It’s been 10 years in the world of Pacific Rim since the heroic sacrifice of Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba) canceled the apocalypse. His efforts, and the heroes of the original film ended the war of the humans and their man-made Jaeger robots versus the monsters known as Kaiju.
In the years since the war, most of the world has been trying to get back to the way things use to be, but for some, that world is not for them. Some like living in the wreckage of the past, making their own way, which is exactly how Pentecost’s son, Jake (John Boyega), prefers to live.
While out plundering through war wreckage for treasures to keep his never ending summer afloat, Jake stumbles upon Amara (Cailee Spaeny), a tech savvy kid whose penchant for rule-breaking rivals his own. The pair’s meeting is short-lived before being crashed by the authorities, landing them both on the wrong side of the law, a place Jake is no stranger to. Turns out Jake was once a talented Jaeger pilot, who had split ways with the Pan-Pacific Defense Corps some years back. Now, he is given a choice, jail time or re-enlisting with the PPDC.
Choosing the giant robots over jail is always the answer, and so begins their new adventure. Along the way we meet some new faces, such as Nate Lambert (Scott Eastwood), Jake’s former co-pilot, who still holds a grudge against his former drift partner. We welcome some familiar faces back to the fold as well, with both Dr. Hermann Gottlieb (Burn Gorman) and Dr. Newton Geiszler (Charlie Day) returning.
The two doctors have both found success in their lives since the events of the first Pacific Rim, but reveal they might be permanently scarred from them as well.
For the most part, Uprising is a by-the-numbers sci-fi-style bootcamp movie (i.e. Starship Troopers, Ender’s Game, etc…). However, it’s Boyega’s charming wisecracks, and witty dialogue that when mixed with the stunning visual effects that make Uprising “rise” above the rest. This is a better Independence Day sequel than Resurgence ever was.
In a story of monsters versus robots, it’s the human characters who take the forefront. The film elevates itself beyond the fight sequences, (which are outstanding). The audience learns of Jake’s fears and regrets, Amara’s loss and trauma, and the emotional toll the war has played on our returning cast. However, we also discover the hope and sense of determination that humanity still holds. These are pieces that sometimes get lost in a glossy blockbuster, but this spectacle has heart.
Pacific Rim could end up one of the best franchises of this big movie era. Uprising holds up and elevates everything fans loved in the original, adding its own sense of humor and lightheartedness to the mix. John Boyega shines, Kaijus roar, and Jaegers fight. The world may never fully be safe from cross-dimensional attacks, but with stories like this to tell, do we really want it to be?
Now off to retcon this into an Attack The Block sequel!
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
-Aaron White
