Search - Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla on DVD

Same Formula, Better Results

Michael Pappalardo | 02/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Scene for scene, this movie is almost a carbon copy of it's predecessor, Godzilla vs. Megaguirus. It is obvious that the same writers and director were at work here again, but with a much better finished product. One of the major differences that sets this one apart are the special effects. Now, I have been a Godzilla fan for many years and I have nothing but love for the cheesy effects from past films. However, the effects in this installment are very impressive. I cannot recall at any point in the movie, saying to myself, "Ha, just like the old days". No sir, the effects were good, rivaling most Hollywood productions of today.Also, the pacing of the film was very tight and moved at a very good speed. This film is about 20 minutes shorter than the prior film. I'm not sure if a new editor was at work or not, but whomever was in charge gets kudos from me.Also, the music in the film is almost the same as Godzilla vs. Megaguirus but with enough subtle changes to keep it fresh. Michiru Ohshima has brought a new level of suspense and excitement to the franchise and I hope she stays on board for many more installments. My only negative regarding the score is that it would be nice to hear more of Akira Ifukube's original theme. Besides that, well done.Now, being American, I can't accurately comment on the acting but I thought each performance was believable. Yumiko Shaku was a good leading lady and is very easy on the eyes. There are also cameos featuring other Godzilla alumni including Misato Tanaka, the heroine from the previous film, here as a hospital nurse. Being able to see these two gorgeous women is worth the price of admission for me alone.The franchise seems to be in very capable hands. Having said that, I wouldn't mind seeing a more escapist approach in upcoming installments with aliens, space monsters, and maybe a cheesy effect or two...just like the old days."

Very cool

Michael Pappalardo | Ronkonkoma, NY United States | 03/30/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a life-long Godzilla fan, and I've been dying to see this movie for a while. Now that its finally out on DVD, I must say I was entertained by it, but not overly impressed.The best point is that its still a Godzilla movie...watching Godzilla rise out of Tokyo bay to unleash senseless destruction just never gets old. The Godzilla suit in this film is slightly modified from the Godzilla 2000/Megaguirus suit, and looks alot better. But the literal 'shining' star of this movie is MechaGodzilla. This is the best design yet for MechaGodzilla, out of all the 'Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla' movies (4 in all, counting this one, and not the sequel which is coming soon). As others had pointed out, this movie was similar to Godzilla X Megaguirus...too similar, in fact. It had virtually the same pacing and story development, and a nearly identical ending. Other flaws included Godzilla's stationary reactions...he's getting rocked with missiles and 'Mazer' beams, and they just have a big dummy standing there, completely motionless. After the outstanding effects from the last movies, you'd think they could do better than that. And once again, this is an 'origin retelling', in that its another 'alternate universe' storyline that retells Godzilla's origins. I don't think there's been a Godzilla movie at all within the past 15 years that hasn't started the origin of Godzilla over from scratch.Complaints aside, this movie has to be commended on a few things. As already stated, the MechaGodzilla design is probably the best design they've had yet for it. The battles, though somewhat short, were well done. Godzilla was more sinister than usual in this particular film, being much more liberal with his atomic breath and wreaking havoc. The one part that stood out the most in my mind, and is definitely my favorite part of the film, is when MechaGodzilla goes 'berserk'. Clearly inspired from Neon Genesis Evangelion, MechaG's residual DNA memories, being a result of constructing the machine from the corpse of the 1954 Godzilla, get triggered by this new Godzilla's infamous roar, sending MechaGodzilla into an absolute frenzy. Unfortunately that story angle was not pursued any further in the movie, and its something that I hope they go into in the sequel.Overall, Godzilla X MechaG was good...but compared to some of the more recent films, particularly Giant Monsters All-Out Attack(one of my all-time favorites), GXMG just didn't stand out too much. I hope the sequel picks it up at a better pace, since I still enjoyed this film immensely. Nevertheless, if you're a G fan, get this film. You won't regret it...its definitely worth the purchase."

This movie is greattttttt.

Michael A. Mcmahon | phila., pa United States | 02/17/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"after seeing this godzilla movie ,all i can say is that this movie is great. it is one of the best from toho . the movie is very fast paced, the special effects are fantastic , and the action never stops . i have one final word for godzilla fans everywhere {don't miss this movie }"

Another Superb Film!!!

Daniel | Seal Beach, CA USA | 01/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WOW!!! Godzilla keeps getting better and better! This film rocked, but Godzilla vs. Megaguirus is still my favorite film, but barely! This movie was soooo close, just 1/4 of a mile, and it would be my favorite film, but this is my second favorite film! The Japanese military is constructing a new Mechagodzilla, or should I say Kiryu (Mechanical Dragon), to protect Japan from Godzilla. The battle was great and the special effects were so loud, my windows were shaking! Kiryu was great, with a new weapon, absolute zero cannon! It was a little closer to Godzilla vs. Megaguirus for my favorite film, but this was great! It will be on DVD in March with English dubs and Japanese track with, hopefully, real English subtitles and, possibly, more extras! Don't miss this film! Nice Job Godzilla!!!"