Ten years after world-changing events have taken place in the original movie, Kaiju are back to finish what they started. The world is in shambles after the first invasion. For those unfamiliar with Guillermo del Toro’s action series, Kaiju are the aliens who came from a portal that opened up in the Pacific Ocean. It sounds cliche to a degree, and in a way, it is; but it really works out strictly because the focus is a lot more character based and less about the origin of the aliens. Oh, and action, tons and tons of action.
Rim amounts to being an action movie about giant robots fighting giant monsters. It’s a ton of special effects that are done really well. There’s probably more special effects and green screen than actual scenery. Luckily, that doesn’t take away from the movie. It’s a step up from the original but still up for debate whether it’s a better film.
The intro gives you all you need to know to catch up to speed. You’re quickly introduced to leads Jake Pentecost (John Boyega) and Amara Namani (Cailee Spaeny) who form a special bond throughout the movie, one that holds the fate of the world in it’s neural handshake. Pentecost is the son of Stacker, who sacrificed himself in the first invasion. His legacy has lead him into being one of the top Jaeger pilots in the world, despite his troublesome ways. A rouge Jaeger attacks during a military show and must be tracked down. Portals, or Breaches, are reopened and all hell breaks loose when three of the biggest and baddest monsters are unleashed on earth. These are some scary beasts that put Godzilla and King Kong to shame.
Charlie Day reprises his role as The Newt, formerly, Dr. Newton who helped fight the Kaiju in the past. This time, he has a few tricks in store for Shao Industries and their military clients. It’s hard to take Day serious at times and he definitely has the worst written lines in the movie. He had to be brought on to continue this role but he’s not the right guy to play a villain, especially in this capacity. The strangest part is that the humor in Rim 2 is on point and downright hilarious at times before Newton arrives. Boyega crushes it, as does the crew of Cadet’s he trains in his image. Somehow, Day is stuck with comedy that just seems out of place and corny. Not his brightest moment as a writer and actor.
Some of the standout scenes involved Pentecost’s funny impression of his American co-pilot, Lambert; played by Scott Eastwood. Lambert and Pentecost’s relationship is strong although they seem to hate each other to the core in the beginning of the movie. As co-pilots, they man the Gypsy Avenger, which seems to be the General Lee of fighting robots. Fighting between Jaegers and Kaiju monsters are crazy destructive and the Gypsy keeps coming back for more. The good guys don’t seem to care about where they are fighting; Tokyo is leveled in the process. Death tallies by the end of Rim 2 has to be one of the highest in movie history without an entire planet being destroyed.
If you go see this movie, see it in 3D. The action scenes are colorful and in-your-face. It may be too intense for some, but it will take the experience to the next level and you’ll get your money’s worth. Pacific Rim Uprising is a 7 without 3D, but an 8 with. You have great storytelling, although cheezy and predictable at some points. The small comedic breaks are welcome and come natural from good actors, save for Day’s awkward role. The star of the show are the special effects artists, because they made epic titans that are believable even when you know they would never be achievable in the real world. If anything, see this movie because Boyega has reached his stride as an actor and seems to be getting better with each project.
NON – 3 D
3D VERSION
