Shin Godzilla

THIS is how Godzilla really should have been done.

A strange creature emerges from the sea, terrifying civilians and forcing the Japanese government into action. However, cabinet member Yaguchi (Hasegawa) is unconvinced that their plan will succeed.

Sure enough, the monster evolves at a rapid rate, leading to Yaguchi being placed in charge of a team of scientists and military experts in order to find a way to take out the monster, known as Gojira.

Japan also accepts the help of the US government, represented by Kayoko Ann Patterson (Ishihara).

The film is an unconventional monster movie, as it is not an actionpacked thriller. Most of it takes place in meeting rooms, with people discussing what to do about Gojira.

But, once the action takes place, it is glorious in its destructiveness. This Gojira has its own unique brand of special powers, and the first time it uses them will take your breath away.

The acting is pretty good, especially Hasegawa. Still, I find Ishihara’s performance as the ‘American’ jarring.

The only downside is the inconsistent design of Gojira, who goes from a rubber puppet to a stiff mechanical doll to a CGI creature.

The slow development of the story might bother some, but this will be a joy to watch for hardcore Gojira/Godzilla fans. – Anansa Jacob Patterson