In 1998, Roland Emmerich made an american blockbuster on Toho's global icon, Gojira (Godzilla). A modern take (At the time) with a massive budget, and the director of Independence Day, everyone expected nothing but the greatest Resurrection of the monster. But ultimately what was suppose to be Godzilla, was nothing but a pretender. A void so far from the source material of the icon, so twisted and unfamiliar that it wasn't Godzilla at all. The film was critically panned by critics and most of the general public for it being a terrible film.(Although it was somewhat of a financial success ) Although like an inevitable natural disaster, the film was heavily shunned and hated on by fans, for how much it did not respect Godzilla nor do the franchise justice.
With a great detest towards Roland's creation, fans gave the creature of the film the name, GINO. (Godzilla In Name Only) And would be generally considered the bane of the franchise. Even Toho and Japan found the film and GINO to be a great dishonor to their legacy, with Toho separating GINO from Godzilla and renaming it Zilla. And through the events of Final Wars(2004) rightfully showed the world who was the true King of the Monsters.
Fast forward 12 years later, 2010, it was announced that once more Godzilla was being recharged from hibernation for a monstrous return to the big screen through the means of Warner bros and Legendary Pictures. Fans were excited, extremely and openly excited, although reasonably cautious, the rest of the world too expressed the same caution. Despite 1998 being slightly more than a decade into the past, the wound was still a bit fresh. But none the less, the studios assured everyone that they were going to get Godzilla right, that they were going to give us the Godzilla that we deserved. What was planned for 2012 was pushed to 2014, everyone involved with the film were determined to not make the same mistakes done within the past. Tull Thomas and eventually the wonderfully assigned, Monsters director, Gareth Edwards were quite headstrong in delivering such a film.
GODZILLA (2014) had a lot to live up to, restoring Godzilla and successfully revive the king into a new generation, restore balance after the mistakes from the past(GINO), and to deliver an epic Godzilla film that would not only do the icon justice, but also respect its legacy. And now, GODZILLA (2014) is here, so does it live up to being the Godzilla we've been waiting for? Does it restore the balance of order?
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The answer is a stomp rumbling, roar quaking yes!
GODZILLA is in fact the real deal, a true bringing of the Japanese Toho icon, one that we should have gotten 16 years ago.
The film plays the same notes as the original Gojira, focusing on the human element in how they survive against monstrous forces. The human characters meld well with the film's world as massive events develop and unfold. They are given time to let viewers invest into them and their situations. For you to understand how each one of them handles the disasters they face, and how they struggle to survive something that they might not live to tell. You won't find all of the them appealing, but their performances are solid enough that you might be able to connect with them to some degree.
The movie gradually takes its time to set up its world, its characters, and its monsters. By the first hour, it will have already done this and with beautiful grace. Throughout such a time, Godzilla is slowly being teased, just when you thought the film places all of its cards on the table, it pulls back and continues to hide its hand, waiting for the right moment to dish a winning ace. This is not a means to frustrate the viewer, this is a means of build-up toward a thrilling suspenseful pay off in the final act of the movie.
By almost an hour in Godzilla makes his presence incredibly known, but the film still holds back its load for a little bit longer. Giving you enough Godzilla to satisfy your thirst for the icon, but still leave you wanting more. The MUTO creatures are the destruction of mankind, and are one of the main reasons why Godzilla resurfaces in the world after being awakened by mankind in the 1954. He is hunting them as they are an imbalance to the world's natural order. Generally speaking, as the apex predator, they are an imbalance to Godzilla's territory, which he considers the planet to be his own territory. Anything he deems as a threat he will purse and destroy without hesitation.
This is not to be confused with Godzilla being seen as a hero, he is not our hero nor our savior. Godzilla took out a threat bigger than himself, he takes no notice with us because we're insignificant like ants to a human being(or large animal). Even when we do attack him, we're still insignificant because we're not threatening enough to be on his hit-list, the MUTO are still his instinctive target. Us surviving his wrath in destroying his foes is simply a hollow-perk, a small benefit. Destruction and death are still made in the wake of his battles and wrath. We luckily survive, but still take a huge lost.
The MUTOs are given quite a large showing to establish their existence and their reasons for awakening. This is usually expected when it comes to Non-solo Godzilla films. Godzilla still has his time within the spotlight, it is a decently fair amount. It's not as small as some complain it to be, although I can understand wanting more Godzilla in a movie called GODZILLA. By the third act, you're treated to a grand Zilla-fest that leaves you satisfied and yet still wanting more. (In a good way) So you do get your cake, and a fork to eat it too. But you'll also seeing more throughout this part of the film. You see glimpses of Godzilla's personality, you see past his outer harden casing of atomic fury. Even more surprising, you see the MUTOs express glimpses of personality as well. It's here where the film treats the monsters as more than embodiments of nature's wrath and destruction. It's here where they shine as lively characters, showing small takes of depth of themsleves as they rampage and stomp on screen. And you know a monster film is fantastic when even the monsters have depths of character within their foundation. The conclusion is quite satisfying, with the King of the Monsters roaring his reign and swimming off into the ocean depths. The raging surface of instability turning calm as balance is restored to order.
This film has a bit of a slow-burn approach, something that clearly won't be for everyone, especially when it comes to summer blockbusters. Everyone wants film spectacles thrown in their faces right from the gates. This trend has happened for a long time as this is what most summer blockbusters usually deliver. So this change of a game might not agree with some people. But with GODZILLA's build-up being in the veins of Jaws, Aliens, Jurassic Park, and Gojira, it's a change of pace that can be appreciated for it pays off well in the end, especially in this film.
Overall, my score for GODZILLA is (4.5/5)(9/10) stars. GODZILLA succeeds in respecting the icon, treating the source material properly, and delivering a monster epic that erases the horror from 1998 completely from existence! With a solid cast, firm performance, and gargantuan action, GODZILLA stomps hard and roars loud.
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Now then I'd like to expand in other areas about what really drives that score within my review. And that's generally how the film is handled, from Godzilla's origin, human characters, the MUTO, and of course Godzilla himself.
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GODZILLA(2014) is an origin film/reboot of the franchise. In the beginning of the movie, you'll see old footage from 1915 to 1954 of how mankind awakens Godzilla during historic expedition, and the world is stunned when encountering Godzilla, although tries covering up his existence while desperately trying numerous times to kill him through the power of Atomic Bombs, which were also covers ups as normal Nuclear Testings. This places a new spin on the source material while faithfully staying grounded to it. It stems the film as a modern expansion and reintroduction of the original Gojira 1954 film. Wonderfully re-establishing Godzilla's nuclear metaphoric background.
Besides grounding Godzilla's existence in 1954 with roots from the original Gojira. Godzilla's origin is dug down deeper later on during the film. Being a prehistoric monstrosity that existed for millions of years and survived by feeding upon intense levels of radiation during the instability of Ancient Earth in prehistoric times. Although inevitably when the world grew stable and radiation levels cleared, the beast survived by feeding off the radiation deep within the planet's core. And as noted once more, was reawakened into the age of man. This plays well into Godzilla's nuclear origin and keeps it all intact, while also bringing in the possibility of who he survived for so long. Added with the sweetness of Serizawa establishing Japan calling him Gojira, it really is a firm and refreshing way of introducing Godzilla to a new generation(And newcomers in general who don't know the monster). Although in his potentially second resurfacing back into the world of man, it is due to the MUTO creatures and their threatening presence.
Dipping into his character, he is indeed a force of nature, instinctively hunting threats that threaten his world, his territory. This is quite established when he's deemed as the Alpha Predator, and literally only seeks out the MUTO. He is not interested in mankind as we are just ants below his feet and are not his prime target. Even when we attack him, we are still insignificant to him that we don't even show up on his radar.
Personality wise, Godzilla shows some very expressive aspects. During his encounters with the MUTO, you see raw aggression and pure atomic wrath just leaking from his very presence. He's wonderfully horrifying! But even by the end of the film, despite all of his wrath and nuclear prowess, he has this noble atmosphere. He's definitely not a hero by any means, but I do believe Gareth's "Last Samurai" characterization is spot on. He'll fight, and he'll conquer, he's not good nor evil, but he will continue to exist as an embodiment of natural order.
Although there is a small moment in which you almost feel sympathy towards Godzilla, when you see both him and Ford Brody look at each other during the final battle. They are both battle worn, and are both fighting with all they have. They are both on opposite ends, and yet in a sense are fighting on the same battlefield against something that needs to be destroyed. Even though Godzilla is also in that same category that mankind wants to destroy as well. At this moment, it really makes you root for Godzilla even more than when the final battle even started. Yes he's a monster, a horrifying monster, but he's the lesser of two evils(Well technically three evils) trying to rid of the greater evil. He's not our champion, and he's not our hero, but he's the only thing that can stop everything from completely going to hell. He's not on our side, but we need to be on his.
Design-wise, Godzilla looks absolutely magnificent! Massively bulked, towering, and completely monstrous! Respectfully classic, true to the source material of Toho, and yet properly modernized. You take one look at him, and you know right off the bat that this is Godzilla. The real Godzilla. This is Godzilla done right, complete justice. I know some people were so-so on the feet in the beginning, but overall they work well with the design and most of those same people now accept it after watching the movie. Ultimately, you won't even feel bothered by them throughout the entire film when you see Godzilla in action.
Handling-wise, Godzilla is checked on all counts thus far, but what about the remaining aspects that truly places the GOD in Godzilla?
Indestructible to man made weapons? Check. Nukes couldn't kill him, and general fire arms never made a dent in him, nor slowed him down. Even more so, he didn't run from the military, he still marched onward in his hunt for the MUTOs.
Atomic Breath? Without question, check! When you see on screen you'll be cheering and clapping like a maniac! My whole entire theater did this, and they did this when Godzilla's grand entrance rolled on screen. And don't worry about thinking he does it one time, he does it three times. And the last time he does uses his breath, it is perhaps the most insane moment throughout the entire film.
Does he die at the end of the movie? NO. This is definitely not GINO folks. The King survives the brutal warfare at the very end, and swims out to sea. But not before roaring victoriously to the world.
In terms of handling and faithful treatment, GODZILLA is pure justice and the greatest form of respect.
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MUTOS
Now then, the MUTOs. Generally, the MUTOs are a parasitic prehistoric species, a species that feeds on nuclear radiation very much like Godzilla. And despite what impressions they may give you from Toys, toys don't do these destructive beasts justice. They are quite terrifying, unique, and vicious. There's a male, and a female MUTO within the movie.
The male MUTOs is bat-like as it has massive wings but seem bat-ish, almost in the nature of Gyaos from GAMERA, but also fairly insect-like in overall build. He's massive, but is nowhere near as massive as the female MUTO. Quite small in comparison, which from an animal perspective, makes sense as there are species in which females are much larger than their male counterparts. What makes the male special is that from absorbing massive does of radiation, he is capable of unleashing city size EMPS that can knock out electric running devices/creations into complete shutdown for a certain period of time. This makes man-made weapons useless, including Mechs if you think a Jaeger could take it out.
The Female Muto is quite the monster! A juggernaut without question. She's a lot thicker, larger, and seemingly more powerful than the male MUTO. She really gives Godzilla a tough fight for his life. In terms of build, she's somewhat like the Cloverfield monster, only because some of her appendages recalls the design to a fair degree. But generally she's unique and so creatively well put together you won't even notice it at all unless you're purposely looking for the comparison. The female doesn't have any special abilities, but her thick hide and massive strength still makes her gravely intimidating none the less.
Together, they are a near unstoppable force, and it really showed when Godzilla struggled heavily against them in a two on one match off. These monsters are the villains of the movie as their very existence threatens the world. They feed and grow stronger by feeding off of radiation, even more serious, the creatures mating and reproducing brought a high alert of extinction for humanity as a legion of them could very much wipe us out. And if they were strong enough to kill one ancient Godzilla(Or potentially an anicent creature just as old as Godzilla), and render our society to dark ages, it's pretty clear that should they continue to exist, nothing on the planet will survive. Even with a living Godzilla in the fray.
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HUMAN CHARACTERS, to my surprise I actually found myself interested in the characters. And at the very end, found them surprisingly like-able to a fair extent. And honestly, I was invested enough that I had two tear-jerk moments.
Joe Brody, played by Bryan Cranston, he's a character who you will emotionally connect from the beginning of the film. He's a hard working, everyday normal dad. A man who truly cherishes his family despite always appearing to be busy at Janjira. But the moment when everything collapses in his life, and how he's responsible for his wife's death. You watch a broken man desperately trying to piece whatever puzzle he has in pursing the truth for the lost of his wife. He's really down and out, and even worse, his son thinks of him as someone whose lost it.(And pretty much wants nothing to do with him)
Joe really tries his best in finding the truth despite all doors in his life being closed, and tragically, when he does find the truth, he is killed. Unable to attain any justice for his lost. His character and his moments really tear-jerked me, twice! That's Bryan Cranston for yeah.
Ford Brody, played by Aaron Taylor Johnson, a fair amount of people find his character boring or generic. A solider, a father, and someone desperately trying to save his family from forces out of humanity's control. Same with Elle Brody, played by Elizabeth Olsen, she's a nurse, a mother, and is someone desperately trying to find some form of control in a situation growing more and more out of hand. Constantly worrying over her husband and just hoping to reunite their family.
What made these characters feel firm to me is that they play into Gareth's vision. What if this happened in real life? If this happened in real life, you will have a soldier who's also a father, trying to ground his family's safety in the face of disaster. You will have a wife, who's also a mother, desperately worrying about her husband and family. You will see people simply trying to survive and find some form of control, even if there isn't any for them to grasp onto. This is us, how we would play out if any of this actually happened.
You're not going to see anyone making any leaps of character development as if it were a Christopher Nolan film. You're not going to see anyone make massive world changing decisions like: Sacrifice myself by nuke and hopefully taking out these monsters/Or sacrificing thousands of innocent people in exchange for saving my loved ones if I was stuck in a situation where I had to choose between the two.
With this premise, it was fairly easy to connect to the characters because I understood the director's human element. At the very least, Ford developed to some extent as he finally acknowledged his father and that he wasn't a crazed person who was completely losing it. Expressing sadden and lost when his father past within the film helped show some emotion for the character before he locked back up into solider mood. Ford and Joe's relationship may been strained, but Ford still loved his father. From there on, he tries at least to become a help when discussion about the Muto were raised into talks. And during intense missions when having to deal with the monsters. I expected him to seem harden, he's a person of warfare(And bomb disarming), you are forged to be harden to be at the top of your game when a situation calls for it. (Like a crisis) To think clearly and act sharply, and not suffer from any emotional breakdown when times get tough. From that, I also believe the tragedy of his mother's death harden him a bit, and given the relationship with his father it's quite understandable that the character doesn't express much emotion.
Dr. Serizawa, played by Ken Watanabe, he's a very interesting character. Not only as a homage to the character from the original film, but thoroughly because he has followed and studied Godzilla for years, and is pretty much the only character that realizes that Godzilla might be the necessary evil(or Order) needed to end all of this if we're to survive. His character has a lot of potential depth that while it is showcased, isn't completely tapped into during the film, this is because it is generally saved for GODZILLA: AWAKENING which tells his character's background and the events leading into GODZILLA. (Well that and they couldn't fit all of their ideas and developments within the run-time of the film. Which also explains the graphic novel as well)
But none the less in the movie, you feel that he's perhaps the only one with a firm possible solution, whose trying to let nature takes its course. Dr. Vivienne Garham played by Sally Hawkins, also shares this same outlook with her sensei. Believing Godzilla can indeed rid the world of the Muto. To Serizawa, human involvement would just make things worse, and could potentially cost more lives than the possibility of saving them. And from what the Navy were planning, Serizawa's rebuttals have acceptable weight to them.
Understandbly on the other hand, the Navy not wanting to take that risk is just as sound. Letting these massive titans have it out is incredibly dangerous, it will create destruction and death, and without their involvement lives could be lost if they do nothing. Especially, if they don't take down the monsters while they have the chance. Yes, more destruction can be born from this, but in the long term if it means survival and taking out three monsters, the end might justify the means. Which is a Nuke. Which is something that is equally just as destructive and dangerous as the starring monsters themselves.
Serizawa feels like a character who respectfully embodies Dr. Kyohei Yamane from Gojira, both characters feel that Godzilla is indeed the key to suriving or understanding destructive forms of crisis that are ongoing within the world. And that attempting to destroy such an existence would be gravely wrong. In Gojira, Dr. Yamane saw Godzilla as the key to survive the ravages of atomic warfare and the terrors of nuclear destruction. In GODZILLA 2014, Dr. Serizawa sees Godzilla as the key to survive the ravages of the MUTO and the dangerous future of the creatures reigning over the world should they breed. Imaging the devastation they would cause and how many nuclear disasters would unfold as they seek out nuclear radiation.
Because of this grand human element, the human edge of GODZILLA really carries the film on the high end for me.
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MUSIC SCORE: Alexandre Desplat really sells GODZILLA with his scores, their inspired style and nature of Akira Ifukube really makes the film feel much more like a TOHO film, as if it were straight out of Japan. Some scores are better than others, but for the most part they stomp load
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CINEMATOGRAPHY: This film looks well filmed and splendidly crafted, I was a bit nervous when Seamus McGarvey was going to be at the helm in filming the movie. The Avengers looked good, but it had a Television visual craft, and made the cinematic experience watered down as it didn't look a grand epic, but a high budget TV show finale. But I'm quite happy to say that Seamus McGarvey exceeded my expectations, everything felt weighted during intense moments and fairly real when the film showcased mass destruction and leveled cities. A bit too dark in some scenes, but overall everything was well done. Props to him.
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CRITICISMS:
1. I would have enjoyed a little bit more Godzilla mythology within the film, Oto Island and how their legends regarded Godzilla as God. The amount of origin invested in this film is enough for a reboot, but having just a bit more lore would have been enjoyable.
2. Akira Takarada cameo being cut, I was quite sadden to learn of this, it would have made Godzilla's rebirth back on the big screen much more meaningful as he was one of the original cast from Gojira. But I'm quite happy to learn that his scene will be included within the Blu-Ray and DVD release.
3. Despite a great handling on the cinematography, some scenes were a little took dark and I couldn't make out a few parts during the final third act.
4. Despite me being fine with Godzilla's screen-time, having a bit more Godzilla and a bit less teasing would have been enjoyable. Although with a sequel in the works, this most likely won't be a problem anymore.
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Well, that wraps up my entire review, GODZILLA 2014 is a satisfying film, but even more so, it is a fantastic Godzilla movie. I absolutely love it, and I can't wait to see where this franchise stomps throughout the passing years. Highly recommend this movie :) Fans of the icon rejoice, the king has returned!