Agh! I can't believe that G' Raids Again completely slipped my mind while I was writing my previous post! Even though I'm fortunate enough to own a copy of the actual japanese version, it's still easy to forget that the film even is a part of the Showa series because it's the only one that is "out of print" in the U.S. and is never showed on tv. [Does anybody know exactly why Toho hasn't ever just re-released this particular entry under it's proper title and story?]
But I agree with you wholeheartedly, Allasaurz, there is definitely a lot to like about G' Raids Again, flaws and all.
No subsequent appearance of Angilas [That's how the american subs in my copy spell it - I'd love to know why this particular kaiju's name has taken on so many variations over the years. I've heard Anguirus, Angila, Anzilla...] throughout the Showa series was better than this one! Not only is he the coolest looking in this film, but he displays a serious ferocity not seen in any of his later appearances.
The monster battles are also the most believable, for a Godzilla movie, of just about any in the series I can think of past or present. The suitmation actors were obviously trying to create a feeling of two prehistoric animals fighting like, well, animals - with lots of shoving, biting, and clawing!
The overall tone of the film also retains the grimness of the orginal nicely, especially when Godzilla and Angilas start battling it out in the city. I especially liked a scene where, from the point of view of an unfortunate civilian caught on the streets, Godzilla's massive foot comes crashing through a nearby building! A genuinely creepy moment among the numerous badly done foot shots of the later films.
As for this entry's most noteable flaw, I'd have to reluctantly agree with other fan observations that, yes, Godzilla does have a distinctly goofy look this time around. [I'm surprised that the costume hasn't been dubbed the "Goofy Goji Suit" by now. So I hereby officially do so! I want a quarter every time someone says it.
] But it was a forgiveable point given how well he was shot most of the time.
As for the human drama, the lengthier "love subplot" moments I definitely could've done without, but the human cast was enjoyable and, I think, more realisticly portrayed than many of the characters who would come in later entries.
Was G' Raids Again better than my previous choice for the best movie of the Showa series? I can't decide even as I type this, but it's a seriously close call.
Talk about a coincidence...)
