REVIEW: PACIFIC RIM

The Hollywood slate for summer films just heated up with the inclusion of a science-fiction film involving extensive visual effects. It is common for such type of films to be produced yearly by Hollywood. This time around, Warner Bros. in collaboration with Legendary Pictures (Nolan's Batman series, Superman Returns, Man of Steel, The Hangover film series), presents a futuristic take on how humans might battle aliens in Pacific Rim.

Pacific Rim is directed by Mexican director Guillermo Del Toro who directed Hellboy and Hellboy 2, and was nominated for Best Screenplay at the Academy Awards for Pan's Labyrinth (2006). The film is from an original concept written by Travis Beacham and Del Toro collaborated on the script. The film stars Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi (the first Japanese actress to be nominated for an Oscar in 50 years for the movie Babel in 2006), Charlie Day, Burn Gorman, and Ron Perlman (his 5th collaboration with Del Toro to date).

The fact that this was an original concept and not adapted from any previous material is impressive. Yes, it does have its influence in the Kaiju film genre which is popular in Japan, but nothing so massive has been visualized on screen before. Although Roland Emmerich's Godzilla (1998) did make it to Hollywood, that film was a box-office failure.

Before I begin my review, I will define two terms which will appear repeatedly. These terms are often mentioned in the film, so no spoiler here.

Kaiju: The word is a literal Japanese translation of 'strange beast'. Over the years, the word has developed into referencing monsters or giant monsters on film. The most famous Kaiju is Godzilla. For this film, the word becomes a character.

Jaeger: A gigantic robot in humanoid form which is powered by humans. The mechanism can only work if powered simultaneously by two pilots. For this film, the name is derived from its German developers.




SYNOPSIS:
Earth has been under attacked by aliens sporadically but humans have found a way to fight back. The Jaegers (robots) now defend Earth from Kaijus (aliens) which invades from under the sea. After several years, the Jaegers become less dependant and in danger of being terminated. However, those who believe in them takes one final stand to eliminate the Kaijus from the face of the Earth.

Raleigh Becket (Charlie Hunnam) and Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi) in a scene from the film.

SCRIPT:
An original concept storyline with a mediocre plot. Characterization was well done which seems to be difficult in science fiction films. Too many technical jargon but it doesn't confuse the audience too much. Some sub-plots were unnecessary. However, the combat and action sequence were written very well. Dialogue was not cheesy and corny. There are several underlying themes of teamwork and bravery which worked quite well.

Max Martini and Robert Kazinsky as a father and son team of one of the Jaegers

ACTING:
The lead roles are helmed by relative unknowns. Both performed okay. The main supporting cast of Idris Elba and Ron Perlman was a good inclusion to balance it out. To give the film a little comic relief, Charlie Day and Burn Gorman provided a welcome break from the tension.

Hunnam and Kinochi in one of the Jaegers

FILMING:
Kudos to director Guillermo Del Toro for taking what seems to be a weak script and make it a spectacle. The shots were very similar to what you would see in Japanese Kaiju films. At certain times, it felt like he was paying tribute to those films of yesteryears. The visual effects is done by powerhouse Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and the visual effects supervisor is also a powerhouse, John Knoll (the Star Wars prequels trilogy, the Pirates of the Caribbean film series). Knoll and his team brought the Jaegers and Kaijus to life with well designed effects and exciting sequences. Though most of the sequences are in the 'dark', I feel the effects were superb and very well made. There were some shots where I went "Wow!" together with the audience in the cinema I was in. Ramin Djawadi (Iron Man) brought the film to life with his awesome musical score.

Director Guillermo Del Toro giving directions to Idris Elba during filming

PACING:
Right from the beginning, a huge amount of backstory was explained. Good entry in the film so it doesn't feel boring. It does not feel draggy or slow, just the right pace. The film culminates excitingly though I felt there could be more of it.

TONE (MOOD):
Teamwork and adventure. Individuals come together to defend the future of Earth with a military 'feel' to it.

Rinko Kikuchi as the female lead Mako Mori

DOWNSIDE:
The strength of the script may be questionable but we can't expect so much from Hollywood summer films. Unknown leads might be unfamiliar territory to some.

UPSIDE:
The visual effects. If you are a visual effects junkie, this movie is for you.

One of the many Jaegers featured in the film

OVERALL:
A typical Hollywood 'popcorn' film but this is one of the best so far. The action scenes and visual effects are feast for the eyes. I didn't watch in 3D but I think it will look good in it. Wait for the mid-credits for an additional BONUS scene! Recommended for family.

RATING:
8 out of 10


NOTE: I have purposely not included movie stills of Jaegers and Kaijus fighting for I feel that it is best seen on film.