Godzilla 2014 (Part 2 of 2)

Godzilla (Part 2 of 2)

 The origin of Godzilla has changed a great deal in this movie. There are hints to the origins of old Godzilla here there with it showing up in the 1950s. I liked all the nods to the previous continuities in the Godzilla mythology. A lot of this is given to us through an impressive opening credits scene.

At one point, they're building up these monsters, which is an amazing scene, in Hawaii. Then, you get this build up with hundreds of people running away from the raising ocean. Then, Godzilla appears being a total badass. Then, they cut away to news footage! We get this huge intro and buildup and no payoff. We only get to witness this supposedly epic fight through a TV screen via news footage. How can you mess that up? They do that a few times when there are incredible fights happening off screen. I understand buildup, we shouldn't have the payoff in the last act. Let's see some fights in the second act.

The other glaring problem is, once Cranston is gone from the movie, we follow his son around. He doesn't carry the same weight as Cranston does and either does his family. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen will probably be compelling actors in The Avengers II, but here they are pretty bland. For a movie wanting to focus on the human aspects, the humans aren't that interesting. The acting just takes a huge dip in the third act.

The third act is probably the best thing about this movie. We finally get to see a totally messed up city and three monsters fighting. And, the payoff is pretty good. Now, there are hints that Godzilla is fully aware of the humans and even makes eye contact with one of them, despite killing a lot of them. At one point, it is strongly implied that Godzilla helps out a human that saves his life. Make no mistake though, Godzilla doesn't really care about the humans really as he's a hunter that preys on other monsters and that's all he cares about. He even gets pissed when the US government starts firing on him.

One can't overlook the sheer coolness of Godzilla, as he's not a pussy mutant in this version as the 90s US movie wants us to believe. And, I freaking loved that fact Godzilla isn't really a good guy per say, he's a gray character that more of just a blunt instrument to wipe out the other monsters. Most people cheered when Godzilla finally breaks out his fire breath and takes out both monsters. And, that powerful roar is just great to hear again. You can tell this was produced by people that actually cared about the history of Godzilla.

The special effects are amazing and the monsters are sensational. The fight scenes, while limited, are fun. It is weak acting that takes away from a fun film. We need more fighting and better acting. However, it is nice to see an American studio finally get Godzilla right.

Welcome back, Godzilla.

Grade: B-