(spoiler free)
Some casual film fans might be surprised to discover that director of Best Picture Oscar winner ‘The Shape of Water’, Guillermo del Toro was also responsible for directing 2013’s robots versus aliens sci-fi spectacular, ‘Pacific Rim’. This time round del Toro is credited as a producer with Steven S. DeKnight making his feature length debut in the directors chair. Many of the surviving characters from the first film return with the same performers reprising their roles but ‘Star Wars’ poster boy John Boyega has been recruited as the new lead actor filling Charlie Hunnam’s now vacant Jaeger sized shoes.
This sequel takes a very different direction to the first film – it’s bigger in every way imaginable but despite what one character continually proclaims throughout bigger doesn’t always mean better. Whilst there is a certain natural progression to the storyline here the plot continuously becomes increasingly convoluted as the film unfolds. If you had trouble suspending your disbelief in the original film don’t even bother turning up for this sequel. The film escalates from generic, lazy sequel to an utterly insane sci-fi extravaganza with rapid pace. There are countless moments when it would be easy to completely write off the film and remove any engagement previously given to it, and I’ve no doubt that many critics and film fans will do so. However when these moments are simply embraced ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’ is an absolute joy to behold. Although much of the main body of the film is lacking in the badass Jaeger vs. Kaiju showdowns from the first film the finale is the most bat shit crazy thing I’ve witnessed in years and I loved it. It’s ‘Power Rangers’ meets ‘Transformers’ on acid. The blind ambition from the writing team here left my jaw on the floor for the finale’s entirety making me feel like a kid once more in joyous fashion.
Something that kids don’t necessarily take too much notice of is performances but that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be good. Here we get a mixed bag. John Boyega is as spirited as ever but never really gets the script he deserves which makes some of his character’s jokes fall a little flat. However he excels in many other aspects of his performance such as his emotional, action and dramatic moments. Among the other new recruits is Scott Eastwood who plays an unconvincing trainer for up and coming Jaeger pilots. His chemistry with Boyega is fine but his involvement rarely adds much to the proceedings, although it doesn’t detract from enjoyment either – he’s kind of just there. As for the ropey acting, the group of young Jaeger pilots are largely responsible. Reprising their roles from the first film are Charlie Day & Burn Gorman as scientists, Newt & Hermann. Their involvement in the first film was somewhat polarizing, but here it’ll definitely prove divisive. The pair do get some nice development from the first film which makes sense but this sequel takes both in unexpected directions with some stupendous results. Both actors provide the film with many of it’s best moments with Day particularly owning his performance.
So be under no illusion, this is a dumb movie but it’s got so much going for it that makes it worthwhile. Once you accept the completely crazy storyline strap yourself in for the most bonkers finale you’ll have seen for years and you’ll have one hell of a ride. A preexisting love for Charlie Day will also help your enjoyment tenfold, but even beyond all the madness there manages to be some touching character moments which were not at all expected amongst the metal versus monster mayhem. ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’ doesn’t rival del Toro’s original vision in the slightest but instead feel’s like it’s mischievous little brother, you know he’s up to no good but you can’t help but love him.
Written by Hamish Calvert
Rating – 7.5/10
Question: What is your favourite dumb sci-fi flick?
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