Godzilla - Movie Review

I really have to say that with all the hype surrounding this movie, I was really expecting something huge and thrilling. What I got wasn't far from it, but Godzilla unfortunately doesn't feature it's key player for more than maybe 25 minutes of the movie. That's right, Godzilla is somehow a supporting character here, with a more human-based script. Now don't get me wrong, I think it's amazing when blockbusters can combine real human story and large action sequences, but my main problem was that it didn't feel balanced enough.

To start, the acting was great. Really no complaints here. Bryan Cranston did fantastic as always, Elizabeth Olson did the best with what the script gave her (her character, unfortunately, very underutilized), and Aaron Taylor-Johnson had some of the best scenes and carried the movie, in my opinion. Other supporting actors all did great with what they were given, but most characters fell into the generic action movie roles.

The effects were spot on when the action sequences began. Godzilla owned whenever he was on screen and created for some great 3D visuals. There were also two other creatures featured in this movie, and I have to say their story was pretty interesting too and it was awesome seeing the three battle and creep around the world. It created for a lot of suspense and thrills. Again, my complaint was that these beasts were simply underused. If you're going to call a movie Godzilla, don't just give him a small scene in the middle and a supporting role in the finale. However, I understand that the first movies in franchises often don't get large budgets, so if Godzilla is deemed successful and another movie is greenlit, I'd expect to see more Godzilla with the higher budgets. Just don't go in expecting him to run the film.

Also, I loved the sets and scenery here. From jungles to Japan, and mines to metro trains, the sets created such a suspenseful world and fully immersed us in how much danger this world was in. I also have to say, some shots were absolutely stunning. The one that comes immediately to my mind was the army jumping out of the plane and descending eerily into the fog, where brief lightning flashes revealed the looming shadow of Godzilla. It was the focus on details like this that truly made the movie unique for me, and I'd recommend it solely based on the art direction.

Otherwise, I'd say if you're interested in some thrills and great visuals, Godzilla is definitely for you. It's intense, suspenseful, and packed with all the right things. Just remember to not expect Godzilla 24/7, or you will surely be disappointed. Instead, take it for what it is and you're bound to have a good time.