Pacific Rim (10/15/2013)

Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence throughout, and brief language.

Starring Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day and Ron Perlman

Directed by Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy)

EPIC!

When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes-a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi)-who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse.

When I first saw the trailer for Pacific Rim I thought it was the most ridiculous thing I had seen in years. I thought we had left the cheesy Godzilla monster movies in the 60’s and 70s. I mean, did Hollywood seriously expect me to spend $14 to watch oversized robots and monsters destroy a city?

Yes it does, and I’m glad I did.

So what motivated me to lay down my money and take a seat in my local movie theater? Three words “Guillermo del Toro.” Del Toro has directed/produced some of today’s most epic fantasy movies. And him being in the director chair was the biggest reason I was willing to take a chance.

The second biggest reason was with the cast. I’m a huge fan of TV’s Son of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam and also of Ron Perlman and lesser-known comedic actor, Charlie Day…who steals every scene he is in. As much as I loved their work, I am going to be honest and say that some of the more dramatic scenes felt forced and unbelievable.

But the biggest stars of the film (pun intended) were the Jaegers and the Kaiju. Like his other films, del Toro’s attention to detail is unparalleled and his creature design is creative, scary and extremely artistic.

Finally there is the story. I was surprised to find a strong, smart and well-crafted story. Del Toro explains who the Kaiju are, where they came from and what they are doing. Most big-budget sci-fi films ask the audience to make major logical leaps or to check their brains at the door, but Pacific Rim has all the action and a plausible story.

If some of those dramatic scenes were executed a little bit better I would have given this film a “worth buying,” but with some scenes just did not cut it, so I’ll give it a “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This film is fine for most teenagers. There is no sex or nudity and the profanity is on the PG side. The many fight scenes between the giant robots and giant monsters have lots of punching, smashing, extremely loud destruction of property (including the near-complete annihilation of cities), and collateral loss of life, but they’re mostly bloodless.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. In the film pilots enter a drift, what does that mean?


2. Why did there have to be two pilots instead of one?


3. How was it possible for two people to fight as one?


4. Read Philippians 2:1-2
   
   Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
   
   
5. What are some reasons we often don’t have one mind and one purpose?


6. How can we work together with one mind and purpose?