Godzilla 2014 movie review

I first saw Godzilla in the 1985 movie. I later learned that it is part of the longest running Japanese franchise in Japanese pop culture. If you watched Pacific Rim, the Kaiju draws its reference to Godzilla's kind, the Daikaiju meaning giant monsters.

Photo courtesy of Legendary Pictures

 

There were lots of Daikaiju but Godzilla was the most popular. Originally known as Gojira, it is actually a mash-up of two Japanese words: gorira(gorilla) and kujira(whale) which is why Godzilla moves and fights like a gorilla and swims like a mythic creature of the deep. He is now called Godzilla: King of The Monsters because of his size and power.

 

Just like in the first movie, the Godzilla  in the 1985 movie is made up of a suit worn by a stunt actor that walks in a small diorama of a city. The Japanese held this as a tradition even though there added special effects used.

 

In 1998, Tri-Star cinema was given permission by Godzilla owners, Toho Company for the Westernized version of Godzilla but sadly, it never surpassed the expectations of the fans. This Godzilla was limited and easily defeated by just three F/A-18 Hornets. They may be recognized for computer imagery but it was one of the worse remakes in history. Fans and critics were not happy with the movie. Named as Zilla by Toho to be part of Godzilla: Final Wars were Godzilla fought the invading Zilla in Sydney and was also easily defeated. They refer Zilla as the "Tuna Eater".

 

This new Godzilla may not be in continuity of the Toho's Godzilla series but it proved well worthy of the Godzilla name. My only concern is the abs on ventral part which is not right for reptillians but it is just a minor thing. I consider this as the Godzilla I grew up with because this is the same how I see it in Japanese Godzilla movies. I like how it was brought back to reference to the old 1954 movie. I am looking forward for the sequel if this version got good recognitions. Director Gareth Edwards did a fine job for doing Godzilla.

 

I watched it last May 13 at SM Mall Of Asia's IMAX cinema in 3D. I feel that I this viewing experience is the right for the movie. Godzilla opens May 15 in Philippine cinemas and it is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. For more geek movie reviews, like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.