Review: Pacific Rim

Let's get this out of the way: I hate Anime.  I've tried on multiple occasions to appreciate the art form, but just can't get into it.  And if you watch the trailer for Pacific Rim, it's likely that you will compare it to Anime, because that's essentially what it is.

Despite my lack of enthusiasm for this film, it was recommended by some REALLY respectable folks in the critical and even directorial community (Rian Johnson, one of the biggest up-and-comer directors, tweeted that he saw it twice on opening day).  As a result, I gave it a shot.  And as a result of me giving it a shot, you get to read this review of Pacific Rim and make an informed decision of whether to see it.

THE GOOD
First, let's start with the special effects and Computer Generated Imaging (CGI).  The special effects were out of this world.  The monsters were so well crafted and so scary that I didn't once question their veracity.  I think that this is where most of the $200 million budget went to.  The robots, or Jaegers if you prefer, were so beautiful and awesome to behold.  I couldn't get over how cool they looked and how realistic they were.

If you want some summer popcorn action, Pacific Rim delivers it in droves.  I cannot stress how enjoyable the fight scenes are to watch.  Imagine a 13 year old boy's dreams, and this is how it is.  They are executed flawlessly, with the correct amount of tension in the right spots, as well as exhilarating payoffs.

The actual story and premise of the movie is actually quite interesting and is setup very well in the opening exposition/montage.  The movie is also remarkably well paced, never lulling, yet also not non-stop to the point of exhaustion.  Guillermo Del Toro (the director) knows how to craft a good story and make an enjoyable film.

Although I didn't dig the color palette, it did make for some refreshingly unique visuals.  The camera work was good too.

THE BAD
I wasn't a big fan of the soundtrack.  It sounded like it came from (GASP) an Anime cartoon.

Where this movie really didn't work for me was the cartoonish characters.  Like everything in this film, it felt like they drew on Anime for their inspiration, and those types of characters just don't speak to me.  This made the middle third of the movie a bit hard to watch.  Even Idris Elba (possibly one of my favorite actors in the world right now, and if you haven't watched Luther on BBC do it now) didn't do it for me.  I blame the script and directing, not necessarily the actors. Also, there is a Chinese girl in the movie that I really couldn't like.  I tried, but her acting was just too terrible.

CONCLUSION
Overall, I enjoyed this film.  It's probably one that should be seen in the theater too, because those action scenes are just incredible.  3.5/5 Disco Balls.

PARENTS GUIDE
There is hardly any human blood or gore in this film, but the giant monsters take quite a brutal and graphic beating.  No sex, not a lot of swearing.  I really recommend that anyone under 13 not see this movie.