"Destroy all Monsters!!" Except Godzilla

Rating: 9/10 (17 May 2014)

Being a massive fan of the old Japanese Godzilla films, I always have my heart in my mouth when another director has an attempt at updating everyone's favourite monster but I was very happy with Gareth Edward's slant on the theme.
Losing Cranston and Binoche as the two established actors in the cast, so early in the proceedings, was a bit of a blow, but the stars of the show are the monsters and the cgi is absolutely brilliant. With regard to the monsters, was I the only one to be surprised when the MUTO made their appearance? As in the original black and white films, Godzilla is the hero, there to see to the other monsters, and the fact that a battered and bruised Godzilla swims away at the end, leaves me with the hope that they may follow this with a sequel with new MUTO for Godzilla to fight.
In general terms, the acting isn't brilliant after the 'names' have taken their leave - the son (Taylor-Johnson) and his wife (Olsen) are very blank vessels, but in a way their role isn't to overshadow the monster action, so they fulfil the criteria. And the storyline is full of handy coincidences but it's not a film you need to over-think, it's a suspend the disbelief kind of a film. And have I mentioned how good the cgi is? Lol
Other reviewers have mentioned the film Pacific Rim, and that film quickly became one of my favourites. I even retain some fondness for the last Godzilla film - just don't tell anyone! Who can resist the combination of Jean Reno and Hank Azario? But this Godzilla is a far superior animal, and , even better - his face is incredibly similar to the original Godzilla's, these things matter!