.

I think that had there really not been any subplot or diversions the film may have been better, but at least the filmmakers had the good sense to keep this kind of thing under control, unlike Mr. Bay and HIS brand of giant robots.

While there is some depth, ideas, and mini character arcs and development, the main driving force is the action spectacle, and that's where this film truly shines. The action scenes are appropriately epic, generally coherent and easy to follow (for the most part), and really get the blood pumping with excitement and suspense.

The effects here are awesome, and I liked how a lot of this was a mix of CG and practical effects. Sometimes its hard to tell when what type of technique was being used, and that made me happy. The designs of the Kaiju and Jaegers are pretty neat, and I loved (in general) the bright and colorful art direction, set design, and visual scheme. This might be a fun film to watch while high.

The acting is slightly better than average for this type of film, and the roles were well cast. I liked Charlie Hunnam as the has-been seeking redemption, and he has pretty good chemistry with Rinko Kikuchi's rookie pilot. Idris Elba is fine as the gruff commander, and it made me happy to see Clifton Collins Jr. as a tech guy, as well as Charlie Day as one of the science nerds. Ron Perlman also shows up, and, while his character's inclusion isn't the most necessary, it's still fun to see him chew the scenery.

Moving at a brisk pace, and knowing exactly what type of movie it is and is trying to be, Pacific Rim is a bad ass thrill ride that I strongly recommend.