Good start, good effects, but shallow and weak story

Rating: 6/10 (23 June 2014)

Godzilla is almost like 2 films in 1. There's this gritty, emotional beginning with very good acting and generally nothing to criticise. Then it moves into phase 2 which is great special effects but the acting and dialogue was left at the door. It's almost like Michael Bay usurped the production crew about 1/3 of the way into the film.
OK, so you probably heard that Brian Cranston is in this film and he is great as you might expect. His character's son, played by some dude who might remind you of Keanu Reeves only with less talent, simply pales in comparison. The problem for the film is that it is the son who is the main character. He was so bad that, on the drive home from the theatre, I was unable to recall a single one of his lines.
Whereas the first part all make sense - and even threatens to be intelligent as we get various concepts and scientific notions tossed our way - whilst at the same time endears Joe Brody (Brian Cranston) to the compassionate viewer, the second part of the film abandons all logic and reason as we track Ford Brody (some dude) and the army as they make bad decision after bad decision along the way in a series of forgettable and clichéd scenes until we finally get Godzilla in all his glory.
Godzilla truly, though, is glorious. The special effects are excellent with only the occasional iffy moment. If you are watching the film for Godzilla, then you will not be disappointed.
Unfortunately for the rest of us, it does appear that this was scripted just when the writers went on strike? Sorry, I'm just speculating as to why 1/3 of the film is very well written and the latter 2/3s of the story/script is appalling.