Starring: Chris Niosi, Martin Billany, Edward Bosco
Written by: Gen Urobuchi, Sadayuki Murai, Yusuke Kozaki
Review: Godzilla's latest outing shows that he can be a menacing force in an animated format. It's a shame that it couldn't have been in a more interesting movie.
The movie is being distributed in America and several other countries via Netflix. It may initially look like a series, because it will ask to play "Part 1, Episode 1", but it is just one ninety minute movie that was released theatrically in Japan. It is expected to become a trilogy, which may be the reason it is shown like this, with Parts 2 and 3 to be added afterward.
This movie has a different feel from previous Godzilla movies. It starts after the monsters have rampaged the cities. Humanity has fled the Earth with help from an alien species, after giant monsters have taken over the world. Now, they have returned to kill the worst monster there was, Godzilla. The movie feels more like a space anime, even when Godzilla shows up near the end.
The animated format suits the monster, keeping him from looking as fake as he does in certain live-action outings. The scenes also show him in an effectively menacing light. He is a very powerful force, and the animation style emphasizes that.
But the rest of the movie is not as good. Before the final Godzilla fight scene, there is over an hour of things that are not as interesting. The concept is kind of intriguing, but the characters feel flat. This is not helped by the fact that there is very little action, and a lot of space jargon.
That is not to say that it was completely boring. It still has some great science fiction visuals, and a unique take on the Godzilla story. It just doesn't have the pull that it should. But the climax is really good, and the ending, while it is obvious sequel bait, did make me interested in seeing what happens next. Hopefully, the sequels would have more interesting characters.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
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