Movie Reviews

By Lynne Martin

It doesn’t take long to realize that you’re looking at a general cast of unknowns when you have a little trouble distinguishing between the actor’s names and the character’s names. However, PACIFIC RIM (2013) starring Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, and Rinko Kikuchi is not an introspective drama or an exercise in method acting. This is a straight-up action movie propelled by earth shattering battles between monsters and robots. And a darn good one too boot.

When legions of monstrous sea creatures known as ‘Kaiju’ rise up to destroy the land, mankind responds by building massive robots known as ‘Jaegers’. Simultaneously operated by two pilots joined through a neural bridge, these warlike robotic machines temporarily appear to be the answer for a civilization suddenly on the brink of extinction. Then after years of war and millions of human deaths, all hopes may now rest on the shoulders of a retired pilot, a trainee, and an obsolete Jaeger.

If audience members sit back and enjoy the special effects without worrying about the obvious holes in the plot, their ride can be just as exhilarating as a training mission in a Jaeger. Granted, the storyline of PACIFIC RIM may be a little predictable, but this isn’t WAR AND PEACE. This is a monster/robot movie and should be viewed with the appropriate admiration for the action sequences and forgiveness for any underdeveloped character studies.

As to be expected, a sequel is already being discussed and the director, Guillermo del Toro, has stated that it will contain the merging of a Kaiju and a Jaeger. Have to give a shout-out to Ron Perlman; a great actor with a believable streak of evil. Note: Those unimpressed with the action may be bothered by the movie’s sound levels. Rated PG-13, 131 mins, Action, Adventure, Fantasy. **** 4 stars out of 5.

The End a unique mix of belly laughter and uncomfortable squirming

Did you ever wonder what celebrities with padded bank accounts do to kick back and relax? THIS IS THE END (2013) starring James Franco, Jonah Hill and Seth Rogan opens with an answer to that very question—and just when you think you know what’s coming next—the tables are turned and nothing is what it seems.

As six old friends and fellow Hollywood ‘B-listers’ gather for a party at James Franco’s mansion, the world outside begins to take a dramatic swing, complete with earth-shattering and cataclysmic events. Sequestered inside the crumbling house, this group of eclectic actors quickly realize that the threats of imminent disaster are beginning to tear at their very bonds of friendship. Eventually forced to flee the mansion for additional supplies and safer accommodations, the young men eventually recognize that just their personal friendships might be their only paths to redemption.

A definite ‘bromance’, THIS IS THE END reminds me of a high school beer-bash where escalating emotions and rampant jealousy tend to bring out the worst in some and extraordinary acts of loyalty in others.

I must say that the cameo with one of Hollywood’s hottest leading men, Channing Tatum, was a little more than disturbing. After having just reviewed his heroic performance a few weeks prior in WHITE HOUSE DOWN, this role was a definite departure from everything we’ve seen from him to date. But then that kind of shock comedy is exactly what this group of actors are best known for—their own personal brand of no holds barred performances.

Directed by Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogan, we had to know this movie would be a unique mix of belly laughter and uncomfortable squirming. Rated R, 107 mins, Comedy, Fantasy, *** 3 stars out of 5.

– Lynne Martin is an avid movie collector and a staunch supporter of sexual education. She currently resides in Alberta, Canada with her husband and their large extended family. For a complete list of her reviews and other works, or to leave a comment, please go to: www.lynnemartinbooks.com.

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