Pacific Rim (2013)
Directed by: Guillermo Del Toro
Written by: Guillermo del Toro, Travis Beacham
Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Ron Perlman
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5guMumPFBag[/youtube]
Running Time: 131 minutes
Certification: 12A
Reviewer: David Gillespie – HCF Official Artist
Why go to the cinema to watch a film about big monsters fighting huge robots if you’re going to complain about its plot holes and lack of character development? Del Toro’s big stupid smack down is nothing short of a visual feast to the eyes with a kaleidoscope of colours and pretty effects to keep you thrilled throughout. This is everything that Michael Bay’s Transformer franchise should have been. There are no moronic Witwicky family members to eat up running time in this ripping yarn, just forgettable soap actors and the brilliant Ron Perlman, who is involved in one of the most hilarious screen deaths (or is he?) in recent years.
The plot, or lack of it, introduces gargantuan creatures erupting from the earth’s core to destroy man. Our response to this beastly threat is to make huge, war droids called Jaegers to destroy them and the rather moronic strategy of building a big wall for them to walk around. The balance begins to lean towards the monsters as they become more developed, larger and their numbers increase. The future of the human race seems to be in the hands of washed up pilot (Charlie Hunnam), a troubled rookie (Rinko Kikuchi) and young scientist (Charlie Day). When the latter taps into one of the monster’s minds he discovers a way of destroying the enemy once and for all.
Films like Pacific Rim were made for Blu-ray. The colours, textures and sound effects compliment the medium beautifully. It seems so odd that Gravity (impressive as it was) would scoop the Visual Effects gong at the Oscars and Pacific Rim should not merit inclusion? Try watching the big carnage showdown in Tokyo and not being in awe of the spectacle. It is the battle scenes that the audience are here to see and they don’t disappoint. We have giant robots inflicting all forms of punishment on the HP Lovecraft inspired monstrosities with laser cannon, jet propelled punches and swords being used in a variety of inventive ways. One brilliant battle sequence involves a jaeger using a handy oil tanker as a ramming club. If this does not sound like something that will tickle your fancy then this is not the film for you.
Pacific Rim was last year’s pick of the blockbusters for me. Sometimes all you need is a helping of big dumb entertainment and Del Toro’s monster/ robot mash is a pleasure to the senses. This is a ‘no brainer’ to purchase on the blu-ray format as it was made for it. If you want a second opinion on how impressive it is then checks out Dr Lenera’s wonderful review.
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