King of the Monster Movies

Rating: 9/10 (19 May 2014)

Let me just start out by saying my taste in movies, since my mindset may be drastically different from people interested in this movie. I'll just say, I love the old Godzilla movies. They were silly, cheesy, and a lot of fun, yet they still were able to add weight and a strong connection at the end of the day. At the same time, I really appreciate the art of film-making and story-telling in general. I love movies like Memento, Pulp Fiction, and the like. A film that shows the maker's genuine interest in the subject and the process of creating. That being said, I absolutely loved this film. It is true, like many people said, this movie is a bit slow, with Godzilla not making an appearance until about halfway through. So if you were wanting a film that is constantly strutting him in all his monstery glory, I would say you may not enjoy that film (though I would recommend Godzilla: Final Wars, if that's what you're looking for.)
So, what does a Godzilla movie focus on, if not Godzilla? Well, the people surrounding him of course--characters we can actually connect to. This movie is superbly cast with Bryan Cranston, Ken Watanabe, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. And in that first hour, you truly grow to bond with these characters. You like them, and you feel their fear, and sincerely hope that all turns out well in the end. Which really helps to set the stage when we get to Godzilla's appearance. After establishing the world, the threat (two ancient leviathans awakened by radiation to wreak havoc), we have Godzilla emerging to confront them. And his emergence is absolutely biblical. His very appearance onto land creates a tsunami, and when he roars, you can feel Ken Watanabe's words, describing him as a god, nature's power personified. When you hear that war, you can feel the past, present, and future of Godzilla's awesome might.
What makes this monster movie so spectacular is how the film-makers let the creatures speak for themselves. It doesn't jerk itself off, showing characters constantly running in terror or standing awe-struck for minutes on end. Which is not to say they don't show fear or awe, but they take the time to regain their composure and focus on their missions. One of the greatest moments is when Elizabeth Olsen, portraying a soldier's wife, finally breaks down and confesses her fear to her husband, after standing as a rock for most of the movie, showing her son how to be brave. It moved me to tears. These characters are smart, strong, and determined. They face an insurmountable challenge, and they find solace in each other. I won't go into details on the story, but once it comes to that third act, that climax with Godzilla facing his opponents and the humans striving for survival, you will be on the edge of your seat.
So if you're looking for a bunch of monster-fighting and lots of explosions, this isn't the movie for you. All of that stuff is there, but not as much as you would expect in a monster movie. I would stick with Pacific Rim and the like, if that's your fancy. But if you want good story, great performances, mind-blowing effects, and a atmosphere so tense it's nearly tangible, then head straight for the theaters while Godzilla is still around.