Guillermo del Toro directed this lavish homage to Japan’s classic kaiju epics. After barely surviving an invasion of giant monsters from an interdimensional portal beneath the Pacific Ocean, the world’s nations have teamed up to build “Jaegers”—colossal, piloted robots designed to battle the mysterious creatures—but a new onslaught threatens the fate of humanity. With visual effects from Industrial Light and Magic and colorful, neon cinematography from Oscar winner Guillermo Navarro (Pan’s Labyrinth), Pacific Rim is a treat for the eyes and a three-dimensional thrill ride.