The Wolverine

Release Date: Jul 26, 2013
Runtime: 2 hr. 6 min. 
Director: James Mangold 
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Hiroyuki Sanada, Brian Tee, Famke Janssen.

"X-Men" introduced us to the world of mutants: individuals with remarkable powers and secret abilities. But out of the throng, one superseded the rest, resulting in two spin-offs with altering outcomes. Whereas "Origins" failed in honing the character, Mangold succeeds in giving it new life. What's always been fascinating about Wolverine is the complexity of his nature – driven by rage but tormented by pain – in his road to self-redemption. And while prior films have scratched the surface of his past, it's the latest that digs deep into his empathy, separating animal from human. Following the events of "Last Stand," Wolverine is now a nomad in the wilderness, filled with remorse over the death of Jean Grey. But where this familiarity begins, it quickly diminishes, as the film is unlike other "X-Men" adventures before it. Set mostly in Japan, it's a noticeable departure, with yakuza and ninjas in place of mutants. The only consistencies remain with the claws and the omniscient presence of Famke Janssen. Though staying close to the comic book series, "Wolverine" is more of an action flick than not – with battles on top of bullet trains and samurai blades. Given that Jackman has reprised this role several times before, it's a much-needed change of scenery for the ever-growing franchise. Where the film mainly stumbles is in its confined second half, throwing love story and hero into one predictable ending. Stuck with a bland villain (Viper) and weak supporting characters, Wolverine is left to fend for himself in his battle for immortality. Nonetheless, the film is a vast improvement if only for the Easter egg. The future looks to be bright in "Days of Future Past."

Rating: 3 stars

Pacific Rim

Release Date: Jul 12, 2013
Runtime: 2 hr. 11 min. 
Director: Guillermo del Toro 
Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Charlie Day, Rinko Kikuchi, Ron Perlman.

From visionary mastermind Gullermo del Toro, comes the ultimate summer blockbuster in retro glory. Channeling classic 'robot anime,' commonly referred to as 'mecha,' "Pacific Rim" is a reverent homage to never growing up. In a future where Kaijus (Japanese: monster) are rampant in number, Jaegers (German: hunter) are built to fight brawn for brawn. Operated by pilots via what's called a 'neural bridge,' man and machine must become one as the last line of defense. The sheer breadth of these battles are simply astounding, pitting robot versus beast in the depths of the Pacific. Darkly stylized in perpetual rain, del Toro spares no expense in embracing the ambiance. With such focus on appearance, character back-stories are sidelined, offering glimpses of memories as collateral substitution. While this makes the film shallow in terms of development, it's generally what's expected for this type of genre. Charlie Hunnam leads the cast of mismatched characters, from the ever-serious Idris Elba to comic relief Charlie Day. Though representing the last stance of the stricken human race, they're no more than tiny figurines in this colossal-sized picture. Charged by an electrifying score by Ramin Djawadi, "Pacific Rim" is front and foremost about Jaegers and Kaijus. Action-packed and visually stimulating, they're a manifestation of any kid's (or adult's) fantasy that's larger than life. Granted, this isn't del Toro's greatest masterpiece, it ranks high in this summer's go-see movies.

Rating: 4 stars

Despicable Me 2

Release Date: Jul 03, 2013  

Runtime: 1 hr. 38 min. 

Director: Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin 

Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand.

Turn the world's nefarious villain into a stay-at-home dad and you get "Despicable Me 2," Minions take two. In the sequel to the surprisingly successful picture by Illumination Entertainment, we find Gru, newly reformed and adjusted to parenthood. But when a mutating chemical compound is stolen by an unknown entity, it's up to the former villain to step in and save the day. Far less despicable than its aptly named predecessor, the follow-up is kinder, having grown softer at its core. Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, is irrevocably changed, no longer the hardened criminal that made him so engaging. His Minions, on the other hand, are as unruly as ever, stealing most of the prime light – for better or worse. In spite of their own spin-off due out next December, the film gives early indication of the tumult that is to come. On the plus side, the addition of Kristen Wiig is wholeheartedly welcomed, her character of Lucy Wilde being as fervent as she is. Her chemistry with Gru/Carell is undeniably salient, making their next onscreen collaboration all the more enticing (hint: anchorman). Whereas the story is inviting and the animation is on par, it's the characters that make it worth it, particularly little Agnes. Seeing as there will probably be another sequel in the imminent future, for now it's up to the Minions to carry on the torch. 

Rating: 3½ stars

World War Z

Release Date: Jun 21, 2013  
Runtime: 1 hr. 55 min. 
Director: Marc Forster 
Cast: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Fana Mokena, James Badge Dale, Ludi Boeken, Matthew Fox, David Morse.

We've seen the world decimated in a multitude of ways but not nearly as frequently as the zombie apocalypse. Based on the popular novel, albeit loosely, of the same name, "World War Z" recounts the deadly epidemic and its global repercussions. Unlike the source material, the film is deliberately whittled down, solely focusing on a former UN employee as he investigates the outbreak. Pitt as Gerry Lane is what you've come to expect, a family man with heart and altruistic values. The fate of mankind rests essentially in his hands, though the answer to why is not fully obtained. Likewise, the origins of the disease is another mystery in itself, initially looked into but never resolved. For a film plagued by rewrites, it fares better than most – heavy-handed in action and laced with suspense. The adrenaline-pumped zombies are a new breed of terror, granted the CGI can get cumbersome when overexposed. While the story could have strengthened by additional perspectives, "World War Z" is still a thrill ride more often than not. With more battles lost than actually won, a sequel is ripe for another assault.

Rating: 3½ stars