One of the better monster films in recent years.

Rating: 9/10 (14 October 2014)

I've seen a majority of the blockbuster films this summer, and I can easily say that Godzilla is one of the best films that came out. I really try to understand why it's receiving lack-luster reviews, and I honestly think that some people are either spoiled by non-stop action films like Pacific Rim and The Avengers, or are too stupid to understand the conventions of a true monster film. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but a lot of criticisms I've read are extremely hypocritical and downright ignorant. For example, the "There's not enough Godzilla" complaint. Look at the classic monster films that everyone loves and clearly inspired this film. Jaws, Alien, and Jurassic Park all show less than twenty minutes of screen time for their respective creatures. There are shots in the new Godzilla which obviously try to pay tribute to those films, so it should be clear that would be the direction of the film. And as for the well-crafted trailers, you see even less Godzilla, so it's not surprising at all that we wouldn't see him as much in the film. The scene in Hawaii with the beautiful pan-up of Godzilla which immediately cuts away from the action was one of the funniest gags I've seen in a while, though I can see less patient viewers getting upset there. As for the "Not enough Bryan Cranston" complaint, I'm calling some b.s. right there. The incredibly disappointing X-MEN: Days of Future Past was critically acclaimed by almost everyone, yet no one complains of how they wasted the talents of Sir Ian McKellan, Peter Dinklage, Halle Berry, and many others in roles that had less screen-time than Cranston in Godzilla. Even Dawn of the Planet of the Apes had the same problem not having enough Gary Oldman, but Godzilla is the only film being called out for it. Now I'm biased. Godzilla is right up my alley. I love a restrained, almost Spielbergian approach the Godzilla shows. When Godzilla IS on screen, he commands it like he truly is the King of the Monsters. Godzilla also isn't a perfect film despite my love for it. It's clear that it went through massive rewrites. There are tired clichés of military trying to shoot Godzilla with guns, random dog in peril, teapot whistling to signify tension, and so forth. But as many clichés as it has, it also breaks them. No other film make would cut away right before an epic fight. At this moment, I can't think of any film that kills it's strongest supporting character in the first half hour. And that Halo Jump scene is just incredible. The direction is pretty good, especially being Edward's first blockbuster. Desplat's musical score is outstanding with ripping horns, blaring trombones, and shrieking trumpets. Obviously the visual effects are outstanding, though the darkness makes it hard to see a lot of the action. Overall, I would give this film a 7.8 out of 10. However, being a huge fan of Godzilla growing up, I'm bumping my rating to a 9. Like I said, I'm biased. Also, when Godzilla unleashes his atomic breath, well, that made me extremely happy.
Direction- 4 out of 5 Acting- 3 out of 5 Music- 5 out of 5 Screenplay- 3 out of 5 Cinematography- 3 out of 5 Visual Effects- 5 out of 5 Sound Design- 5 out of 5 Art Direction- 4 out of 5 Pacing- 4 out of 5 (I love a slow monster flick) Tone- 3 out of 5 Overall 39 out 50. 39/50= .78*10= 7.8