Summer Review #4 -- Pacific Rim

There is only one filmmaker capable of giving us an artistic summer blockbuster and this man's name is Guillermo del Toro. Combining 1950s monster flick sensibilities with his trademark organic production design, the filmmaker offers up a truly entertaining adventure piece that demands a sequel.

Years after the Kaiju monsters rose up from the depths of the Earth and started destroying our planet, the battle rages on. The human population had initially built Jaegers, gigantic robots piloted by hotshot pilots, to start eradicating the creatures. Following a tragic incident, though, the program was shut down. A few years later, the military invites pilot Raleigh Beckett (Charlie Hunnam) back to the newly established Jaeger program as the planet's last stand against the increased frequency of the creatures' attacks...

For all of its fights and battles and Jaeger-on-Kaiju action, the film is actually pretty subtle. Let me explain. Nothing in the film's universe exists to beat the viewer over the head with mindless warfare or to preach an overwrought message. All of the battles serve a purpose and all of them are choreographed to perfection. Unlike many directors involved with action pieces, del Toro believes in telling a story through visuals, rather than letting visuals overwhelm the narrative. He even satirizes our consumerism-oriented society at one point, giving a new dimension to the genre. The hints at a love story are realistic and nuanced, as are the depictions of dynamics among the pilots. I loved the flashbacks to a character's childhood and peeks into their motivation. Unlike false sentimentalizing occasionally used by tentpole films to gage viewers, these sequences felt genuine and in context, making the story that much deeper. In general, it is this emphasis on characterization that sets Pacific Rim apart from its fellow blockbusters. 

The effects are unbelievable. From the first minute, we know we are in for a thrilling time, and the thrills never stop coming. The ocean sequences are magnificent, as is the (spoiler) Hong Kong battle. The Kaiju are unique in their appearance and in their aggression, attacking mercilessly because they can. I wish del Toro would explore their mythology further, since there are some hints at their history and ways of life that would make for a great spin-off. On another note, the film should definitely be experienced in IMAX 3D. I have a feeling that any other format would diminish the excitement.

The cast is great. Hunnam shows an appealing guilelessness as Beckett, a gifted pilot haunted by his past. Any filmmaker in need of an actor radiating authority should hire Idris Elba, since the man is a natural at projecting command and charisma. Furthermore, I loved the power struggle exchanges between Elba and Hunnam's characters. Rinko Kikuchi is terrific as a novice pilot with her own secrets, while Charlie Day and Burn Gorman make for a good comic relief duo. Also, who does not like Hunnam's "Sons of Anarchy" co-star and del Toro's favorite Hellboy, Ron Perlman? The actor is pure power as a Kaiju body parts dealer, with some of the most memorable scenes.

Pacific Rim is an old-fashioned spectacle that takes us on a roller coaster ride. It is a film that revolves around its director's love for cinema and his audience. You will cheer, you will laugh and you might even shed a tear. Most of all, you will enjoy being transported to a whole new world.

8/10