Mischief Maker wrote:

Man, I have read reviews savaging this movie for the plot. The only explanation I can think of is that like the Wachowski Brothers' Speed Racer, it's a visually unique but otherwise low-aspiration film by directors with a reputation for aiming higher. Yes, Pacific Rim is not even remotely in the same league as Pan's Labyrinth. But I've seen a lot of Godzilla movies and unless Toho kicked up the writing quality since "Giant Monsters All-Out Attack," Pacific Rim is a high-water mark for Kaiju movie writing. The conflicts are straightforward, character motivations clear, even the odious comic relief characters aren't all that odious. What's more, how can you expect to take a movie seriously that features robots with jet engines on their elbows to make for stronger punches? Definitely a better movie than Independence Day (you would all be dead if it weren't for my David!)