Pacific Rim Review

Calling all moviegoers, sci-fi geeks, action hounds, and those who just enjoy a good fight- Pacific Rim is the movie to see!  This cleverly written futuristic alien invasion movie is like nothing you’ve seen or at least seen lately.

Starring Sons of Anarchy’s Charlie Hunnam as Raleigh Becket and Luther’s Idris Elba as Stacker Pentecost, the story begins on earth in the year 2020 when humongous alien life forms called Kaiju cross over into our world wreaking havoc in their wake.  Once humankind concludes these monsters will continue their deadly attacks they formed a new grade of weapon called jaegers to fight them.  I recognize the story has some similar elements of other action movies I’ve seen such as Avatar and Independence Day, however, Pacific Rim does stand on its own bringing more drama and first rate special effects.  The fight sequences were extraordinary, well timed, and expertly animated. 

The requisite love story told in every such apocalyptic thriller is freshly redone here told with an unexpected mix of intimacy and innocence.  Rinko Kikuchi, a relative newcomer to the American film scene, plays Mako Mori, a tough, yet vulnerable young woman with a passionate will to fight.  

Adding comedic quips, quick wit, and conflict- in that order- Charlie Day, from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Horrible Bosses fame, veteran actor, Ron Perlman, also from Sons of Anarchy and CBS’ drama series Beauty and the Beast, True Blood’s Robert Kazinsky and Revenge’s Max Martini round out this all-star cast.

Now just last night I was talking with a friend who had also seen this film and wanted to debate the lack of detail and complication in the secondary story line.  I would fervently disagree.  The main characters each had carefully unraveling back-stories that enhanced the film’s drama factor.  This movie presents the audience with something all great movies give- the opportunity to relate to the characters.  I was able to find parts of my own personality in at least three of the main characters and it truly made me appreciate this film even more.

So, if you are looking for a summer blockbuster that is original and well done- Pacific Rim is the way to go.  For the full experience, I highly recommend viewing in IMAX 3D.

Rating: 5/5