GODZILLA

Over thirty Godzilla movies have been made since the first in 1954. I’m sure we all have soft spots for some or even all of those earlier films so I shall refrain from making comparisons. Being the longest running movie franchise; it’s only fitting to reboot it for the new century. As advertised in the trailer; Godzilla (2014) is a more realistic version and devoid of campiness. The story isn’t strewn with scientific complexities, instead the filmmakers highlight the film-fact that Godzilla has and always will be an ‘alpha-predator.’ I appreciate that this movie doesn’t adhere to the mindless summer blockbuster format of action scenes every thirty minutes. Instead the gradual build-up to the end battle is well paced. The selection of good actors gives the film a deeper sense of realism but the only chink in the armor is Aaron Taylor-Johnson who gives a lusterless performance. You’d think the character that witnesses almost every disastrous event would be a bit more agitated; but no! It’s just another regular day for Ford Brody. The cinematography, special effects and sound are the true stars of this movie. Godzilla has never looked or sounded this substantial. Having directed the underrated Indie flick Monsters in 2010, Gareth Edwards is certainly the appropriate candidate to introduce Godzilla to a new generation. Apart from the acting hiccups by Taylor-Johnson, Edwards has made a stylish, simplistic and stimulating monster-movie. Hope they make a sequel.

Rating: 7/10

S. V. Fernando