I was ready for this new ‘Godzilla’ film right from the start! Then having missed it at the cinemas and hearing a generally negative opinion on the film partly lessened my interest. I’m not annoyed at those who’ve talked it down, I’m annoyed at myself for giving these opinions any credence (As reliable as they usually are), because the enjoyment I felt while watching ‘Godzilla’ is near unrivalled for the best time I’ve ever had watching a movie.
If you have seen the film, you’re probably familiar with the criticisms waged against ‘Godzilla’. Hell, you might just be one of those poor souls spewing your painfully wrong opinions on internet message boards. And it all culminates from how sore you are, because you watched the film wrong, obviously.
Well, let me help you out.
1) “Why name the film ‘Godzilla’ when Godzilla is in it for exactly .1 of a femtosecond!?”
Did you nod off during the film? Godzilla was in it for a sizable chunk. Also, there are these things called Pacing, Build Up and finally the Payoff. That means, if you have Godzilla kicking arse and wrecking the shop too early it ruins the payoff (See: Pacific Rim).
2) “The actors were terrible!”
The actors did a good job; I’m not entirely sure what kind of Shakespearian nonsense you were expecting.
3) “Bait & Switch! ‘Godzilla’ was shown as an antagonist in the trailer”
Where!? Just because the ‘Godzilla’ trailer didn’t fall into the modern trappings of spelling everything out for you as it ruins all of the best parts; did you think that maybe they wanted to keep the MUTO a secret?
4) “It was too dark (thematically) for a ‘Godzilla’ film!”
You do know that the original ‘Gojira’ ’54 came from the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Not sure you can get any darker than a story that came from the events where tens of thousands of people died!
5) “The ’98 ‘Godzilla’ was better!”
There we have it, the top 5 complaints debunked for you. Now, go watch it again correctly.
Well, with that out of the way, I will tell you what I enjoyed about ‘Godzilla’.
The sound design and score is something to be reckoned with. While building the tension and adding to the bombastically destructive scenes, the score is one of the best set to an action movie, that doesn’t come with a catchy theme to hum or a memorable tune (Not including the original ‘Gojira’ ’54 theme). The sounds emanating from the monsters coupled with the screeching of twisting metal and broken concrete work so well in concert that it doesn’t drown out what’s happening on the screen, yet makes itself well known throughout the entire film.
A heart wrenching start to the film is not what I was expecting, but with that said, is something I’m thankful for, as it shows the motives of certain characters right there in front of you. And with Bryan Cranston’s masterful acting, pulls off what could have been trite and fuel for the cynical.
The fight scenes between the MUTO and the King of the Monsters Godzilla was expertly choreographed and animated for the most impact, which left me smiling ear to ear as I watch the colossal beasts beat the bejesus out of each other.
‘Godzilla’ is a film that I’m sure I’ll watch time and time again and stands second only to the original ’54 Gojira in my eyes.
Please note: I’m tired and wanted to write something snarky. The above where I answer criticisms is very patronising, but it’s all in jest.