Lacking in substance, but redeemed by spectacle.

Rating: 8/10 (20 May 2014)

I'll get the bad points out of the way first: The plot is fine, but the ratio between character focus and monster focus is way too one-sided (in favour of characters). I do get why they made this decision, but it just doesn't work so well, especially as the main character is a little wooden and too serious. But hey, he's an army dude, of course he's gonna be a bit like that. They really should have kept Bryan Cranston as the main character; this would have been a much better received film if they had done that (then kept Aaron T-J as a supporting character). Also, I would say there definitely could have been more Godzilla featured (and I'm hoping for an extended cut with more of the big guy), but in all fairness, it means that when you do see him you're literally thinking "HOLY F***". Lastly, I will say the ending was a little too happy and uplifting if I'm totally honest. It takes away from Godzilla being the huge terrifying monster.
Right, good points: Firstly, while it takes a little while for him to finally show up (a little under an hour if I remember right), it's rather incredible when he finally does. The big reveal with the tsunami is just phenomenal, and possibly the best scene in the film. It teases him throughout, then finally pans up to reveal him and you get that iconic roar, and it just...wow! There's another few sequences with the MUTOs (specifically the train bridge scene) which also really make you feel like you're right there. Finally, the last 30 minutes or so is exactly what you'd want. While it's not over the top, it is an awesome spectacle to see and plays out incredibly (the HALO jump sequence is just spectacular).
To round off, I'd say if you're looking for a deep, thought provoking story, look elsewhere. While this is a more intelligent flick than Pacific Rim (and certainly more grounded in reality). It's the spectacle the really pays off. Don't get too caught up with the frustration of waiting for Godzilla to show up, it's a slow burner, just sit back and enjoy the build up and it'll pay off magnificently.