5 Reasons Godzilla 3D
is a Modern Classic!
Review by Timothy
Austin
I was not expecting
much from the 2014 remake of Godzilla based on the original Japanese films
about a giant reptile threatening the existence of humanity. The 1998 remake starring a talent-deficient
Matthew Broderick left a bitter taste in my mouth as it was written for the
brain dead. I was hesitant about this
new take on the story, but thankfully I was proven wrong. Thanks to awe-inspiring 3D visual effects, an
ingenious script and clever direction, this Godzilla will in later years be
seen as a truly modern classic. Here are
5 reasons why you should ABSOLUTELY see this film NOW:
1. Breaking Bad Actor
brings A-Game – It’s no secret that what these remakes of popular science fiction
films require is an amazing actor to ground the film with a solid
performance. Immensely popular actor,
Brian Cranston from ‘Breaking Bad,’ does this for the 2014 remake of
Godzilla. Cranston gives a
heart-breaking performance as a scientist destroyed by the death of his wife
after a nuclear plant disaster. I won’t
say what caused the disaster to avoid any spoilers but Cranston is very good in
these scenes. He gives Godzilla the sort
of emotional performance that balances the fantastic supernatural events that
come later in the film. It’s a
remarkable performance and Cranston deserves more credit for giving this film
exactly what it needed.
He is aided well by Aaron Taylor-Johnson who plays his son
and a Lieutenant who comes face to face with the creature.
Taylor-Johnson also provides a stalwart
performance and is quite effective as the film’s main hero along with Elizabeth
Olsen who provides emotional heft as his wife.
If you do a double take thinking she looks like a younger version of the
Olsen Twins, it’s for good reason since she is their younger sister and a fine
actor who avoids over-the-top emotions.
2. Extraordinary
direction – What I particularly liked about this film is that it surprises
you at every turn.
Godzilla is not your usual
‘monster trashes city’ film and this is mostly due to the brilliant direction
of Gareth Edwards, best known for his critically acclaimed film ‘Monsters’. There
are moments when there is no music or distinctive sound, just jaw-dropping
visuals in slow motion which gives the scene an operatic grandeur that few science
fiction films can achieve.
The stylized
on-screen violence is remarkable and more impressive than anything seen on film
in recent memory. Gareth deserves more recognition for a truly visually
stunning film, brilliant new take on the creature’s story-line and overall
fantastic production.
3. Godzilla is
handsome! The film that is; the new
incarnation of the creature is in fact more foreboding than any previous
versions and is far superior to the lacklustre 1998 remake.
Everything in this film looks and sounds
amazing especially the 3D visual effects which have some stand out moments
during the ferocious battles with the creature.
It’s hard to describe how incredible the visuals are without spoilers
since one of the key visual effects moments involves a surprise story-line that
should not be revealed until you see the film.
Close ups of the creature reveal a wet, scaly texture created by some
truly astonishing effects that are made even more vivid by the 3D visuals.
I particularly liked the stunning vistas of
Japan and the effects employed to create the San Francisco Bridge as well as
the amazing skyline shots of the city.
As the city is levelled during the climactic battle scenes the 3D visual
effects go into overdrive with some truly jaw-dropping moments of awe.
Film music composer Alexandre Desplat also deserves credit
for a truly terrifying orchestral score that avoids the overused Hans Zimmer
inspired soundtrack and instead utilizes brassy bombast that harkens back to
the days of John William’s ‘Jaws’ and Bernard Hermann’s most foreboding music
for Alfred Hitchcock films. I particularly liked the solo French horn that
accompanied Godzilla’s reptilian-like movements. You can actually close your eyes, listen to
the music, and see the terrifying actions of the creature.
4. Absolutely
brilliant script! Indeed I walked
into Godzilla not expecting much and got quite a lot.
This is mostly due to a well written script
that unleashes a barrage of surprises.
I
must emphasize again that this is not your usual ‘monster vs. humans’
story-line.
There are many jaw-dropping
story twists that occur particularly in the first hour that fans of science fiction
and action/horror will enjoy.
There are
also sprinkles of light comedy including a hilarious line by veteran actor Ken
Watanabe that is nostalgic of the original films.
I will not lead into any spoilers but with
much enthusiasm I recommend this film particularly for its cleverly written
script. The stunning climatic battle alone is worth the 3D ticket price!
5. Stays true to the
original! Even if you have never seen the original Japanese film by the
Toho film company, Godzilla is an indelible pop culture phenomenon that every
film fan is familiar with and this film pays homage to the original.
While much is done to make Godzilla look
strikingly realistic, you can see where the filmmakers attempted to make the
creature look like the Japanese original especially in the face and with the
creature’s gestures.
Fans of the
franchise will relish this; although it’s a far cry from ‘the man in the rubber
suit’, you hear the distinct Godzilla battle cry and many of the ‘skyscraper
destruction’ scenes are reminiscent of the original.
However, without a doubt this is the best
incarnation of the popular monster and is easily recommended for any movie fan seeking
giant-sized enjoyment at the movies.
Ratings: ****1/2 out of 5
Review by Timothy Austin
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