As a Guillermo del Toro-directed film about giant robots battling giant monsters, Pacific Rim was automatically burdened with sky-high expectations. But the more we hear about it, the more it sounds like it actually lives up to them and then some. The first test screening last month was met with glowing approval. Now another test screening from this past weekend has yielded even more overwhelmingly positive responses. Hit the jump to read more.

It’s unclear how the cut shown this past weekend differs from the one shown in February. As with all test screening reactions, it’s worth keeping in mind that the version the audience saw was probably not the final theatrical cut. But unless del Toro makes some really, really drastic changes between now and July, it sounds like we’re in for a hell of a ride.

Of all the responses I caught on Twitter, this may have been the most “negative.” And by “negative,” I mean “still pretty positive.”

@Chillimouth Didn't love the movie as much as I thought I would, but Max did a great job and he looked good too ;) — anna bartsch (@annabartsch) March 23, 2013

This individual seemed entertained but not blown away.

I just saw this movie called Pacific Rim. It was a fun escape. (Probably comes out in the summer) — Hugh Moore (@Hugh_Moore) March 24, 2013

And this viewer acknowledged that the fact that she saw the movie early and for free may have colored her reaction.

Del Toro fans were not disappointed.

Just saw Pacific Rim. Thank You Guillermo Del Toro, thank you. — Derek Housman (@DerekHousman) March 23, 2013

Screened #PacificRim it's everything you hoped for and more. Also got to meet Guillermo del Toro as well. What a class act. #Blockbuster — AJ Aquino (@AJisLost) March 23, 2013

It helps that the premise itself is already pretty awesome, as this person points out.

Pacific rim was the shiiiit. You can't go wrong with giant mecha battles — Manuel Berrios (MBP) (@Alex_MBP) March 24, 2013

Pacific Rim won’t hit theaters for another several months, but if this tweet is any indication there are already people eager to see it again.

Audience members were likely told not to talk about the film, but lots of folks just couldn’t help themselves.

I didn't see Pacific Rim, but if I did, I would tell you to see it because it is visually stunning. Also I did not chat briefly w Del Toro — David Atchison (@DavidNAtchison) March 23, 2013

@dblackanese @DerekHousman I just got home and I haven't done anything. I don't even want people talking to me. I just want to think robots — David Atchison (@DavidNAtchison) March 24, 2013

Guillermo del Toro told me "Tell all my friends" bout a movie I didn't just watch that had GIANT ROBOTS beatin da fuck out of GIANT MONSTERS — Deric A. Hughes (@dblackanese) March 23, 2013

So I won't tell u how fuckin awesome this movie might be & I definitely won't tell u how u might exit the movie feeling six years old again. — Deric A. Hughes (@dblackanese) March 23, 2013

@eruditechick sad part is, once you see it, you'll want to see it again. And again. Until you come to realize it'll NEVER be enough. — Deric A. Hughes (@dblackanese) March 24, 2013

@eruditechick seriously, big screen cinema drug. You are physically dizzy and exhausted from excitement when it's all over. — Deric A. Hughes (@dblackanese) March 24, 2013

But for sheer enthusiasm, no one could top Robert Meyer Burnett.

So. I just saw the nearly-finished PACIFIC RIM. I know I'm prone to hyperbolic statements…but believe me…PACIFIC RIM is STUNNING. — Robert Meyer Burnett (@BurnettRM) March 23, 2013

Guys, remember the first time you got a blowjob and how it lasted for ten seconds? Well, PACIFIC RIM is just like that, BUT FOR TWO HOURS! — Robert Meyer Burnett (@BurnettRM) March 23, 2013

PACIFIC RIM is, after all, a movie about GIANT ROBOTS fighting GIANT MONSTERS. Within that paradigm, it's sheer perfection. — Robert Meyer Burnett (@BurnettRM) March 23, 2013

Know what the absolute BEST part of #PACIFICRIM is? It will wipe the cynicism and snark right off every geek pundit's face. #smileseveryone — Robert Meyer Burnett (@BurnettRM) March 24, 2013

Burnett went on in that vein for hours; check his Twitter feed for even more comments.

Again, these early reactions should be taken with a grain of salt. I’m guessing that most or all of the people who went to the screening had to sign NDAs. The ones who disliked the film, then, were probably less inclined to risk pissing off the studio by breaking that contract.

The hype around this film is so strong right now that I fear the film can’t possibly live up. But even if some of these reports are a bit exaggerated it’s clear del Toro has a great summer treat in store for us with Pacific Rim. Look for the movie in theaters July 12.

Update: We’ve gotten word that no NDAs were signed at the screening. Staff told audience members not to talk about the movie, but del Toro encouraged viewers to tell their friends about the film. Adjust your impressions accordingly.

Update #2: A new poster has been released for the film:

[H/t ComicBook.com, Comic Book Movie]