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.