The king of all monsters gets a reboot with this Warner
Bros./Legendary Pictures production helmed by Gareth Edwards, who gained
critical attention with his intimate twist on the giant-creature genre with his
feature-film debut, Monsters. Frank Darabont (The Mist) and Max Borenstein
provide the script. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
Director: Gareth Edwards
Cast: Aaron Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston,
David Strathairn, Ken Watanabe
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of destruction, mayhem
and creature violence
Genres: Creature Film, Sci-Fi Action, Science Fiction
Review:
Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla is filled with top level acting
talent. So much so that Juliette Binoche
stops by for a cup of coffee and is gone before you notice it. Bryan Cranston is there, makes an impression,
and is gone. Then there’s Ken Watannabe
and David Strathairn looking stern and concerned for the majority of their
screen time. Throw in Aaron, is his
voice really still cracking, Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen for good measure and
you have a lot of recognizable faces who really don’t matter in the grand
scheme of this film. This film is name
Godzilla for a reason after all. Edwards,
shooting a visually beautiful film, shows a level of restraint that’s rare for
big budget blockbuster. His slow reveal
of the titular monster is like watching a monster mash version of a burlesque
show, lots of tease before the payoff.
The human stories are clichéd but interesting enough to keep you
entertained in between some massive set pieces that feel fresh but
familiar. The monster on monster action,
which includes destroying some fun vacation spots, is top notch with excellent
CGI throughout especially Godzilla himself.
Some of the battles do lose a tad bit of their luster since Pacific Rim
ran through some similar sequences but there are plenty of moments which are
filled singular Godzilla greatness that’ll bring a gleeful smile to anyone
raised on the original films. Be sure to
watch it on a massive theater screen.
B+
Has Bryan Cranston got just a cameo?! Yay!
ReplyDeleteI thought we got this last week but we didn't. We are putting Frank above this so we will probably catch it next week
Sounds solid enough!
K :-)
His part is very limited, a lot less than the previews lead you to believe. It's an enjoyable film just don't expect much from the human side.
DeleteI can't say I am unhappy that Bryan Cranston has a small role. There is something about him I just can't warm too. I think he is very overexposed!
DeleteDon't mind good, old fashioned, carnage so I am not overly worried about poor characters etc.
Next weekend is all about X-Men though so if it doesn't fall in with the listings I will miss it
Cranston is definitely having his moment, probably why he's all over the advertising on this film even though he's not in it very much.
DeleteIt's a lot of fun and if you can, catch it on the big screen. X-men though rules all and I can't believe it's finally about to come out!
I had to come back just to acknowledge that we are at completely opposite ends of the scale for this one! It's not too often that happens, especially over the summer!
DeleteK :-)
It happens from time to time!
DeleteGood review Dan. The movie as a whole. The characters may not be all that great, but whenever Godzilla shows up, or any monster for that fact does, the movie gets so much tense and epic that I couldn't help but enjoy what it was that I was seeing.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, the actual monster portion of it is fantastic.
Deleteguess i gotta get to the big screen!
ReplyDeleteIt one of those films that really benefits from the big screen!
DeleteIf i have to break the movie into 2 halves ill give it entirely different ratings - The first half being cheesy with lame dialogue and a waste of acting talent - namely Binoche and Cranston. The ation really picks up in the second act with the true star of the show "Gojira" who rises to "restore balance" not only to nature but the film too - Mixed bag for me - 6.5/10**
ReplyDeleteI can't disagree with you Andre, the film is far from perfect since the human side is so under written and talent wasted so blatantly.
DeleteSince I found the original Gojira decent enough, and that this Godzilla movie seems to be entertaining, I will most definitely watch the movie at some point. However, with Days of Future Past's great early reviews, I will be saving my money to watch it instead next weekend.
ReplyDelete-James
Don't blame you James, X-men is the movie I've been looking forward to all year!
DeleteThank you! Appreciate you reading!!
ReplyDeleteGlad that you had a good time with it. I wasn't able to enjoy it at all.
ReplyDeleteYeah I read your review, just sounds like it missed the mark for you man.
DeleteConsidering the acting talent involved, I actually expected stronger performances. They were all good, but I expected something more. Other than that, I found it to be a fun monster flick with a straight forward plot. Whenever the sequel rolls around, I will watch it. Great review Daniel!
ReplyDelete-James
-James
After watching it a 2nd time I have to agree, it's very straight forward but do wish the human characters had some more depth.
Delete