It’s been an unpredictable summer for movies this year, as some films far exceeded expectations and others falling well short. Is there room for another breakthrough hit? I’m sure director Guillermo del Toro is hoping so, as his $180 million, science fiction film, Pacific Rim, is due to hit theaters on July 12th. The film draws heavily from Japanese pop culture, namely anime, Sentai and Kaiju (giant monsters) and centers around huge alien creatures invading the Earth via a portal at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Humanity must set aside its differences and work together if they hope to survive.
The special effects certainly look impressive, but a few factors are working against this film. The last big robot movie, Real Steel, flopped at the box office, despite starring Hugh Jackman, a certified leading man. Pacific Rim does not star any A-listers, which could make all the difference, as in the case of World War Z, which only garnered mediocre reviews, but benefited by showcasing super star Brad Pitt. Can Pacific Rim follow in the footsteps of Independence Day, which also lacked a huge leading man? Or will it sink like Battleship? (At least Taylor Kitsch isn’t in this one! Sorry, that was mean.)
Earlier video clips highlighted the Jaegers (mechas) and monsters. And while those elements are certainly present in the newest clip, they are accompanied by humanity and heart, delivered via a speech made by Idris Elba, who plays Stacker Pentacost. Check it out:
Pretty Bill Pullman-esque if you ask me! What do you think? Was Elba/Pentacost’s speech enough to convince you to check out this film?
Pacific Rim also stars Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy), Ron Perlman (also from Sons of Anarchy as well as del Torro’s Hellboy movies), Rinko Kikuchi (Academy Award nominated for Babel), Charlie Day (It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia) and Burn Gorman (Torchwood). It opens July 12th, 2013.
Are you looking forward to this movie? Comment below!
