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To address the statement that I have heard from just about everyone commenting on Pacific Rim: No, it’s not like Transformers. This is what Transformers could have been if it had a good script, a soul and was directed by a guy who knows his sci-fi. With that out of the way, welcome to the world of Pacific Rim. A Guillermo Del Toro (Kronos, Hellboy) love letter to all things that were an influence on him. The film combines aspects of anime, war movies, sci-fi, old monster movies and mixes them up in a slick package that is terrific fun.

The story: A war between humankind and monstrous sea creatures (Kaiju) wages on. A former pilot and a trainee are paired up to drive a seemingly obsolete special weapon in a desperate effort to save the world from the apocalypse. So, yes, you’ve probably read that synopsis before and, to be brutally honest, the story isn’t breaking new ground. However, what Del Toro has set out to do is to take these elements and combine them in a huge blockbuster film. Does he succeed? Well, yes and no.

First, the effects in Pacific Rim are absolutely amazing. Probably on par with the effects seen in The Avengers. The monsters are terrifically designed and are truly some of the best creations that Del Toro has had in any of his films, which says a lot. The robot weapons (Jaegers) are also amazing. The detail was such that even the water dripping off them seemed like it was real. The little touches to the film in this manner really helped you stay in the film. Oh, and the fight scenes… Well, honestly, if the ten-year old kid in your head isn’t doing backflips and saying awesome every five seconds, then I feel sorry for you. This is out-and-out a geeky ten-year old’s dream. Massive monsters and robots beating the snot out of each other. pacificrim1

The acting is good enough for a blockbuster. Yes, sure all the characters are painted in very broad strokes – a deliberate decision I feel by the writers Travis Meacham and Del Toro – but it’s not the first time this has happened in a mega budget film and it won’t be the last. Charile Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) plays Raleigh Beckett, the archetype hero quite well. He has the muscles, the looks and swagger to carry out the role. Rinko Kikuchi (Babel) plays Mako Mori and is probably the female mirror to Raleigh. Kikuchi plays the part quite well, balancing the desire for revenge with a shyness that belies her abilities. Idris Elba (Thor) who plays the unbelievably named Stacker Pentecost very nearly steals the show as the hardened warrior. Charlie Day and Ron Perlman also play some of the good comic foil. Their scenes together are a hoot. The only downside from the acting was the accents of the two Australian Jaeger pilots. They were horrendous.

As this is a Del Toro film, I think people will expect a bit more than a blockbuster film. If that is the case, then they will be disappointed. This film is a popcorn flick, and I mean absolutely no disrespect when saying that. This film is a total and utter epic blockbuster and wears its heart on its sleeve and never purports to be something that it is not. The film is fun from start to finish, evoking memories of monster films of the past. If massive monsters Vs massive robots seems like your thing, go watch Pacific Rim. You won’t be disappointed.

Check out our other reviews for Pacific Rim:

Iain McNally’s Review

Michelle Ealey’s Review