New Acquisition: Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)

 

Gojira vs. Kingu Gidorâ (1991)

 

Chikyû kogeki meirei: Gojira tai Gaigan (1972)

 

Gojira vs. Supesugojira (1994)

Shin Gojira (2016)

Japan is plunged into chaos upon the appearance of a giant monster.

Likeable resurgence of the original Godzilla monster successfully combines old-fashioned and modern digital effects, but is quite talkative and without much of a focus on a central cast.

On rewatching: indeed quite talkative, but the monster scenes are grand.

San daikaijû: Chikyû saidai no kessen (1964)

Gojira no gyakushû (1955)

Godzilla battles an irradiated Ankylosaur and destroys Osaka in the process.

First Godzilla sequel offers more of the same formula plus an additional monster: a bit silly, minimal romance, some humour, some tragedy - and lots of collateral damage.

Maltin** (without comment)

Gojira (1954)

 

 

American nuclear weapons testing results in the creation of a seemingly unstoppable, dinosaur-like beast.

 

The original Godzilla movie is probably the best of the series, as it is well-produced and delivers the thrills while implying more political and existential issues than its successors. 

 

Halliwell (no star): "Tepid forerunner of scores of Japanese monster movies peopled by men in rubber suits."

 

Maltin***: "Grandaddy of Japanese monster movies...Much more complex and nuanced than the Americanized GODZILLA KING OF THE MONSTERS!..." 

Shin Gojira (2016)

Japan is plunged into chaos upon the appearance of a giant monster.

Likeable resurgence of the original Godzilla monster successfully combines old-fashioned and modern digital effects, but is quite talkative and without much of a focus on a central cast.

New Acquisition: Shin Gojira (2016)

Godzilla (2014)

The world's most famous monster is pitted against malevolent creatures who, bolstered by humanity's scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.

Finally, a worthy Western Godzilla production with all the beloved ingredients, although the star of the movie has less than 10 minutes of screen time.



On second view: I still think so, but it's a pity that the movie is photographed so much in the dark that it's hard to watch; and in a monster movie I want to see the monster - a lot.

Maltin***: "Spectacular, and surprisingly good, story reintroduces the formidable Japanese monster - and some parasitic predators - in a genre film that doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, except in its cutting-edge visual effects...Director Edwards breathes new life into formulaic monster-movie moments, ultimately proving that Godzilla still rules."

San daikaijû: Chikyû saidai no kessen (1964)

After a meteorite unleashes a three-headed beast upon Tokyo, Mothra tries to unite with Godzilla and Rodan to battle the extraterrestrial threat.