Pacific Rim Uprising Non-Spoiler Review

Pacific Rim Uprising is a sequel/stand alone movie of the movie Pacific Rim which is mostly about giant robots fighting off giant alien monsters for the fate of the world. And being a fan of big robot mechs and robots alike me and my sister decided to watch the film on opening day. I even wore my Evangelion shirt for this day cause what better way to watch a movie about giant robots fighting giant alien monster than wearing a shirt about an anime about giant robots fighting giant alien monsters.

Pacific Rim Uprising is a 2018 American science fiction film directed by Steven S. DeKnight (in his feature-film directorial debut) and written by DeKnight, Emily Carmichael, Kira Snyder, and T.S. Nowlin. It is the sequel to the 2013 film Pacific Rim, with Guillermo del Toro, director of the original, serving as a producer. It stars John Boyega (also making his producer debut), as well as Scott Eastwood, Cailee Spaeny, Jing Tian, and Adria Arjona, with Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, and Burn Gorman returning from the original film. Set in the year 2030, the plot follows humanity again fighting Kaiju, giant monsters set on destroying the world.

For those still that haven't watched the first movie I'd suggest you watch it to get a better understanding of the second movie although I do feel that Pacific Rim Uprising does a decent enough storytelling that folks can just jump right into the second movie in itself with little to no issue.

Story wise though Pacific Rim Uprising is pretty much plays out like the first film with characters with attitude are thrust into giant mech robots to save the world. A lot of the robot aspect of the film feels like a reference to other mecha games or anime series most notably Evangelion and Omega Boost, but I guess thats also part of the appeal of the movie for me. I was half expecting someone make an Evangelion joke and yell "Get in the robot shinji!"

With a two and a half or so movie running time the film does feel like it should have been longer with more focus on character development specially for the new characters in the film instead of mostly focusing on John Boyega character and that girl in the trailer Namani. Im so glad Namani character has way useful to the whole plot than a certain girl in a certain Transformers movie.

Much like the first movie only compatible people can pilot these giant robots. People with attitude problem or some dark past. Feels like Power Rangers doesn't it? hmm...Evangelion? An entertaining and fun movie with giant mechs and aliens giant kaiju from another dimension. Even the villain in the movie feels like a Rita Repulsa-ish character with over the top acting.

The movie has callbacks to existing giant mech series and games while still being its own thing and having a decent enough story to boot. Yes I feel this movie plot is way better than the original movie did specially that plot twist nearly halfway in the movie. Its certainly better than the first one for me and Hollywood have came a long way since the Robot Jox movie.

Im also glad Boyega's character doesn't feel like Finn from Starwars. I was worried he would be type casted for that Starwars role and he wouldn't deliver something different in the movie. So glad that wasn't the case. Some of his dialogue in the movie could have been delivered better though.

Visually the movie is stunning specially the mech fights. Every time these big mechanical things are shown into the film its a visual eye candy for me. Specially since the second movie has better designed jaeger than the first one in my opinion. 

Overall the movie is treat for fans of the first Pacific Rim movie and those who just want a decent movie with giant robots and giant monsters hitting each other. I like how they managed to answer an important story plot hole from the first film in this movie. The only drawback for me is the short run time that resulted with lesser character and a lack luster finale. The first Pacific Rim movie is better visually in certain aspect but I feel Uprising had a better story plot and characters development.