Rating of
2.5/4
Pacific Rim review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 07/17/13
Starts of strong then somewhat fizzles in the overextended fight sequences and albeit cheesy ending. A film which mostly combines elements of Tron, Transformers, Cloverfield, Godzilla and a souped up Real Steel. The movies focuses on the skilled pilot Raleigh Becket, talented rookie Mako Mori, and the kindhearted leader in Stacker Pentecost:
It had sufficient character build-up/development, relentless action mixed with drama about the apocalypse/father and son/dealing with the past, believable special effects (IMAX 3D enhances it and the balls moving after a Jaeger crashes into the building thrown by a Jaeger was a nice touch), onscreen chemistry with Hunnam and Kikuchi, Elba was impressive) good comic timing in a dire situation and a pumped-up soundtrack. It's minor weak-point was the lack of likable lead (Pentacost was more interesting than Becket obviously for his girth/empathy for the child who survived an onslaught/loosing a family), not so impressive dialogue, predictability and length for a simplistic plot. This critic however was impressed with its obvious themes of unity, working together, sacrifice for the greater good, trust, father image and respect for one another.
Overall, for action lovers this would suffice but be bored with too much story arch on each individual. For those who dig sentimental drama's the action sequences attached would be a treat but a bit violent for the kids. In effect, an action film mixed with sensitive drama somewhat looses its touch and excitement. If the picture was trimmed down, some flaws (how come the 2nd pad of Becket didn't open automatically, Chau surviving after being munched by a Jaeger, no history whatsoever what Pentacost was taking or the last words of Mori since there was no subtitles), an open ending and had a more interesting protagonist then this reviewer would have rated it much higher.
