Pacific Rim: Uprising – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Pacific Rim: Uprising

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2018

38%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A forgettable robot-punching-monsters sequel that somehow makes giant mechs boring—critically panned for good reason.

42%

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Pacific Rim: Uprising

movie

PG-13, 2018

38%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A forgettable robot-punching-monsters sequel that somehow makes giant mechs boring—critically panned for good reason.

42%

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, Pacific Rim: Uprising is the sequel nobody asked for that delivers exactly what you'd expect from a cash-grab follow-up: loud, dumb, and forgettable. The original had Guillermo del Toro's visual flair and heart; this one has... John Boyega trying his best with a terrible script.

The ratings tell the story: 42% from critics, 37% from audiences, 5.6 on IMDb. That's not "divisive"—that's just bad. Even kids who love giant robots might zone out during the confusing plot and generic action sequences.

If your kid is desperate for mech-vs-monster content, sure, it's safe enough at age 12+. But there are so many better ways to spend two hours. Rewatch the original Pacific Rim, check out some quality anime in the genre, or honestly just let them play with action figures—they'll probably create a better story.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media suggests 12+, which feels right for the action intensity. But honestly, even 12-year-olds might find this one dull—the poor reviews across the board (37% audience score, 2.2/5 on Letterboxd) suggest it's a skip for most families.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Giant robot vs. monster action with team cooperation themes, but lacks emotional depth or meaningful character development. The tone is fairly straightforward action without much heart or modeling of complex relationships. Pacing is action-heavy with little breathing room for emotional resonance.

Imaginative

While giant mechs fighting kaiju is inherently a cool sci-fi concept, this sequel is derivative of the original without adding fresh ideas. The world-building feels recycled, and the execution is formulaic blockbuster fare. Doesn't inspire creativity or wonder—just spectacle for spectacle's sake.

Safe

Rated PG-13 territory with Common Sense Media suggesting age 12+. Violence is large-scale robot/monster combat without gore or graphic content. No sexual content, minimal language concerns. The action is intense but expected for the genre—no surprise traumatic moments. Predictable blockbuster safety profile.

Enriching

Minimal cognitive or emotional growth opportunities. Themes of teamwork and heroism are surface-level at best. No meaningful skill-building, ethical complexity, or insight. The entertainment value itself is questionable given the poor critical reception (42% RT critics, 37% audience, 5.6 IMDb). It's loud, forgettable popcorn fare that doesn't stick with you.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

If your kid is really into giant robots and kaiju, there's at least some visual spectacle of mechs fighting monsters
Themes of teamwork and rising to meet challenges, even if executed poorly
Might work as background noise for a kid who just wants to see things explode without thinking too hard

⚠

What to Watch For

Intense sci-fi action violence throughout—cities getting destroyed, robots fighting monsters, but nothing graphic or gory
The movie is genuinely not good—even kids who love the genre might find it boring or confusing
At 2+ hours, it's a long sit for mediocre entertainment

Conversation Starters

"What would you do if you could pilot a giant robot? What would you name it?"
"Why do you think the characters had to work together to defeat the monsters?"
"Did you think the movie was exciting or kind of boring? What would have made it better?"

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