by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor
Robots. Aliens. Guillermo del Toro. When you put these three things together you get an epic cinematic experience called Pacific Rim.
In the near future, humanity learns firsthand that we are not alone in the universe. Alien creatures called “Kaiju” start appearing all over the globe, and the people of the world set aside their differences in order to create robotic machines called “Jaegers” to battle their monstrous adversaries. These giant robots and their pilots are all that stand between humanity and the end of the world. When a scientist seemingly discovers a way to stop the creatures from coming through the breach in the Pacific Rim once and for all, the remaining Jaegers must risk everything to stop the impending doom. So what sets Pacific Rim apart from all of the other movies this summer?
The Human Component:
In order to pilot the Jaegers, scientists determined that two pilots would be required. These pilots would have to enter a state called “Drifting”, which allows them to merge their consciousness to control the robots. This creative element allows for the audience to connect to the pilots on a very emotional level, as we see their fears and past experiences brought to life in a non-standardized form. Instead of just offering viewers a flashback to educate the audience on past elements, we are treated to an interactive retelling of crucial information.
In addition to the creative form of storytelling, viewers are treated to some very entertaining characters throughout the course of the film. Jaeger Pilots Raleigh (Carlie Hunnam – Sons of Anarchy) and Mako (Rinko Kikuchi – Sideways) are front and center throughout the story, as they embark on a path to save the world. Both of their lives have been filled with tragedy as a result of the Kaiju, and some of the best character moments come as a result of their bonding through drifting. Major Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba – Thor), a former Jaeger Pilot, is also a major player in the film (he’s the one with the “today we are canceling the apocalypse!!!” line that is prominent in the trailers), acts as both the military lead and the family tie to Mako. Some of the most comedic moments in the film come from the scientists Gottleib and Newton, played by Burn Gorman (Torchwood) and Charlie Day (Horrible Bosses), as well as the always entertaining Ron Perlman (Hellboy). The only seemingly weak piece of the cast was Rinko Kikuchi, who just didn’t quite connect with the audience as well as the other actors in the film. I just felt like there was a disconnect with her portrayal of Mako. Casting Gorman and Day together was a stroke of brilliance, and I truly hope that we get to see these two actors together again in the future.
Giant Freaking Robots:
Want to make a blockbuster? Create some really epic fight sequences with giant robots. The Jaegers themselves are also characters in this story, as they each have defining characteristics which are tied back to the countries that created them. The people of the world came together to create the Jaegers, but each country customized their own robot with different weapons and abilities. Some have lasers, some have speed, some have giant swords. Taking cues from Japanese animation, Pacific Rim definitely feels like a live action Gundam movie, with elements of Godzilla mixed in for good measure.
3-D Done Right:
This is the first time that I have felt that 3-D 100% added to the overall feel of a movie. Sure we have seen good 3-D before (Marvel’s The Avengers), but in Pacific Rim it felt like this is the way you HAD to experience the movie. There weren’t any gimmicky moments. This entire film truly benefited from being done in 3-D, because it allowed for the audience to see and feel the insane battles on a totally personal level.
Overall:
Imagine if Godzilla were to show up outside house right now. Then imagine a giant robot showing up to fight Godzilla right in front of your house. Pacific Rim is like having a front row seat to a fight that you have been waiting for since you were a kid. Instead of stepping on those hopes and dreams like many blockbusters have done lately (I’m looking at you Transformers), Pacific Rim takes the basic concept of aliens versus robots to a whole new level. Pacific Rim is a game changer, and we can only hope that Hollywood takes note. This is the kind of movie that we want to see. Sure there are some cheesy moments, but it is the fun kind of cheesy that feels like more of a throwback to movies from our childhood. I can honestly say that I haven’t seen an audience go this crazy for a film in a long time. There was more cheering throughout the entire film than any other that has come out this year, and that is because this is a movie unlike anything we have really seen before.
Rating: 
ComicsOnline gives Pacific Rim – 5 GIANT ROBOTS out of 5.
