Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bryan Cranston, Juliette Binoche, Ken
Watanabe, Sally Hawkins
Director: Gareth Edwards
Rating:***1/2
What's it about:
There is something about creature features that captures our imagination. Especially when it is one of pop cultures most iconic figures - Godzilla. Unlike the 1998 release, the new story amplifies action, drama and CGI to ten folds. Using the best graphic technology it builds up a beast that not only looks terrifying but is also highly unpredictable. Staying true to its origin, Edwards even includes chapters of the radioactive background of Godzilla. Set in the present day scenario the battle is not only to contain the monster but also understand its history. One of the main reasons this film works is because of the excellent ensemble Edwards has put together. Also you get not one but two more monsters at the price of a ticket. We are introduced to Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organisms (MUTO) that have a major role to play in the storyline.
What's hot:
Godzilla has never looked so good on the big screen. Especially if you are watching him on the big IMAX screen. Instead of putting pressure on one storyline, we have a series of parallel chapters that do a steady build up to that massive climax. Unlike Pacific Rim that worked in a similar mood, Godzilla doesn't hold back and goes all out where it matters. The dialogue is cheesy at times but you need to go over the top in a project of this magnitude. The CGI team has worked overtime to make sure they deliver those money making scenes, and there are plenty of them in the second half.
What's not:
Don't expect the creature to show up immediately, its quite a long wait before we get to see him in his full glory. The story is pretty much all about giving you the adequate butter to relish that popcorn. If you expect some intelligent mumbo jumbo then you will be in for some disappointment. Most of the emotional scenes between these characters look like fillers before the next big scene pops up.There is also a sense of 'where is Godzilla?' that sets on early on in the film. In fact in some sequences he's even reduced to a supporting character not having much to do besides showing up and then disappearing instantly.
What to do:
Godzilla is a smashing summer blockbuster and it holds not qualms about playing up that card.
