If you are a fan of giant robots fighting giant monsters, you might have heard of the movie Pacific Rim, directed by Guillermo del Toro and released in 2013. The film was a homage to the kaiju and mecha genres, featuring spectacular battles between human-piloted machines called Jaegers and alien creatures called Kaiju that emerged from an interdimensional portal in the Pacific Ocean. The film was a box office success, especially in China, and spawned a sequel, Pacific Rim Uprising, in 2018.
But did you know that there is another movie with a very similar title and premise? It is called Atlantic Rim, also released in 2013, and it is a mockbuster of Pacific Rim. A mockbuster is a low-budget film that is made to capitalize on the popularity of a major film with a similar title or theme. Mockbusters are often produced by The Asylum, a company that specializes in direct-to-video releases that mimic blockbuster movies. Some of their other mockbusters include Transmorphers, Snakes on a Train, and The Da Vinci Treasure.
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What is Atlantic Rim About?
Atlantic Rim follows the story of three pilots who control giant robots called Mega-Robos to fight against sea monsters that attack coastal cities. The film was shot in Pensacola, Florida, and stars Graham Greene, David Chokachi, Treach, and Jackie Moore. The film was originally titled From the Sea, but was changed to Atlantic Rim to cash in on the hype of Pacific Rim. According to Wikipedia, the film had a budget of $500,000, which is less than 0.3% of Pacific Rim’s budget.
How Does Atlantic Rim Compare to Pacific Rim?
The obvious difference between Atlantic Rim and Pacific Rim is the quality of the production. Atlantic Rim has poor visual effects, acting, writing, and editing, while Pacific Rim has stunning CGI, action sequences, and nostalgic style. Atlantic Rim also has many plot holes, inconsistencies, and logical errors that make the film hard to follow or enjoy. For example, the Mega-Robos are supposed to be controlled by two pilots who share a mental link, but in some scenes they are shown to be operated by one pilot or by remote control. The sea monsters also change size and appearance throughout the film, and their origin and motivation are never explained.
Another difference is the tone and theme of the films. Pacific Rim is a tribute to the Japanese kaiju and mecha media, such as Godzilla, Ultraman, and Gundam. It also explores the themes of teamwork, sacrifice, and humanity’s resilience against overwhelming odds. Atlantic Rim, on the other hand, is a generic monster movie that does not have any depth or originality. It also tries to inject humor and romance into the story, but they come off as forced and awkward.
Is Atlantic Rim Worth Watching?
Atlantic Rim is not related to Pacific Rim in any way, except for having a similar title and concept. It is not a sequel, prequel, spin-off, or parody of Pacific Rim. It is a mockbuster that tries to profit from the success of Pacific Rim by confusing or deceiving the audience. It is not a good film by any standard, and it does not offer any entertainment value or artistic merit. It is widely considered as one of the worst films ever made.
However, some people might enjoy watching Atlantic Rim for its unintentional comedy or as a bad movie night with friends. Some might also appreciate it as an example of how not to make a film or as a contrast to Pacific Rim’s quality and creativity. If you are curious about Atlantic Rim, you can watch it on Freevee, but do not expect anything close to Pacific Rim’s level of excellence.
