John Boyega and Scott Eastwood star in a scene from the movie "Pacific Rim Uprising." The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. (CNS/Universal)

By Catholic News Service

Directed and co-written by Steven S. DeKnight, this sequel to 2013’s “Pacific Rim” is a noisy, violent, and utterly ridiculous sci-fi adventure.

When a new threat appears from aliens intent on world domination, two hot-shot pilots (John Boyega and Scott Eastwood) must train a group of very green cadets, including a gifted 15-year-old (Cailee Spaeny), to command the giant robots that will save the day. The duo is out to counter the wicked plans of a once-heroic doctor (Charlie Day), who has gone over to the dark side.

DeKnight sacrifices plot and subtlety for relentless and repetitive action, laying waste to much of Tokyo in the process — in the spirit of the “Godzilla” films of yore.

Intense but bloodless violence, brief sexual banter, occasional profane and crude language, an obscene gesture. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

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