Full disclosure: I love the original Pacific Rim movie. Like, an irrational love. I forgive all it's flaws, it's one of the few movies I continue to watch over and over, and it just has a special place in my heart. I can't even really explain why I love it so much - I think it's part awesome giant robots, part great music, definitely part Idris Elba. So all that to say, I was super psyched for Pacific Rim: Uprising.
And overall, it did not disappoint. There was more great music, definitely more awesome giant robots, and while there was no Idris Elba this time, I enjoyed John Boyega, who played his son. This movie takes place 10 years after the events of the first movie (and in real life we only had to wait 5 years!). The new cadets being trained to fight in Jaegers have never seen battle, though many of them have a personal traumatic past with the Kaiju. In particular the movie focuses on Amara (Cailee Spaeny) - a young woman who built her own Jaeger, called "Scrapper", and Jake Pentecost (John Boyega) who left the service and is conscripted back in when he is caught stealing.
As Amara and Pentecost arrive at the base, conflict is taking place over Shao Industries' new drones which could render the Jaegers obsolete. As the Pan Pacific Defense Corps argues over how best to prepare for the future, the Kaiju threat raises its ugly head again, in new and unexpected ways. The young recruits and Pentecost must band together to save the world - this time it's their turn.
This film is filled with awesome giant robots, humor, heart, some twists and turns, and spectacular fight scenes. It lived up to my expectations as to what a follow up to Pacific Rim should be - I can't say I loved it quite as much as the first movie, but I think in the future I will definitely be watching both of these movies over and over. If you are in the mood for a fun popcorn film that will keep you entertained, this is the one for you.
And please, Hollywood, make Pacific Rim 3, and if you love me, you won't make me wait another five years. Thanks!