Postby LSD Jellyfish » Thu May 23, 2019 7:47 pm
It`s enjoyable, but not really exciting, and I`m not sure why it receives hate. After re-watching it the film is really standard. It does have some really good monster action, and despite this being the first really beam centric film, the fights are interesting. I think Mr.
I think the best scenes are:
The fight with the larva and Godzilla. I mean its pretty much a curb stomp (Battra fares better) but I like the unique add-on of using the platform the egg was on to fight is cool. I like how aggressive the Battra larva is. People also like to ignore the bits when Mothra rams and bites Godzilla, and when Godzilla lifts Battra up underwater.
-The destruction scenes with Mothra and Battra. Battra attacking Nagoya is one of my favorite destruction scenes because you get a really good idea of how big and intimating just the Battra Larva is. Ive been to Nagoya a few times and its cool. Likewise, Mothra going through the city just to rescue the Cosmos is sad and tragic, but I really like Mothra`s determination.
-Likewise, the fight at the end, with Godzilla vs. Battra and Mothra is alright. Sure its beam centric, but its forgivable in this regard as the monsters are bugs that can`t punch. There`s a creative usage of props, with Battra using the ferriswheel to drop on Godzilla, or bury Godzilla with a building. And yeah, Mothra having an ability that reflects Godzilla`s attacks is cool. I think the best part is the ending, where Mothra and Battra team up. Its touching how they save each other and work together to beat down Godzilla.
To defend the film some, a lot of people criticize the Indiana Jones `rip-off` scenes. This is dumb because Indiana Jones isn`t an original character, and the scenes are short. Not to mention, Takuya Fujito is a completely different character whose motivations are purely made in self interest and greed. I`m not saying the comparison isn`t valid, just that its a typical point that people make against the film that really has no discernible bearing on the story. Takuya Fujito is also at least a unique Godzilla protagonist; in many ways he`s a villain, and his relationship with his ex-wife and Midori is special.
Another point, is the sort of hammy Environmental message. While I agree, I think its important to mention something that is easy to miss. The place where the Land development is occurring is Mt. Fuji, a symbol of Japan. It`s also one of those places that should be preserved. Its a great way to emphasizes the environmental message, its just a shame they didn`t focus on it some more.
The three biggest problems with the film weigh the film down a deal.
One: the film is completely unsure if it wants Godzilla or Battra to be the final antagonist, and both suffer from more time that should`ve been going towards them go towards another, especially when its cut a third time with Mothra. Note how Battra randomly goes from larval stage to imago stage. Also the fact that the Larva seems more unique and intimidating compared to the adult form is jarring. I think most people recogize this though. Godzilla is just there, and has no reason to really fighting Mothra or Battra either. Compare to GvM2 or GvSG where Godzilla fights dopplegangers of himself, that have actively harmed a younger member of his species and seek him out. Destroyah does something similar, and Biollante calls out to Godzilla. In this, Mothra and Godzilla just randomly have to fight.
And the other issue is, is that Battra doesn`t have a real reason to fight with or engage Godzilla. The film didn`t emphasize that Godzilla is a nuclear abomination that could destroy the earth. His turn with Mothra doesn`t make much sense. Yes, I`m criticizing character motivations of a kaiju which is something I`ve rarely done prior.
Two: The Meteorite/Volcano
-I realized how lame and strange the catalyst for this film is. A meteorite? What? Meteorites are cool and all, but its so random how a meteorite just happened to crash into the earth and awaken both Godzilla and Battra. It doesn`t connect to the environmental messages at all, because its from outer space, and completely not caused by humans. While it would have been generic, it would`ve been easier to just have the Matsumoto company accidentally uncover the Battra larva by digging near Mount Fuji. The fact that Godzilla and Battra fell into an undersea plate sort of makes sense, but not really. Again, would`ve been real easy to tie into the Matsumoto corp, but really all it`s there to do is be a plot contrivence. The only reason why Godzilla and Battra fall into a volcano at that moment is to force them out of the narrative so time can be taken to develop Mothra. The fact that Fuji erupts in this film, and it is inconsequential, is absolutely mind boggling, because it would be a big deal. Why not have the Battra egg sealed within Mt. Fuji?
Three:
In contrast to the two films that came before it, which had very unique ideas and plots, this film is far too safe. That within itself isn't bad on its own, but when you combine how obvious it is just a remake of Mothra and Mothra vs. Godzilla there is little to no room to stop it from being compared to two superior films.
Overall, good monster action and some unique characters. I do still like this film and a lot, but its probably the most AVERAGE Godzilla film in my mind.
_JNavs_ wrote:The MV is like cheap imitation crabmeat, it tastes good, but it isn't real, while Shin is kino peak Japanese performance.
Rodan95 wrote:The Shobijin are sat on by a fatass explorer and killed. Mothra is pissed and destroys Japan.