| The Heisei Series was becoming
popular in the mid 90’s with the big box
office hit Godzilla
vs. Mothra (1992). And so Toho decided
to continue the franchise, although they first
had the idea to end it with this movie. The resultant
film is somewhat a rushed work, but at the same
time a good way to tell a story that was seen
years later with Godzilla
vs. Mechagodzilla (1974). Although titled
as Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, this
is in fact a semi-remake to said movie, which
once again pits Godzilla against his mechanical
double. This time around we get a more serious
plot, along with convincing special effects, and
an amazing soundtrack.
It all begins when a group of scientists
from G-force, find the wrecked remains of Mecha-King
Ghidorah. They naturally bring the android back
to their base, and start working in it to make
a newer and deadlier robot. The result is Mechagodzilla,
basically a clone to the Big G, but equipped with
a bombastic arsenal and piloted by some campy
soldiers. In the meantime, another expedition
finds a gigantic egg on the mountains of Adona
Island. They get too close and are attacked by
Rodan, who keeps anyone from attacking the egg.
Then Godzilla arrives at the island and begins
fighting Rodan. The human group takes advantage
of the situation and decides to take the egg back
to Japan. There, the egg hatches, and Baby Godzilla
is introduced to the story. Shortly after, Godzilla
comes into the city to claim his son, and the
G-force sends Mechagodzilla after him. Will Japan
ever be safe from this menace?
At first, this movie may look like
a copied idea, going from hand to hand; but it’s
evident that it finally got into the right hands,
as this new version is way better than the original
movie. Perhaps the screenplay is not as epic,
but the execution is smart enough to consider
this one of the best in the series. The new plot
seems to resemble the older sci-fi flick Toho
make during the early 60’s, instead of the
mystic atmosphere the 1974 film had. Mechagodzilla
looks just kickass, and the return of Rodan to
the big screen was pretty much welcomed. Instead
of having 2 monsters against 1, everyone fights
everyone, and the sense of destruction is even
more adequate than the old idea of having Mechagodzilla
as the part of an ancient prophecy.
Acting is as usual a bit floppy,
but the characters are likeable, especially Miki;
who also appeared on the other Heisei movies.
The main characters feel a bit repeated from other
Toho movies, and that is a real threat when watching
this flick. Luckily enough, the monsters are given
an important expression this time. You can note
Godzilla is worried about his son, and when you
see Baby Godzilla’s face you can’t
avoid feeling bad for his captivity.
Special effects were decent, not
only the monster costumes. The miniature work
is detailed, and the explosions are done almost
perfectly. My only complaint was the Self-Defense
Force weaponry; tanks, cars, helicopters, planes;
all looked fake as the ones seen in the 60’s,
mostly because of the way they move. On the other
hand, the costumes were excellent. Mechagodzilla
looked metallic enough, with believable flying
effects and fine-looking beams. Rodan was the
weak point, it had strings holding him most of
the time, and the wing movement didn’t seem
like he was flying. Godzilla looks good as usual.
The costume has been modified briefly; the only
real noticeable change was a smaller head, and
more teeth. Photography is also impressive, with
many nice landscapes the monsters fight in; and
a very appropriate light, for the night scenes.
But what really makes up for this
movie, is the music; by maestro Ifukube. He delivers
the widely known Godzilla’s theme, and brings
up a new and raising march for the G-force. Rodan’s
theme also makes a return, and is once again put
together with Godzilla’s, as done in the
Showa Series. Mechagodzilla’s theme sounds
much like a reworking from Kong’s them in
King
Kong Escapes (1967), although it still
helps the movie a lot.
Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla is a
superior reworking on the campy adventure filmed
in 1974, and it’s worth seeing both for
its entertainment value and its talented execution.
|
(3.5/5)