Robot Jox
In the future, after a global nuclear war humanity has found a more measured and reasonable way of solving issues and disputes over territory. Giant robots. So, the current champion is heading to the end of his career and is looking to be replaced by 'tubies' test tube robojoxers who are designed purely to fight in the huge robots designed for this purpose. After a tragic accident kills numerous spectators, the champ decides to quit, however after falling in love with one of the tubers he realises he must get back in the cockpit and finish the job as well as uncovering the spy who is revealing the secrets of his teams robot.
Well directed by Stuart Gordon, who seems to have framed the interesting or somewhat slight plot as an excuse to feature giant robot action, the film delivers this in spades in spite of a restrictive budget. Well detailed set design and carefully shot model work that took several years to complete, the finished work still holds up today in HD. The model work is done with amazing care and attention to detail and the robot combat is well choreographed and shot to make a film that I'm glad to say is still a thrilling experience even once the fog of nostalgia is cleared. It looks bloody stunning on Blu-ray as well.
Pacific rim.
After Jox I decided to double bill it with this to see how it holds up against state of the art CGI. The temptation to do a hatchet job subsides while watching as the effects work here is well considered and well delivered with attention to detail. while there is a certain charm to Jox's practical effects, the action here holds up thanks to the care and attention of the film-makers. It helps that Pacific rim was the film that delivered way more than the bigger Godzilla remake in terms of action and entertainment.
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