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Pacific Rim: Uprising
(Universal Pictures/Legendary Pictures)
By Lucas Allen
Guillermo Del Toro’s “Pacific Rim” was a breath of fresh air in 2013, embracing the spectacle of silliness of the giant monster genre where giant robots called Jaegers battle the Kaiju right into the hearts and minds of moviegoers.
In the sequel, “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” Del Toro is relegated to producer while Steven S. DeKnight, the TV producer of “Spartacus” and “Daredevil” takes over directing duties.
With a different director and a new main cast of characters, the movie is still a natural progression from the previous film that fans won’t have a problem with.
Ever since the “Battle of the Breach,” the Kaiju threat has calmed leaving the Jaegers to help keep the peace. Jake Pentecost (John Boyega), the son of fallen pilot Stacker (Idris Elba from the first film), however is more interested in getting rich quick from exchanging junk and goods. While searching for an old piece of Jaeger technology to sell, he comes across a homemade robot made by a young girl named Amara (Cailee Spaeny) who’s hoping to protect herself from another threat. One thing leads to another and the two of them end up in the PDCC with Amara as a new cadet and Jake returning as a pilot with rival Nate (Scott Eastwood) in a deal to get out of jail time.
Meanwhile, the Shao Corporation led by CEO Liwen Shao (Tian Jing) unveils new drone Jaegers with the help of the eccentric Dr. Newton Geiszler (Charlie Day). Suddenly, a rogue Jaeger emerged from the sea and began attacking everybody, which leads to tragedy. It also leads to surprising twists and turns in a plot to bring the Kaiju back to Earth for another war. Soon enough, it’s up to both the pilots and the cadets to band together and stop the invasion before all life is destroyed.
Almost five years may seem quite a long time for any “Pacific Rim” fan, but the wait might be worth it after watching the film. Those wanting to see more Jaeger action will be left smiling all the way through thanks to some really good fight scenes in both cities and a snowy landscape. The digital artistry is once again in full display with both the robots and the environment look convincing enough on film to make you believe that these fights were really happening. The climax does not disappoint either as the heroes take on a new batch of Kaiju that makes “Power Rangers” look like a baby show.
But while the action scenes and character development are improved here, the story however could’ve used a little more rewriting. Some of the surprises are head scratching while the Kaiju’s reason to invade Earth felt rushed right out of left field. It feels like a group of writers disagreeing on what the next right course of action should be in the plot. But if you can get past some of those story flaws, you’ll still have a pretty good, fun action blockbuster to enjoy.
The acting is also a little better, with Boyega and Eastwood leading the way in charming and charismatic performances. In fact, both of these actors prove they can bring talent no matter which franchise they’re in. Day gets much more to do while earning plenty of laughs in an over-the-top comedic performance. This movie seems to go hand-and-hand with comedy and drama much better than the “Transformers” movies.
Despite a step down in storytelling, “Pacific Rim: Uprising” mainly delivers more of what audiences love about the previous film and doubles it. It’s not going to change the blockbuster landscape the way “Black Panther” already did, but it services its goods with a smile.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG-13 (for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and some language)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.25 Stars (Out of Four)
