TALKBACK: Godzilla (2014) - (OBVIOUS SPOILER DISCUSSION)

[Henry88]

[canofhumdingers]

Well, as I said I really really wanted to like this movie. In truth, I wanted to love it the way I loved Pacific Rim. That one isn't perfect either if you look at it objectively, but it was so much darn fun and hit all the right notes that I fell in love with it right away and couldn't wait to see it again. I was hoping Legendary would achieve the same greatness with Godzilla, but I was disappointed that they didn't.

Rather than bog down the thread with all my specific criticisms, I'll just re-link as I think the writer felt very much the same way I did walking out of the theater and he has nearly identical issues with the film as me.

One big issue that I don't think that article articulates well enough is the poor character scenes. There were numerous scenes where I see what Edwards was attempting but I don't think he succeeded. These were the scenes where he was trying to give us character moments to make them feel like real people. They were reminiscent of similar scenes in movies like Jaws or Close Encounters of the Third Kind. But where Spielberg excels at these sequences, Edwards fell flat on his face. I know many people here liked Monsters, but I found it quite uninteresting, and this was a huge reason why. Edwards tries very hard to make his characters feel like real people and to have the audience care for them but they wind up being terribly uninteresting characters and the scenes just drag on and feel like a waste of time.

I also just don't like this Godzilla design very much. I tried to give it the benefit of the doubt. I waited until seeing it in action to pass final judgement. But now that I have, it's just not that appealing to me. It's not the worst design ever, and it is clearly Godzilla. But it's just not even remotely near the top of my list on favorite designs. In fact, it's very near the bottom.

I'm still gonna try to see it at least one more time. Maybe a second viewing will change my opinion of some things. I did like the MUTOs. A lot. They were WAY cooler than I expected and that was a very pleasant surprise. There were actually a lot of things I DID like in the movie. It's just they were interesting bits and pieces of a larger whole. And on the whole, the film was just clunky, uneven, and (perhaps the greatest sin) not fun enough. I really got tired of cutting away from the action on,y to come back and see the aftermath of what should've been an awesome destruction scene or monster fight. It's ok to do that once, but multiple times? It stopped feeling like an artistic choice to build tension and a lot more like a cheap trick to cut down the effects budget.

[Russzilla]

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=118473

Very good.

[Gman2887]

I feel like a lot of the sequel "confirmation" needs to be put in check. It's exciting it's being talked about, but I'll wait for a little more news on the subject. Not rain on anyone's day or anything.

[Russzilla]

[gfan1984]

[Cookie]

[william newell]

[Dai]

It's great to hear them talking about a sequel already. Considering how well realised the MUTOs were, I'd be happy if they kept inventing new kaiju for the sequels. Seriously, am I the only person who doesn't want to see Mothra in the next one? We just had Godzilla vs a flying kaiju. Let's see some variety.

I went for a second screening today. I got hooked more into some parts emotionally this time, such as when Joe loses his wife, in particular. I think that scene didn't affect me so much the first time because I'd watched the trailers too much, and my brain was just ticking off the shots it recognised. In fact, I tend to enjoy most Godzilla movies more on the second viewing. There's such a variety of them that I need that first viewing just to calibrate my brain for what kind of Godzilla movie I'm watching.

Unfortunately, there was a woman with two young kids behind me in the screening today, and all three of them yapped constantly. I wouldn't have minded so much if it was because they were excited about the movie, but they were just yapping in general, so it spoiled a lot of the movie for me.

[Gohi]

[canofhumdingers]

[Cheeky_Pig]

Well, I recently got back from finally seeing the movie. I have to say, even going in knowing about 90% of the movie, I was still disappointed. This was a very mediocre film for me. The only good things I can say about it is that Bryan Cranston was very good (although wasted in this film), and so were the special effects. That's it. This movie was so wasteful... the talent was wasted, the story was so chopped up, and the build up was nil -- even the climax did nothing for me. This film is much more about the MUTOs than Godzilla... Godzilla is basically just there, almost like he was added into the film. I was very annoyed by Cranston's short role... there was so much more that could have been explored, but it was just wasted. The only thing this movie has going for it is that it's not Godzilla 1998 nor is it GFW. But that's it... it felt like the most mediocre Millennium series movie. That's all I can really say... the movie is just a waste.

I had fears for this film back when Edwards was set as the director and the fact that five different writers had meddled with the script. In the end, the whole film is a mess. Every time it starts to get interesting, it cuts or pans to something else. There is absolutely no reason for cutaways or build up. The airport fight could have easily been shown. It wouldn't have made the movie much better, but it definitely wouldn't have hurt it. All the talent is wasted in this film... Bryan Cranston gives a good performance, but he's dead before we even get a chance to really attach to him. Juliette Binoche has no purpose other than to die... there is nothing to her. Elizabeth Olsen spends the entire film either worried, in shock and awe, or looking for someone. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is pretty bland, but not Keanu Reeves bad... he just has nothing worth caring about. Ken Watanabe feels like he was just there to recite lines and gape. The closest the film comes to creating danger for a character is when Godzilla breaks through the Golden Gate Bridge... and that was just because the kid was on the bus and having the child get hurt would be a low blow. The tone is all over the place... the film can't tell if it wants to be cheesy or overly realistic and serious. There's no consistency. The worst part is the end. Godzilla movies have definitely had their lows, and have had their embarrassing moments... but overall, those moments don't detract from the film itself because, usually, the entire film fits that tone. The death of Femuto was just stupidly absurd for me... It felt really cheesy in a film that is trying to be suspenseful and serious for the most part. Then the march to the sea... I just rolled my eyes with the newscast saying "KING OF THE MONSTERS - SAVIOR OF OUR CITY?", with the heroic theme playing as everyone watches Godzilla disappear beneath the surface... then it just cuts to credits. It was so hamfisted... the applause from the people in the film as Godzilla left was cringe-worthy enough... but the whole thing was just so tacky for this film.

I sincerely hope there is no sequel. I would rather there not be... at least, not in continuity with this film. This film definitely needed a veteran director and a better screenwriter. Legendary likely chose Edwards because he was cheap and they knew he was a novice and wouldn't go over budget and instead provide minimal effort for them. They brought in the cast to help create interest since most of the cast aren't big A-list headliners of summer blockbusters, so the character development can be expected to be of high caliber. For the record, I hated "Monsters"... it was so amateur-ish and cheesy that I just couldn't take it seriously or see any intelligent commentary being made that wasn't hamfisted. "Godzilla" was the same. It is basically "Monsters" with a bigger budget... and that's not good. Personally, I have felt for years now that Godzilla should just be laid to rest as an IP... he barely has relevance in our modern world -- he's a relic of WWII and the Cold War. Within 25 to 30 years, no one from those time periods will be alive... Godzilla's origins will have no significant meaning, and he would need a complete rebirth in order to fit in with modern times. There would have to be a brand new Godzilla, cutting all ties to all previous films and continuities, set in the modern world and setting the stage for a new generation of films... Godzilla has had 30 films... there's really nothing more that can be done with the property that hasn't already been done. I would like nothing more than if Godzilla just died completely and something new took his place. The period in which he was relevant is beyond us, and the coming generations will be far removed from anything the films address or refer to.

Also, I sincerely doubt the claims of references to Mothra or Biollante... I can understand the Mothra reference, but I would believe that was sheer coincidence. The Biollante reference has no ground whatsoever... Janjira is covered in plants because it's abandoned, therefore Biollante... that's the stupidest jump of logic I've ever heard. Edwards has stated that he grew up watching Godzilla movies, but that doesn't mean he studied them. He only knew of the existence of the original Japanese film until it came out on DVD. And even then, I feel he didn't really understand it but felt that he knew what it was about. However, this doesn't make any sort of expert. Fan or not, Edwards failed to make a cohesive, engaging story and faltered on the effects due to his amateur experience.

This is all my personal opinion -- I do not speak for anybody but myself. I just want to make that clear. These are just my feelings coming off the movie.

If I had to list all the Godzilla films in terms of quality and repeat viewings, I do as such:
1. Godzilla (1954)
2. The Return of Godzilla / Godzilla vs. Biollante
3. Mothra vs. Godzilla / Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster / Invasion of Astro-Monster / Destroy All Monsters
4. Godzilla vs. Gigan / Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla / Terror of Mechagodzilla / Godzilla vs. Destoroyah
5. Ebirah, Horror of the Deep / Son of Godzilla / Godzilla vs. Hedorah / Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla / Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.
6. Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah / Godzilla vs. Mothra / Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II
7. King Kong vs. Godzilla / All Monsters Attack / Godzilla vs. Megalon / Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla / Godzilla vs. Megaguirus
8. Godzilla Raids Again / Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack / Godzilla (2014)
9. Godzilla (1998) / Godzilla: Final Wars

[mr.negativity]

[Kailem]

[The Great MM]

Not even going to respond to the rest of what's his face's babble, but the Mothra reference is as clear as day. The movie spells out her name in the Brody's old home, underneath the aquarium.

[Cheeky_Pig]

[The Great MM]

[LoneWolfandCub]

I appreciate the replies to my post. I'm really not trying to be a downer, but this film just didn't do it for me at all. Over an hour until G appears and it was for 20 seconds or less. Just too much plot, very little monster battling. A friend saw it on Friday night with a big crowd who really voiced their approval. I think the film is now suffering "word of mouth" and the Saturday afternoon crowd (1/3 full) we saw it with was very reserved. There were a few smatterings of applause (led my ME!) when Godzilla FINALLY started battling the MUTOs. (Reminded me of Gyaos...)

"Saving Private Brody" starring Godzilla.

But anyways....the film scored over $93 million for the best opening weekend for 2014. Does anyone remember how much 1998 GINO brought in on Memorial Day weekend? (And they had the luxury of an extra day off for Monday)

And I was also thinking....What was the budget figure that Jan DuPont said he couldn't make a Godzilla film with in 1998? And that's when Devlin/Emmerich stepped in. Did this version far exceed that budget?

One last thing.....during the credits, I was very surprised but happy to see that John Dykstra received a single "Addition visual effects by..." credit.

[TerranigmaFreak]

Just got back from Godzilla: Guardian of the Universe. One of my friends who calls it a Showa movie and I agree with him. It's a very serious Showa movie. This is hero Godzilla from the get go. Yeah, there's a little misunderstanding from the military, but Godzilla showed no sign of malice towards mankind. Could use more Godzilla and Bryan Cranston. Yeah, I think Edwards got a little too carried away with teasing Godzilla. Would have been nice to see Godzilla wreck a city solo. I don't think it's a bad thing to leave the movie wanting more. Better than leaving to movie and wishing it had less. The perfect scenario would be just enough.

Loved every minute of it. Knowing that a sequel is confirmed gives me hope that Edward will look at the meaningful criticism and fix some of those mistakes in the next one.

[Draconis]

Saw the Movie on Friday and I think this is one of my favorite movies. I almost fist pumped when I realized Godzilla was going for the tail slam, and I loved how the movie ended. Also I heavily disagree when people say that is unusual for Godzilla to be a hero, he has been a hero more time than a villain in my mind.

I do think that they cut away to seeing the battle on TV one too many times and seeing more of Godzilla wouldn't have hurt, but this movie is solid and a lot of fun. I also liked the acting Olsen did her job perfectly and Cranston was, as is normal, fantastic. In ending I can't wait to watch the movie again.

[Dorkzilla]

I'm torn. I do want them to take their time with making the sequel, but I also want to see it sooner rather than later.

[lhb412]

[John Schuermann]

Saw it with my wife and daughter plus a few friends last night. I have a migraine AND am prepping for some minor surgery tomorrow, so I'll make this fairly brief.

I enjoyed it, and to give it an easily reference-able rating, I would assign it a 7 out of 10. Some really cool set-pieces, such as Godzilla's first entrance in Hawaii, and the scene on the Golden Gate bridge.

Things I would like to have seen - a 50% more intelligent script (less action and expository cliches, please), better developed characters, a better developed emotional arc (the story seemed largely disjointed to me), and more Godzilla. As for the Godzilla design, I thought it was fair. I would have preferred a more reptilian and less mammalian approach. As for the score, it was like the movie itself - about 50% really cool, interesting ideas, and about 50% cliche action movie tropes. Still, far FAR better than the Emmerich piece of s**t.

From the trailers, I expected to see a different movie - one that I would have enjoyed more than this one. I loved the end of the world, apocalyptic vibe that the trailers had - more than the standard "action movie" feel of the final product. I would have appreciated a more intellectual subtext - plus more death and destruction - if the plan was to emulate and honor the 1954 original.

I was also disappointed that more was not made of Godzilla's nuclear origins, as I found the long explanation delivered by Dr. Serizawa less than convincing and more than a bit contrived. In fact, I found Serizawa character to be pretty dull, as Ken Watanabe spent most of his screen time slack-jawedly staring off into the distance before mouthing phony profundities at whoever was around to listen to him.

All of that said, I was entertained for two hours and want to see it again.

I think the ultimate Godzilla movie is yet to come.

SPOILERS BELOW


My biggest problem was that the most interesting character was killed of a third of the way in. The relationship between Binoche and Cranston - even though we only had about 5 minutes of it! - was way more interesting than any other character relationship in the movie. Also, the emotional arc that appeared to be formulated at the beginning - the death of the Binoche character, and the grieving of Cranston - had absolutely zero payoff.

Also would like to have seen them play up the "San Francisco in danger" angle a bit more, so that the "King of the Monsters / Godzilla as Savior" tag at the end would have had more impact. Godzilla just seemed like a supporting player in his own movie. Even at the end, Godzilla was not the focus of the action - instead the focus was on the rather dull Aaron Taylor Johnson character. (Mr. Johnson has taken a critical beating for his performance in the movie, but I think the problem has to do with the bland nature of the character as written than anything to do with his performance.)

I can see why Edwards would want to delay the reveal of the monster(s), and even appreciate his reference to ALIEN and JAWS as his inspirations. However, the reveals of the Alien and the shark were delayed to make them appear more SCARY. Godzilla was the hero here, so it's kind of like hiding Rocky Balboa until the end of the movie - and then not even focusing on him as the main character at that point.

Some strange choices on Edward's part, but I give him credit for not always going down the obvious path.

[goji4ever]

http://whatculture.com/film/godzilla-17 ... ed-see.php

Annoyed that I missed many of the truly obvious ones..the "Brody" in particular

[BrollySupersj]