Monsters versus giant robots seems like can't miss Oscar-bait, but a scattered plot and world-weary soul drags Pacific Rim down. For years now, massive “Kaijus” have been rising from a dimensional rift in the ocean floor and attacking cities. Humanity fights back the only way it can—forging big-dick robots that rocket punch things to death. With earth on the brink of destruction, commander Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba) tasks fallen robot pilot Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) with a last ditch, giant robot fighting monsters mission. Though much more interesting is the subplot of loopy scientists Charlie Day and Burn Gorman tracking down a black market monster dealer (the inevitable Ron Perlman). Director Guillermo de Toro is clearly enjoying his massive sandbox. But despite the kooky ideas and city-flattening fights, Pacific Rim never feels as epic as the story it's trying to sell.
