The Wolverine Review

It was to be expected. Nothing can stop Hugh Jackman from returning as the bad-tempered mutant John Logan. Not even a piece of trash like 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'. His second solo outing fares better. 'The Wolverine' is a likeable movie. James Mangold provides us with a fun ride with ample amounts of action and even some character work.

'The Wolverine' opens with a bang. Actually, it opens with second biggest bang in history; the detonation of a nuclear bomb at Nagasaki in 1945. Naturally, none other than Wolverine is there to witness the event as a prisoner of war. In an act of bravery he saves a Japanese officer from a fiery fate. And unbeknownst to Logan, young Yashida grows up to be the most powerful man in Japan.

So while Yashida lives it up, Wolverine lives like a vagabond. He has sworn off his violent ways because of his hand in Jean Grey's death. But he's haunted by visions of his former love none the same. But as we all know, a pacifistic Wolverine is boring so the filmmakers bring in Yukio (Rila Fukushima). She's also a mutant, gifted with the depressing power to foresee people's deaths. Her employer wishes to strike a deal with Logan. One that involves giving up his immortality. 

Obviously the employer turns out to be Yashida. Who, rather than dying of old age like a regular Joe, wants to extend his life by transferring Logan's healing ability to himself. The moment John refuses, shit hits the fan. Our beloved mutant is cast into a web of lies and once again he's forced to become The Wolverine. What follows is a fun but ultimately unremarkable piece of summer entertainment. 

Hugh Jackman is a permanent fixture in 'X-Men' universe, playing the character of Wolverine for sixth time. (He'll also be a part of next year's 'Days of Future Past') He's also the only one to get his own movie series. A strange thing because Wolverine is arguably the least interesting character in the franchise. Still, Jackman's charisma is there in abundance but it's all becoming a bit stale.

That's basically what the entire film feels like. There's nothing entirely bad about it but there isn't anything really good either. It's a generic movie. One that neither impresses nor offends. As hard as I try, I can find no fault with it. If you're looking for a good time, you can't go wrong with 'The Wolverine'. It's quality entertainment. But in all fairness, you'll forget you even saw it the moment you leave the theatre. 

Pacific Rim Review

Every once in a while a movie comes along that raises the bar. That works on a scale that we've never seen before. The original 'King Kong' is one of those movies, 'Star Wars' is another. These are films that opened up lush new worlds and introduced us to legendary, yet human, characters. 'Pacific Rim' can proudly claim its place among these larger than life blockbusters. It's a film unlike any other, although it is firmly rooted in the most basic cinematic traditions.

'Pacific Rim' is the brainchild of screenwriter Travis Beacham and the Spanish director Guillermo del Toro. The latter is known for his distinctive visual style and love of weirdness. Together they created a future in which mankind is fighting for their right to exist. Against a race of enormous creatures that arrived on  Earth through an interdimensional portal located somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. These Kaiju challenge humanity's place as the dominant species on the planet.  

To stop them, mankind has united to create the Jaeger Program. The program involves the construction of giant machines capable of slaying the vicious Kaiju. But there's a catch. A pilot can not operate one of these oversized can openers alone. The load has to be shared between two pilots. They do this by establishing a neural link (otherwise known as the drift) between the pilots and the machine. The link creates a powerful bond between the subjects.

In the hands of a lesser director 'Pacific Rim' could've turned into a soulless monster akin to the 'Transformers' films. Instead Del Toro manages to tell a spectacular but still very human story. This is the way to make a blockbuster. It's not about the amazing special-effects, it's about the characters. Del Toro and Beacham know just how to put their focus on the human element. By doing this they make 'Pacific Rim' work as more than just a popcorn flick.

In a time where blockbusters grow increasingly convoluted and cynical, this film's simplicity and optimism are like a breath of fresh air. There's no silly detours or elaborate mysteries that never quite live up to their promise. Instead Del Toro gives us cool robots fighting weird monsters. The fight scenes themselves are beautifully shot and every punch feels real. There's a genuine sense of danger. You can't help but gasp at the way these titans go at it.

The cast is strong as well. Charlie Hunman is Raleigh; a former Jaeger pilot who lost his brother. Hunman offers us a broken yet charismatic hero who is reluctant to return to battle. Mako, his co-pilot of choice, has her own demons. Rinko Kikuchi, who plays Mako, creates the most interesting character in the film. Vulnerable but strong.

Charlie Day and Burn Gorman are best described as the RD-D2 and C3PO of 'Pacific Rim'. Their quarrels account for much of the humor in 'Pacific Rim'. They're an odd couple but extremely entertaining. On the opposite side is Idris Elba's Marshall Pentecost; a weathered Jaeger pilot. Elba's noble and haunted performance is at the core of the film. Of course, Guillermo del Toro's regular collaborator Ron Perlman also makes an entertaining appearance. This time as black marketeer who deals in Kaiju body parts.

Still, the Jaegers and the Kaiju are the main attractions. Both are brilliantly designed. Some of the Kaiju are absolutely nightmarish. Others are just plain cool. You can easily imagine the heated discussions between twelve-year-olds. Talking about the most destructive monsters or the most badass Jaegers.* Acting out imaginary fights between the film's heroes and monsters. 'Pacific Rim' is that kind of movie but on a scale you've never seen before. A movie you wish you had seen when you were twelve years old.


*The Kaiju that attacks Sydney is my personal favourite. Also, the Australian Jaeger kick all kinds of ass.