Pacific Rim

@Jermofoot:

His movies are pretty good.  Although I don’t think the idea is very original, it’s execution appears to be exemplary (I’ve heard some bad acting, but whatever, not looking for a masterpiece here).

Besides the plot being humans (& technology) versus monsters (which is essentially Godzilla), isn’t the whole man in a robotic suit of armor an old concept? I mean, the whole Gundam Wing anime series was based on that, right? And going just on the man in a robotic, metal suit theme, Iron Man certainly fits the bill. Especially from the first Iron Man, when Tony Stark’s partner makes his own. It looks like the Pacific Rim machines even have the circular lighted chest piece, just like the Iron Man suit. Though beyond that part, not much is similar. And if you want robots controlled by humans AND martial arts… how about Real Steel (2011) with Hugh Jackman. And must I even mention Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers! … the ultimate in huge robotic martial arts fights. Something many of us grew up with.

I am not trying to label this movie as any sort of rip-off scam, or even that del Toro thought of all these sources in making the movie, just that it is not as original as it may seem to some… as you pointed out J.

I never expect masterpieces from these kinds of movies either, but I do expect them to have a bit more going than cool effects and battles and sex. Much as all guys like that stuff, we have seen so much of it that it is now both hollow and trite.

@Jermofoot:

However, much of the trailer is beautiful: bright colors contrasted again dark backgrounds, fights look approachable and not a blurred mess, unique and identifiable heroes and monsters.  The reviews are mostly positive, and the negatives seem to be hung up on unreasonable expectations.

That is why I liked Thor. Lot’s of people hated it, thought it was too fantastic, but I thought that was partly the point. They were gods, in a realm of the gods, it should look that way. Plus I thought it was visually quite beautiful. So I can appreciate that in any movie. As long at it does have more going for it than just that.

@Jermofoot:

@LHoffman:

Looks like Transformers meets Godzilla… with not anymore substance than the former. Cannot bring my self to take a gamble on this one. To be honest it didn’t really look that appealing.

If it didn’t look appealing, that’s your deserved opinion.  But I don’t think it looks anything like the Transformers movies.  Godzilla is closer, and it does pay homage to that, but not the same thing exactly.

Thanks for acknowledging my right to an opinion  :wink:… I meant that it looks like Transformers meets Godzilla on the surface. Large machines in human form throwing punches and flying around, plus big creatures destroying cities AND it is set in Japan/Asia… to me that looks like what I described it as.

Now, do I think the story will be like either of those two films… no, not really. Maybe a bit like some Godzilla movies, because some had a plot very close to this: man makes machine to defeat the monster. And isn’t the monsters rising from the deep in the Pacific plot rather like the late BATTLESHIP movie? I never saw it, but it looks very similar in content besides the fact that this movie is fighting the monsters with robotic ninjas and not 70 year old battleships.

And that there is a Japanese actress (Rinko Kikuchi) who is 100x more believable in that role than Rhianna was…

@frimmel:

I’ve seen some reviews where they talk about it being a “whole” movie and not just some sort of installment or set-up and that the story seems to hold together.

If that is true, it makes the film more promising in my eyes. To be honest I am quite fed up with the series of movies fad. It pretty much exploded in the early 2000s to where almost every movie becomes a trilogy… or longer if it is a real cash cow. I feel as though movies tend to be better written when they are done without continuations in mind and are shot as a self-contained whole.

Example… Independence Day. Great movie. If it was made today, there would be another one coming out right after it. (I know they are developing another one currently, but that is part of the problem). This is an excellent, self-contained movie-story that is a classic with no need for a sequel. Much as I would love to see how they approach a sequel (mostly because I liked the first one so much), I am afraid that as with many sequels it will forever tarnish the first.        As happened with The Matrix.

Plus, I do not know how they continue the independence theme/title without having more aliens attack. In which case, it becomes an updated rehash. Or… they could just transpose the Avatar story and add Will Smith! Bam!    Humans venture into space with the technology of their defeated foe and begin mining planets for resources = Independence Day II: Na’vi Freedom … now the aliens must gained independence form the invading humans! The script is already written.

… But yeah, there is a plus if Pacific Rim is planned as a single film. To be so would be refreshing. But I know a sequel will be virtually demanded by the movie studio if this one does pretty well.

Starship Troopers Part IV er rather this Pacific Rim thing had great action and effects, but the worst acting of any movie. I guess they wont be making part two because nobody can identity with the characters because they act like they just got off a boat with a crash course actors workshop. Music sucked too.

Next time they make a movie with 400 foot tall monsters and teams of robots… Pacific Rim is a perfect title…NOT.

@Imperious:

Starship Troopers Part IV er rather this Pacific Rim thing had great action and effects, but the worst acting of any movie. I guess they wont be making part two because nobody can identity with the characters because they act like they just got off a boat with a crash course actors workshop. Music sucked too.

Next time they make a movie with 400 foot tall monsters and teams of robots… Pacific Rim is a perfect title…NOT.

I would not call that an intelligent critique, but at least we know your opinion. Could you elaborate (or eviscerate) some more?

Let me elaborate for everyone.

Does this remind you of anyone we know around here?

Ben Franklin’s “rules for making oneself a disagreeable companion,” 1750:

1.  If possible engross the whole Discourse; and when other Matter fails, talk much of your-self, your Education, your Knowledge, your Circumstances, your Successes in Business, your Victories in Disputes, your own wise Sayings and Observations on particular Occasions, &c. &c. &c.;
2.  If when you are out of Breath, one of the Company should seize the Opportunity of saying something; watch his Words, and, if possible, find somewhat either in his Sentiment or Expression, immediately to contradict and raise a Dispute upon. Rather than fail, criticise even his Grammar.
3.  If another should be saying an indisputably good Thing; either give no Attention to it; or interrupt him; or draw away the Attention of others; or, if you can guess what he would be at, be quick and say it before him; or, if he gets it said, and you perceive the Company pleas’d with it, own it to be a good Thing, and withal remark that it had been said by Bacon, Locke, Bayle, or some other eminent Writer; thus you deprive him of the Reputation he might have gain’d by it, and gain some yourself, as you hereby show your great Reading and Memory.
4.  When modest Men have been thus treated by you a few times, they will chuse ever after to be silent in your Company; then you may shine on without Fear of a Rival; rallying them at the same time for their Dullness, which will be to you a new Fund of Wit.
“Thus you will be sure to please yourself,” he concluded. “The polite Man aims at pleasing others, but you shall go beyond him even in that. A Man can be present only in one Company, but may at the same time be absent in twenty. He can please only where he is, you where-ever you are not.”

Yes… yes it does remind me of someone.

Could you elaborate (or eviscerate) some more?

paper thin caricature of principle actors. We know nothing about them.

Formalistic plot that’s not even developed. Nothing is known as to way these stupid monsters came here, except the classic Independence Day Alien harvesters.

Worst acting because they spent all the money on CGI, now they just have $10 an hour to pay each actor ( meal included).

It was basically a campy Starship Troopers style movie, except with big bugs.

Soundtrack will never be bought by anyone, mostly because there is nothing to remember except boring background music.

It appears i was right as usual. Chalk it up.

http://www.redcarpetcrash.com/review-robots-fighting-aliens-cant-erase-silly-plot-poor-acting-in-pacific-rim/

I found the story a bit thin but wasn’t really going for the story. What I did go for was the effects and they were pretty impressive. Ron Perlman cracked me up and the main girl is hot and the only character I found unlikable was supposed to be unlikable. I didn’t see any bad actors just actors not really given a whole lot to work with. They all play it straight and earnestly. No one seemed to not be buying into the concept. Generally I gave a shit about them but I’m a bit of a sap for the whole “heroic sacrifice” story.

It is at least as good as any Transformers movie. The “Starship Troopers” comparison seems off. It is a pretty standard sort of monster movie and the alien motivation is pretty unexplained (you might term it maguffin) beyond they want to consume the planet.

I thought the big contraptions/set pieces they created for the pilots were pretty neat and everything had impressive scale when they let you see it that is. I’m a bit weary of the close up, lots of edits, shaky cam, lots of changes of perspective, hand held camera style of film-making. It wasn’t as bad as “WWZ” in that regard but some of it was just annoying. It no longer (if it ever did) creates a “I’m right there with them” feel. It isn’t quite the shaky cam style of Man of Steel and WWZ but doesn’t hold the framing long enough for my taste. Partially I think to try and create a the ground is shaking effect but I had trouble buying in.

However there were several “Holy Shit” moments with the effects and that was what I went for. If I were between 5-10 this would probably have been the most amazing thing I’d ever seen.

One of the reviews I read said the cynics need not apply and I’d agree with that. Don’t expect to much and you might not be let down. Not a disappointment but it is not redeeming the summer movie going season this year.

I didn’t go for the story, I went for giant fighting Robots. And the movie gave me all I was expecting. Hands down loved the film, a sky scrapper sexed robot swinging a freight ship as a baseball bat? Yeah, instantly loved it.

I’d like to add that IL is right about the score. Utterly forgettable.

@Jermofoot:

Basically, I feel like if you were disappointed you went in with the wrong expectations.

I disagree. My job as a viewer is not to lower the bar to the level the film-makers are capable of meeting. While I don’t disagree that as a viewer I do bear some responsibility for enjoying the movie, I do not bear the entire burden.

@frimmel:

@Jermofoot:

Basically, I feel like if you were disappointed you went in with the wrong expectations.

I disagree. My job as a viewer is not to lower the bar to the level the film-makers are capable of meeting. While I don’t disagree that as a viewer I do bear some responsibility for enjoying the movie, I do not bear the entire burden.

I was going to say something to the effect of:   So, if I go in to a movie expecting it to be mediocre or not what I enjoy, then I should be pleased or satisfied when my expectation comes true?

But I thought that was too rhetorical. Frim said it a bit more tactfully.

I expected an action movie, but with some measure of believable acting, a basic story plot, at least some decent “monster music”, and something along the lines of development of why they are fighting.

What we got is " 4th generation monster now ready to be fought at night as usual …. Saddle up and engage enemy, robot 3 held in reserve… now lets fight at night again for the next 40 minutes… enjoy that large fry"

That does not make a movie. A movie must have basic elements unless you cater to dumb kids who love mountain dew and Taco Bell marketing tie ins… Choose Cool Ranch Taco or Spicy Shell Taco. Vote for Blue Robot or Red Robot… enjoy 24oz soda for $1.00… you will eventually buy something we promise.

It was like watching Starship Troopers except with even worse acting… Future Earth threatened with Alien Monsters, organize into a defense force, fight them with technology, Blah Blah Blah.

I employ this vernacular to illustrate the totally fake experience it was too watch that movie. I demand something a bit more than an after school special

Here is the expectation I expect to be met.

spoilers

Giant Mech grabs a ship to use as a weapon against monster. Expectation met- Really cool cgi stuff.

Giant Mech is on the ropes and out of options. Activates an integrated sword. Splits one of the biggest monsters ever in half. Expectation met- really cool cgi stuff.

Expectation not met- Hey wait a minute… why the hell did they need to pick up the ship? Why are they messing with these big plasma cannons that aren’t always effective. Why aren’t they going to this in the first place with the smaller kaiju?

We’re not talking about trying to sort out how the sword works or picking at the drift or how they get these giant mechs walking about at all or a some other form of I’m not willing to participate in the world they’re creating. It’s cheating, pulling rabbits out of hats.

While it was cool and I went for cool, it was cheating- for any movie, no matter your expectations. And I don’t like cheating more than I do like kaiju split in half by swords the size of building.

Again, I’ve heard the acting is subpar, but that’s not what I’m seeing the movie for.  I’ll have to listen to the music once I see it.  Other than that basic story - interdimensional aliens threaten earth and humanity, humanity builds robots to fight them.  They fight because they’ll destroy us otherwise.  Pretty simple concept.

Since you didn’t see the movie, don’t defend it. Its not worth it.

Quote
What we got is " 4th generation monster now ready to be fought at night as usual …. Saddle up and engage enemy, robot 3 held in reserve… now lets fight at night again for the next 40 minutes… enjoy that large fry"

I wasn’t expecting something different.  Were you?

Yea some reason why they are sending them to Earth, other than fragments of memory from Vulcan mind meld of two comedians. Geez

Quote
That does not make a movie. A movie must have basic elements unless you cater to dumb kids who love mountain dew and Taco Bell marketing tie ins…… Choose Cool Ranch Taco or Spicy Shell Taco. Vote for Blue Robot or Red Robot… enjoy 24oz soda for $1.00… you will eventually buy something we promise.

Except they deliberately avoided tie-ins with anything, which was refreshing.

Just wait, it’s coming

Quote
I employ this vernacular to illustrate the totally fake experience it was too watch that movie. I demand something a bit more than an after school special

Then don’t watch a monster movie?  A lot of the stuff you brought up seemed unreasonable or didn’t apply.  If you didn’t like it, fine, but you make it sound like it’s the movies fault that you didn’t know what you were going to see.

All the Godzilla movies at least had great music, a story that was somewhat developed, campy acting ( as opposed to no skill acting). I compare this to other Monster movies and it fails that comparison. Everything i brought up DID APPLY to this movie, it was just worse than what anybody should expect regardless of the genre.

Go watch it and kiss that time goodbye.

@Jermofoot:

I appreciate it, Frim.  We certainly could get into the nitty-gritty, and I believe there is enough to explain much of it, but like all movies this one requires a certain level of suspension of disbelief.  It’s not going to pass a science check, because the whole premise is monsters vs. giant robots, remember?  That’s the whole point - it’s not intended to be completely accurate on purpose.

Look we’re mostly coming at this from the same place.

I’m ignoring or otherwise going along with the fact that the two pilots are supposed to be connected yet need to talk to each other. Really, so what? Don’t care.

I do care that the giant mech suddenly has an integrated sword when earlier it seemed a better idea to use a ship as a baseball bat.

If I’m bent out of shape about the mentally connected pilots talking that’s on me. That’s me not participating and going along for the ride.

The sword thing is on them. I’m not asking how it works. I’m not objecting to them having it. I’m objecting to them pulling it out of their ass when they’ve gotten themselves in a corner. That’s the film-makers not honoring the leeway I’m giving them or even abusing that leeway and willingness to go along for the ride and cheating.

As far as I can tell we have a lot of stupid people who rail at stuff like the “techno-babble” of Star Trek now being the audience for movies. They don’t understand the “techno-babble” and fail to just identify it as the obstacle to be overcome and not all that important in specific and but through their lack of understanding or participation they think the creators cheated. They get mistaken impressions about why something was good. This opens the door for the cheating and sloppy lazy writing we’ve got in things like “Prometheus” and “Pacific Rim” and trying to pass off the expectation of good story-telling as some sort of failure to play along on the part of some of the audience.

There has become a real disconnect between maguffin and salient plot points. A confusion about what is set-up and needs to be gone along with or why did you come to see it and maintaining logic and consistency and the elements of good and long established narrative tradition in the world you’re trying to create.

We all have different tolerance levels for “just go with it” and engagement in the entertainment we watch. Lately film-makers seem to my mind to be willfully ignorant of this fact or worse- outright disdainful and cynical about it.

It is the corporate culture. They don’t care if it’s good or if we like it. They just care that lots of people see it and that it’s profitable. Junk food cinema for a junk food culture.

Seriously?  Godzilla was better?  I like Godzilla and all, but the level of production is light and dark here.

Godzilla was way better
Cloverfield was better
Rodan better
War of the Gargantuas better
Even Godzilla vs the Smog Monster better

They are all classic and had some acting and a plot. Godzilla music kicks ass. Some of the best music for any movie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiY5j5QvcdQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xPKolXdyiM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrb1RkenWk