As a fan of the first "Pacific Rim" movie from 2013, this "Uprising" sequel has a lot to live up to. With different writers and director, it's easy to have lowered expectations going into this film. From the get-go it immediately feels like it's not going to have as much of an impact to me as the previous one did, and that's a little disappointing. However, I still had fun watching it, and that's what matters the most in the end right?
The overall tone and style of this installment is simply not the same from Guillermo Del Toro's take. It moves at a faster pace, to an almost manic level. Things keep moving, and doesn't take that extra time to fully make the characters as well developed. In terms of story themes, this one doesn't have as much dramatic weight, and part of that is because it doesn't have the gravitas that Idris Elba brought into it.
World building. Character backgrounds. New plot developments. All of that are in this movie and do add to the story, but it seems that we're all just suppose to accept that this is just a typical live-action anime. Depending on how you take that description, that's either a compliment or a warning as to what you're getting here. While there are a few new twists, the premise is generally derivative, and relies too much on familiar plot tropes.
With all the negative things I've been saying about it, why again did I have fun watching "Pacific Rim Uprising?" Oh right, the action sequences. They aren't mind blowing or anything like that, but giant robots fighting giant monsters is my jam! Unlike the 2013 film, this one actually has the fighting take place under the bright sun, which makes it easier to watch the action. Admittedly, that increased lighting made things look more convincingly CG and fake, compared to the night-time fueled action from the first movie. Either way, if you're a fan of this type of genre film, I recommend you give it a chance.
loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible
