Celebrating the 60th anniversary of its first cinematic outing, the Godzilla franchise has endured. Beginning the series with the proverbial man-in-rubber-monster-suit, it has lasted those shaky days to enter the CGI universe. This latest update is the 2nd American attempt after a disastrous 1998 version. This 32nd film in the canon which began in Japan is a vast improvement with the ghastly beastie causing massive destruction only Hollywood could provide.
Navy Lieutenant Ford Brody (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is having a very bad day. Perplexed at the dire warnings of his scientist father Joseph (Bryan Cranston) and Dr Serizawa (Ken Watanabe), he wonders how bad things can be. Told that a ferocious monster has risen from the nuclear depths, Ford galvanises the troops. Battling the monster dubbed Godzilla and other quickly-materialising creatures, Ford tries to save humanity from apocalyptic annihilation.
Part of the series’ charm has been its B-grade sensibilities. Having a dose of schlock complementing its action, the Godzilla films have had huge success. Godzilla 2014-style is very serious and restores the character’s menace. This isn’t bad as it makes its battles against fearsome beasties all the more compelling. It’s a shame this attention to detail wasn’t matched with the human characters. Whilst Taylor-Johnson makes for a stoic hero, his co-stars have little to do but react to the CGI-fuelled carnage.
Although the CGI swamps anything resembling characterisation, it is well utilised. It doesn’t become a mess like other similar movies and it looks suitably dazzling. Gareth Edwards ensures his direction keeps momentum by crafting a consistently tense atmosphere. Godzilla doesn’t offer any deep meaning but as a monster-mash it works. It sets itself up as an action spectacle and delivers.
Restoring a faded lustre, Godzilla breathes new life to the series. Whilst not perfect and overly long, it still entertains with the monsters’ exploits sure to see it endure on silver screens for years to come.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Rating out of 10: 6
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