After an abundance of bombastic science-fiction movies has plagued recent summer seasons, ranging from the nostalgic “Super 8” to the insipid “Transformers” franchise, the last thing viewers should want is another movie about giant aliens or robots. But “Pacific Rim” includes both, imbuing the film with a touch of sophistication and humility.

“Rim” takes place in a not-too-distant future when monstrous aliens called Kaiju declare war on Earth. In response, the global military forces fight back with Jaegers — massive robots that require two mentally linked pilots to control the robot’s movements.

The plot and dialogue are oversimplified, but the visuals offer the intelligence lacking in other areas. At first glance, the special effects and bright colors are whimsical and appealing. Watching the film is similar to reading a beautifully designed comic book.

“Rim” director Guillermo del Toro also makes grandiose references to Japanese culture. “Kaiju” is Japanese for strange beast, and the term originates from Japanese monster movies like “Godzilla.” The bulk of the film is set in Japan, and there are many visual references to World War II, with the Jaegers painted like 1940s bomber planes.

Even with these allusions, the film’s imagery remains light and unpretentious, delivering entertainment above anything else. Del Toro provides unexpected hints of depth, but the film’s playful spectacle defines his intentions. “Pacific Rim” finds the balance that many of its predecessors failed to achieve — excess with heart.

A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Dec. 5 print edition. Suzanne Egan is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].