The KING has returned in stunning glory and detail

Rating: 7/10 (17 May 2014)

He has returned. THE KING OF THE MONSTERS has finally returned in all his glory.
Since the disaster of 1998, Godzilla's popularity and sense of power had faded away from general audience's memory and been replaced with a laughing stock created by Roland Emmerich. Now, thanks to the company that rebooted Batman and one British indie director named Gareth Edwards, we now have a Godzilla that is a return to form.
When you go into this movie you should know that the plot and characters are not film's strongest points (almost the weakest actually) as it is very straight–forward and predictable but really delivers a dark, serious and emotional tone rarely seen in monster films these day. It strongly taps into themes of the use of nuclear energy and how natural forces like earthquakes and tsunamis have affected us not just as a species but also the relationships within families. The cast does well to support the film with each of their roles serving purpose and not going to waste. Bryan Cranston is the highlight of the cast as he channels his inner "Heisenberg" but unfortunately does not get as much screen time as he deserves. Elizabeth Olsen shows a lot of excellent emotion and concern in her character as mother and wife who fears this monstrous event. Ken Wattanabe does excellently as this film's Serizawa (a character from the original) to represent the awareness of mankind's scientific carelessness. And this provides great contrast with David Strathairn showing a great sense of authority and believability in his role as a Navy admiral. Aaron Taylor Johnson, as the lead actor, was the least interesting but he becomes the best point of view with these giants he confronts as he tries to get back home.
While story and characters are not original, Gareth Edwards's direction gives this giant monster movie a fresh feel that makes you forget you have seen this same type of movie before. His style is pretty much like his first indie film Monsters but on a larger canvas with a strong sense of Spielberg. What separates the feeling of this Godzilla from most other blockbusters is the way the film is showing everything through human perspective as it gives a realistic and not-too-campy vibe that shows the creatures in absolute stunning detail and sequences. Edwards cleverly uses a lot of symbols and nods to reference the mythology of Toho monsters while also foreshadowing events that are to come. He also paints this world where giant monsters exists with stunning imagery that feels beautifully natural but also chaotic and haunting that makes you feel these events have actually happened. And the best part of his directing is creating suspense by cleverly finding ways to conceal these terrifying creatures and holding back on having too much action which is something that a lot of directors these days have lost. He has now become one of top 5 favourite directors of all time.
And finally, the best part of this movie is the monsters, especially the king himself, Godzilla. The VFX of these kaijus is so stunning and detailed that you almost feel that these creatures can exist. The Mutos (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organism) were well conceived as being these giant radiation-seeking predators that act as the main threat of the film. At first look, they seem like your typical insect design but over time the behaviour and movement resembles more closely to birds and mammals. There is even one scene in the film that feels romantic in a way when the male and female Mutos are reunited. But the real prize goes to Godzilla. He has everything the 1998 one lacked from his iconic form, his ferocity and invincibility to the most important feature that builds up very well by the end: Atomic breath! You really feel sense of power and size based on the way he moves his body and taking multiple hits from bullets and missiles without any damage. Though he is all cgi and not played by a guy in suit, you truly get a sense of the human element he carries with his expressions and the focus he has on bringing the Earth back to its natural order. This Godzilla is definitely the hero in this while the Muto's are more of antagonists but the film does not forget that both creatures are these destructive forces that kill thousands of human lives (probably actually more with Godzilla in the tsunami sequence). And as for climatic fight, don't imagine wrestling matches like the earlier films but more animalistic. This Godzilla's style of fighting is very bear like with him getting close and biting on the neck and limbs. The MUTOs are more tactical and careful with them using teamwork and their claws to impale Godzilla. It is almost disturbing to watch. There are quite a few instances in the final fight where you take pity on Godzilla with his struggle to take down his natural enemy.
Overall, this is the Godzilla that we have finally waited for. While the story is a typical monster movie, I would like to thank Gareth Edwards for giving Godzilla life again with strong human performances, amazing visual sequences and making everyone remember why Godzilla is the one true KING OF THE MONSTERS.
Thank you Gareth Edwards, thank you.