There are a bunch of new releases hitting UK cinemas this weekend, but there are two HUGE ones in amongst them all. Those two are the massive robots vs. monsters epic from Guillermo del Toro, PACIFIC RIM, and then we also have the family friendly prequel MONSTERS UNIVERSITY, which as you can see below, we quite liked. Also, serving up a bit of foreign indie, we have THE DEEP, which also opens in selected cinemas across the country. We have reviewed and rated all three below.
Released Friday 12th July 2013
PACIFIC RIM (12A)
What’s It About?
When an alien attack threatens the Earth’s existence, giant robots piloted by humans are deployed to fight off the menace.
What Do We Think?
“PACIFIC RIM may appeal if you absolutely must have a mouthful of summer popcorn silliness, but don’t expect to be emotionally drawn in on any level, as it’s surprisingly mishandled by a filmmaker who has previously proven through PAN’S LABYRINTH and THE DEVIL’S BACKBONE that he has form in this area. The tagline boldly reads, “Go big or go extinct.” In an era of sequels, rehashes, tie-ins, and spin-offs, it went big, now hopefully it will go extinct.”
Dave Bennett, The Hollywood News – Read Dave’s full review.
MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (PG)
What’s It About?
Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan are an inseparable pair, but that wasn’t always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn’t stand each other. “Monsters University” unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends.
What Do We Think?
“Continuing the detachment from childhood theme seen in TOY STORY 3, the creators once again ally themselves to an audience who grew up with talking toys, bugs and monsters who live on the other side of a cupboard door. Nothing short of brilliant, Pixar maintain their genius throughout, upholding their mantle and providing a film for all ages.”
David Steedman, The Hollywood News – Read David’s full review.
THE DEEP (12A)
What’s It About?
The truelife story of a fisherman whose boat capsizes off the coast of Iceland and finds himself fighting for his life against the elements.
What Do We Think?
“It is fantastic to see a film which can be just as compelling without alien fleets, super spies or the latest book adaptation during blockbuster season. However, it is a big disappointment that this film, given its real life superhuman story material, fails to deliver throughout the vast majority of its runtime when it has so much potential.”
David Steedman, The Hollywood News – Read David’s full review.
CLEOPATRA
What’s It About?
A film epic revolving around the triumphs and tragedy of the Egyptian queen, Cleopatra.
What Do We Think?
“It must be said that the film is long, and while the addition of scenes shows the power of modern cinema to hold an audience’s attention for 4 hours, it is 4 hours nevertheless. Length aside it is great to see a story told start to finish in 2013 without the need to separate into two or three installments for moneymaking purposes. This is a celebration, and a wonderful one at that.”
David Steedman, The Hollywood News – Read David’s full review.
