SYNOPSIS: In Summer 2014, the world’s most revered monster is reborn as Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures unleash the epic action adventure “Godzilla.” From visionary new director Gareth Edwards (“Monsters”) comes a powerful story of human courage and reconciliation in the face of titanic forces of nature, when the awe-inspiring Godzilla rises to restore balance as humanity stands defenseless.

REVIEW: 

Admiral Stenz: This alpha predator of yours, doctor, do you really think he has a chance? 
Ichiro Serizawa: The arrogance of men is thinking nature is in their control and not the other way around. Let them fight. 

Finally! About 16 years later, we get a U.S. release Godzilla film that Godzilla would be proud of. It is true to the Godzilla franchise and very reminiscent in so many ways. If you are a fan of the classic Godzilla movies, this is a must see. Now remember, the Godzilla movies of old are fantastic “B” movies so you’re not going to get a whole lot more than that here either; although this film is quite dramatic and intense for a Godzilla movie, so this one has more depth. But again, it all the while stays true to the “B” movie form. This is the way it should be. Now I mention 16 years later because 16 years ago we had our last U.S. release Godzilla (1998), the one with Matthew Broderick. Now even though that one was a tangent, a departure from the classic but with the same name, it wasn’t necessarily a bad movie. Many people knocked that version, but taking it as a standalone, it wasn’t all that bad. With this version though, we definitely get back to tradition. Starting with opening scenes in Japan, seeing some of the actors speak almost looked dubbed, people running in the streets screaming, and a good dose of MMA (monsters of mass destruction) takes you back. It is cliché all the way but maintaining some amount of depth which was pretty cool.

As I watched the film, I continued to ponder over comparable films such as Cloverfield, Super 8, Pacific Rim, and even King Kong. If I had to pick, I would say this is most like Pacific Rim, but in reality, Godzilla is incomparable and the original. Of the major monster characters, only King Kong is older (1933) by 21 years, in case you were wondering as I was and Joanie-on-the-spot Priscilla found that fact for me. As you would expect, the special effects are pretty darn good in this one compared to its predecessors. The overall cinematography is pretty good too. One thing that stood out for me was the sound effects . . . impressive. Another aspect that was impressive was a particular performance by one of the members of the cast. I’ll give you one guess. Bryan Cranston delivers a powerful performance even in this genre. He elevates the movie up a notch. The rest of the cast was pretty good too, or shall I say good enough. Same goes for the storyline, although at least it is modern and appropriate. You can’t really ask for more. Remember, Godzilla movies were never meant to be great, just fun and action packed, therefore, this is a great Godzilla movie. Gareth Edwards has done an excellent job directing this piece. He was brave to take this on even though his work would fall under severe scrutiny by the Godzilla faithful. One such scrutiny I heard was a comment on the size of Godzilla. When I first heard this I chuckled because I thought it was a ridiculous comment. Well, after seeing the film, I’ve got to admit that he did look a little too chubby, but still very much huggable.

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