In a year already filled with endless sequels, ‘Pacific Rim
Uprising’ serves to remind that it’s going to be a long 12 months. Original
ideas appear to be in short supply in Hollywood, with money-men apparently in charge
of the studios. If a movie makes a fortune, then the formula is copied as
the countless franchises attest. Whether sequels are actually any good is
another question although ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’ isn’t too terrible.
Neither fish nor fowl, it should satisfy admirers of the first instalment even
if the threat of a third outing lingers.
Jake Pentecost (John Boyega) is part of an elite force ready
to combat any alien threat. Part of the high-tech Jaeger program, Jake’s
friends include Nate (Scott Eastwood) and Amara (Callee Spaeny). When
evil sea creatures, the Kaiju, rise from the surface hell-bent on destruction,
it’s up to Jake and the team to defeat them. With a rogue Jaeger working
against them, their efforts are made harder with time running out before earth
meets a deadly fate.
‘Pacific Rim Uprising’ is a very generic monster/robot movie
filled with CGI wizardry. It’s certainly a spectacle with plenty of
sequences featuring robotic warriors battling beasties from other dimensions.
The heroes are suitably virtuous and the villains are as wicked as
expected. This familiarity provides a modicum of comforting escapism as
it generally entertains even if it wears its predictability on its
sleeve. The characters aren’t that memorable although Spaeny delivers
spark as a determined teen eager to impress.
Directed with minimal flair by Steven S. DeKnight, ‘Pacific
Rim Uprising’ is a by the numbers affair. The best one can say about it
is that it’s rarely boring and provides mirth at the shoddy performances of
most of the cast. Only the CGI offers awe-inspiring moments as one
continues to marvel at the imaginative ways entire cities are blown to
bits. ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’ is the toy box with the movie-makers bashing
the monsters together on screen ensuring the audience have little chance of
feeling drowsy.
‘Pacific Rim Uprising’ is reasonable hokum without being
dazzling. Like a cinematic version of a pre-packaged meal, it’s easily
digested but is quickly forgotten. Whether it receives another instalment
remains to be seen but the plethora of sequels may see an uprising against
banality. That uprising may be even more threatening than the creepy
crawlies the film depicts.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 5
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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