"Godzilla" Movie Review

Rating: 8/10 (5 August 2014)

"Godzilla" is a 2014 American science fiction monster film directed by Gareth Edwards. The film is set in the present day, fifteen years after the unearthing of two chrysalises in a mine in the Philippines. From the pods come two giant radiation-eating creatures, known as "MUTOs", which cause great damage in Japan, Hawaii and the western United States. Their awakening also stirs a much larger, destructive, ancient alpha predator known as Godzilla, whose existence has been kept secret by the U.S. government since 1954. It stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche, Sally Hawkins, David Strathairn, and Bryan Cranston.
First off, let's address the elephant in the room. Godzilla lack of screen time, and having more focus on the human characters rather the titular character. Personally, I'm rather fond of this decision. I appreciate that the film wanted to build tension, and have the audience wanting for those glorious monster fights. It's not often that I see from most modern blockbusters, to actually build anticipation and value subtlety over shoving special effects down people's throats.
Now for those that was wanting more, I can understand where you are coming. Would of it be nice if the movie have more awesome monster fights? Of course! However, I think Gareth Edwards made the smart choice of not going all out on the first round. If that was the case, the sequels would have trouble to be able to top themselves without being too silly, and I certainly don't want to see silly in Godzilla again. When compare to "Pacific Rim", a movie that embraces and indulges in the fun goofiness potential of giant monster battles, and that is awesome. However, this film was going for a gritty and realistic route. Being restrained with it's monster presentation, and making the climax all the more memorable.
The cast is great, with Byran Cranston, Ken Watanable, and David Strathairn, and Elizabeth Olsen. However, it's time to address the second elephant in the room. Aaron Taylor-Johnson performance. And to be honest again, I actually like his performance and the character of Ford Bordy. It because I'm been starved of noble, brave and just overall good heroes in my movies of late. While not the most compelling character in the film, Taylor-Johnson does show human emotion in his performance, and I was rooting for him to get back to his family. However I agree that Bryan Cranston character is a lot more tragic and interesting, and Ken Watanable role, while interesting, needed more depth. They are great in the film, but they feel a little bit sidelined too much.
From the technical side of "Godzilla", they are absolutely fantastic. Not just the CGI, but Gareth Edwards directs the movie extremely well, with shots that are breathtaking. At points, my mouth dropped. Beautiful to say the least. Edwards style of shooting a film was very unique, and he manages to bring a human perspective on these creatures. Doing that makes the monsters feel huge, and their massive destructive capabilities. I also love how these monsters feel like animals. They're not trying to cause chaos, but trying to survive, which adds to the movie's realistic tone. And the score by Alexandre Desplat is intense and added a lot to the action.
Overall, I say "Godzilla" was really good. I appreciate the approach to it's monster presentation, which I found refreshing compared to a good number of monster flicks. I like the characters, and the technical aspects were marvelous to say the least. It opens the door to a sequel very well, and I am really looking forward to. I say check it out, but understanding you not going to get "Pacific Rim", but a character-driven narrative instead, which is fine with me.