#REVIEW: “PACIFIC RIM”

Review by: Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong

Yeezus! Kanye West wasn’t kidding, the Kaiju kick ass and get there’s handed to them in Pacific Rim. Guillermo del Toro’s Blockbuster about Mechs and Monsters is geared up to keep Legendary Pictures out of the red this year. Yes, this is that sweet Summer Popcorn Flick guaranteed to garner the green, and here are a few reasons as to why:

First, like The Matrix, and even that story from a galaxy far, far away, Pacific Rim creates a universe unlike any audiences have ever seen before. The Film’s introductory sequence establishes this fact via a voice over synopsis of the current state of affairs. The World has been attacked, a breach in the Planet’s core has connected Earth to an invading army from a universe all their own. Equipped with colossal Beasts they force the scattered Peoples of Earth to the edge of oblivion, but there on the brink they rally, arming themselves with megalithic Mechanics. Calling them Jaegers (Hunters), these powerful constructs fight off the first of the Kaiju (Beasts) with relative success. However, as the years pass the Apocalypse again draws closer after the Jaegers are decommissioned in favour of a defensive wall. Oh, the hubris of Politicians! What would a Sci-Fi Story about the end of the World be without such timeless insight? The Story’s Male Lead, Raleigh Becket, (played by Sons of Anarchy’s Charlie Hunnam), is then forced out of retirement and allied with the rebellious resistance in a last ditch effort to save the World.

Hunnam is a charming Lead, and though his Character’s development is minimal he does look convincing as a Pilot of futuristic Weaponry. Aided with an outstanding Supporting Cast his flight into the fantastical is an enjoyable one. Idris Elba is no doubt the Scene-Stealer of the bunch. As Stacker Pentecost, he is both the Military Leader and Spiritual Guide of Earth’s Doomsday Patrol. Charlie Day is Second-in-Command when it comes to capturing the Audience’s attention. Cast as Dr. Newton Geiszler, he brings levity to the dark days they are asked to endure. And though there is not room to mention all of those onscreen, Ron Perlman must not be added to that overlooked lot. His Character Hannibal Chau is classic del Toro fanfare, and who better to play such than the Director’s close Friend.

Pacific Rim is a visual feat starring the same. For those lucky few who grew up watching Anime like Evangelion, this North American Adaptation is familiar ground. For everyone else eager to reclaim the unexpected, this Film is sure to suit your fancy. Just as they did eight years ago with Batman Begins, Legendary Pictures has reinvented another Genre within the realm of Geekdom. And with Godzilla next on their Agenda, the future of Monster Movies looks to be a bright one. See for yourself as Pacific Rim hits theaters via Warner Bros. tonight at 7:00 PM.

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Read about Mr. Will‘s experience on the set of Pacific Rim right here and enter to win a Signed Photo Set from the Cast.