A return to Scaly Form

Rating: 8/10 (25 May 2014)

One of the positive things about the new "Godzilla" is that it respects the lore of the great big guy. It shows you how off the 1998 version was, even if you liked it. Though this new version is fun to watch and gets a lot right, there still are some bumpy times to be had.
Behind the camera calling the shots this time is Gareth Edwards. Four years ago he was responsible for the the small, but very effecting monster film, "Monsters". His skills made that film impressive in the sense that he did it with a very small budget. It was a no brainer to have him make the reboot of Godzilla. Here, his monster is more of a supporting character that gets stuck behind some of the most interesting actors in film today. While some of the story works, other parts fall flat to mediocre story telling and overly dramatic parts. In 1999, an event rocked Tokyo causing a fall out at the Nuclear power plant. One of the victims was the wife of Joe Brody, played by Bryan Cranston. Any qualms about the other actors are put to rest when Cranston is on screen. Even though he has limited screen time he makes the most of it. His character's motivations are crazy but Cranston makes them sincere and real. While the public was convinced by the government that an earthquake was responsible for the fall out, Joe knows something bigger was at play. One of his escapades lands him in jail. In America, specifically San Francisco, Joe's younger and estranged military son, Ford, played by Aaron Taylor Johnson, is home with his own son and beautiful wife, Elle, played by Elizabeth Olsen. He is called to get his father out of jail. After he gets him out he is then whisked away on another one of his father's crazy missions to uncover the conspiracy that began in 1999. We find out that all the radiation from the nuclear tests have created a pair of monster like creatures named, "MUTO" (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organism). The more radiation that is present, the more they will grow.
While these MUTOS have been given a scientific reason for existing, Godzilla is given a more mythological one, even though he has been created the same way. According to two scientists, played by Ken Watanbe and Sally Hawkins, Godzilla is nature's way of fighting back against the forces of mankind. "The ignorance of man is thinking that we are in control of nature and not the other way around", remarks Watanbe's character. It is a nice set up for why Godzilla exists in this world. It gives the character a bit of mystery. Edwards decisions on the big green guy are ace. The size and weight of him are perfectly captured. You will believe that Godzilla exists and is walking amongst the frightened citizens. The animation of the beast is absolutely breathtaking. Whenever he is on screen he demands your attention and you will give it to him. Edwards teases battles by cutting away from every one outside the final one at the end of the movie. It is a decision that may irritate some but fascinate others. When the final battle does come, it is worth the price of admission.
Of course, the movie can't rely on the title character to do everything. There has to be some human element to the story. While the story, outside of Godzilla isn't as bad as some might say, it is where the movie does feel a bit wobbly. When Cranston leaves, he actually takes some of the energy with him. All the actors are good, but they are given very little to work with. Scientific evidence comes off as mumble jumble at points. Olsen's character is given nothing more than being the concerned wife who cries a lot. This isn't going to be Shakespearean and she does give it her all. This isn't a knock against Olsen because a lesser actress probably would've destroyed the role and brought the movie down. The ending to the film is very overly dramatic and reminded me of something that should have been stuck in the 90's version of the story. What is a nice touch with the film is that before that ending the movie establishes the fact that Godzilla is just doing his own thing. The movie nicely separated the events of the humans and Godzilla. They were just in his way and he was in theirs. You can't fault the film for this extra cheese final minutes though because outside of that it does do pretty okay. Some of the shots Edwards conceives are a joy to watch, especially in a big theater, because of the epic scope of it all. He films some of the action using the first person technique that adds so much to scene that contributes the danger the characters are in during the monster scenes. One breath taking shot, from the trailer, has one of the paratroopers passing Godzilla on the way down to the ground. The dark clouds quickly fade away and we immediately see Godzilla and a MUTO battling, all in the first person perspective. It really brings home the point of how big and powerful both the MUTOS and Godzilla are and how minuscule the humans are against these things. Edwards establishes the atmosphere quite well through the film. These things are scary and powerful, unlike the walking lizard in the '98 version.
The action movie has evolved with films like "The Dark Knight" where the story and acting are as good as the effects. Though sometimes it is nice just to sit back and watch a well made movie that wants to have fun doing its thing. This is what "Godzilla" does. It never reaches the lows of some of the brainless movies that crowd our theaters. Edwards stages action with such an amazing eye that makes it both epic and suspenseful.