It becomes difficult to pick a movie to write about when two
fantastic movies both become available the same week. You have to choose one.
So let me say THE HEAT is one of the funniest movies made in some time (though
filled with the F bomb). That being said let me get to my pick for best new
movie on DVD, PACIFIC RIM.
PACIFIC RIM did fantastic box office around the world but
never quite caught on here in the US. That's sad because this is one amazing
movie even with multiple viewings. In the near future a series of giant
monsters rises from the Pacific floor to attack various coastal cities world
wide. Known as Kaiju (Japanese for "strange creature") these monsters
that look like a combination of Godzilla, dinosaurs and giant bugs, the world
is forced to unite to save the planet.
The United Nations puts together a fighting force of giant
robots, known as Jaegers, to combat these creatures. The stress on a single
pilot to control these robots is too much and they learn it takes two pilots
who can synch up via connections to their brains. One such pilot is Raleigh
Becket (Charlie Hunnam) who synchs up with his older brother. During a fierce
battle their robot is nearly destroyed and his brother is yanked out by the
Kaiju they are fighting. Raleigh survives but loses his will to fight.
Five years later and a new problem faces the world. The
attacks by the Kaiju are increasing and the robots have been decommissioned
since the politicians think a giant wall around each country is the answer.
Unfortunately the walls offer little resistance to the Kaiju and the few
remaining robots are left to save the planet under the leadership of Stacker
Pentecost (Idris Elba), an ex-warrior and the man who ran the program. Stacker
locates Raleigh and brings him back into the program with a plan.
The four remaining robots are to be used to plug the
connection between worlds that allows the Kaiju to come over. That is if they
can keep the world safe in time to do so. But things are never quite as easy as
they seem. A fault in the plan comes along late in the plot, competition
between Jaeger pilots arises and a full on attack by the Kaiju results in only
two Jaegers left to get the job done. Toss in a scientist who has found a way
to mind meld with the Kaiju to get info and you have a very interesting science
fiction picture with more action than most movies released these days.
I can't begin to tell you how good this movie is. Even if
you're not into giant monsters ala Godzilla you might find yourself loving this
one. This is not your man in a bad costume type creature, these things seem
real enough to warrant watching more than once with the pause button in hand.
The robots are the most awesome creation seen in ages, something that every kid
who ever played with toy robots will love.
The look of the film itself is stunning to see. The colors
blast off the screen as much as the weapons used in the fights. It's a visual
feast for the eyes that will be the second reason to keep the pause button
handy. The last movie I remember seeing that used color to this extent was
Warren Beatty's DICK TRACY. It virtually pops off the screen.
There isn't a bad performance in this film either. Each and
every actor brings believability to their character enough that you root for
them to win and mourn their losses when they die. Even the side characters are
worth noting here, at least one a regular of director Guillermo del Toro.
When I saw this film in the theater I was stunned by the
look, feel and emotions brought out by this film. As I watched the opening
sequence at home I couldn't stop smiling. Everything about it felt right.
Everything about it felt good. And it was as enjoyable watching this time as it
was the first. This is not just a movie to rent; this is one to keep on hand
for multiple viewings. It really is that good.
Click here to order.
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