Godzilla rocks!

Rating: 9/10 (16 May 2014)

I saw this with a friend, who liked it a little better than I did. He's just a hound for Godzilla films, and he loved it. I like old monster films, but this is the 21st Century, and everything is different now. But I admit I was impressed. We can't believe in floppy rubber suit monsters anymore; but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy some good old monster bashing when it's done well. And I think it is here.
The FX are very good - but this is not just another comic book FX romp. I actually came to feel for the Big Green guy here. And while I didn't quite feel so deeply for the humans, I think they (both the characters and actors portraying them) did what they had to do under the circumstances - they were all quite believable to me.
As for the action - I can't believe anyone found the first part dull; it isn't monster-ridden, but it segues into the monster action quite well. And there's more to Godzilla himself here than some critics are reporting.
There are lots of memorable moments through-out the film. The moment when the MUTO walks by the while the soldiers are lying on the bridge trying not to be noticed really had me on edge. And I won't spoil the final battle, but it's a keeper.
I found the whole very riveting and entertaining. It moves well and is well made. That the heaviest action moments are played out between the monsters but seen through the eyes of human observers worked well for me. I really felt like I was there, I saw as much as I needed to, to be thrilled and entertained.
And that's the word for it - entertainment. "Citizen Kane" this ain't, but it's a great movie for chills and thrills (and frankly there ain't many of those these days). The old Big Green is back - and he's cleaning house the new style way! - What more could you want from a giant monster movie for Godzilla's sake!