Godzilla (1998)

Robocop · November 23, 2011, 06:37:40 AM

What does everyone think about this U.S reboot? Personally I think its disgraceful and its not just because of the laughable 'Zilla' design but more so the story, the ridiculous amount of plot holes, the acting, the inconsistencies, the crappy CGI and the clear disrespect of the source material. I can't even enjoy it as a B-Movie much like a lot of the Japanese Godzilla films because it takes itself so damn seriously and has 'big dumb action blockbuster with no substance' written all over it.

Its funny though because whist my hate for Zilla or GINO looms large, it did help set up one of the most satisfying action sequences in any Godzilla film to date. I am of course talking about that famous fight in 2004's Final Wars when the actual Godzilla rips Zilla a new one in about 10 seconds. I'm happy to state that the location was set on my home turf.

akiratubo · November 23, 2011, 06:47:27 AM

Now this is a bad movie, all right. One of the worst.

Trevor · November 23, 2011, 07:11:16 AM

My only favourite parts of this movie involve Jean Reno:

JR [reaches into a paper bag, pulls out a doughnut] "No croissant?'
JP: "No, monsieur."
JR: [takes a sip of coffee] "Urrrggghh...... you call this coffee?"
JP: [shrugs, smiles] "I call this America."

JPickettIII · November 23, 2011, 07:48:30 AM

Never seen this one. Will have to watch out for it.

Later,

John

Hammock Rider · November 23, 2011, 09:18:04 AM

If it's not a guy in a rubber suit it's not Godzilla.

InformationGeek · November 23, 2011, 01:11:26 PM

I did a review on this thing a while back. I think it is okay for a popcorn film. Plenty of mindless action and violence, silly dialogue, forgettable to hammy acting, and decent for its time effects. For a Godzilla movie, I'm not sure. I've not watch one before (Cue incoming commentors), so I can't compare it or judge it on that fact. Though from what I hear, it's not even close to a true Godzilla experience.

molokai cargo · November 23, 2011, 02:51:49 PM

The subplots alone are bad, never mind the main plot.

Flick James · November 23, 2011, 04:58:01 PM

Quote from: Hammock Rider on November 23, 2011, 09:18:04 AM
If it's not a guy in a rubber suit it's not Godzilla.

indianasmith · November 23, 2011, 05:09:42 PM

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Godzilla actually looked and moved like a REAL reptile, NOT like a guy in a rubber suit smashing a bunch of models.

Flick James · November 23, 2011, 05:28:41 PM

Quote from: indianasmith on November 23, 2011, 05:09:42 PM
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Godzilla actually looked and moved like a REAL reptile, NOT like a guy in a rubber suit smashing a bunch of models.

But that IS Godzilla, a guy in a rubber suit smashing models. I'm with Hammock Rider on this one.

Thoroughly unwatchable.

indianasmith · November 23, 2011, 05:37:56 PM

But . . . but - it's got Matthew Broderick!!!

And his character is even known as "the worm guy"!!!

How can anyone NOT love that?

Flick James · November 23, 2011, 05:45:39 PM

Quote from: indianasmith on November 23, 2011, 05:37:56 PM
But . . . but - it's got Matthew Broderick!!!

And his character is even known as "the worm guy"!!!

How can anyone NOT love that?

Completely negated by Roland Emmerich.

Ed, Ego and Superego · November 23, 2011, 05:46:19 PM

If it was "Giant CGI monster Movie" it would have been excellent B FAre. As a Godzilla is a disgrace.
Though it did make this gorgeous piece of cinema possible
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIcExdpsEcQ

-Ed-Zilla

Robocop · November 23, 2011, 09:09:36 PM

Quote from: Hammock Rider on November 23, 2011, 09:18:04 AM
If it's not a guy in a rubber suit it's not Godzilla.

I partially agree with this, its a critical part of Godzilla's charm. Although with that said, I wouldn't mind seeing a new big budget reboot done right where instead of re-structuring the big G from head to toe (case in point the 1998 attempt) that the design stays faithful, only updated embracing the technology we have available.

WingedSerpent · November 23, 2011, 09:45:18 PM

When I first saw it, I was disappointed. The creature disappears for large chucks of the movie, only to be replaced by Jurassic Park extras. And GINO was vulnerable to modern firepower. The original would walk through a hail storm of artillery and not blink. This is actually a point where many Japanese and American monster movies differ. In American movies, the firepower works. Science wins the day by inventing a new weapon or effectively deploying ones we have. In most Japanese kaiju movies, it takes an act of nature to end the monster, like a volcano or earthquake. (Although the original Godzilla was taken out by a new super weapon.) Not saying one is necessarily better, just different approaches.

I agree that if this was called something else besides Godzilla, my reaction might have been better. Time and a surprisingly good animated spin-off has probably cooled my initial apathy towards it. (I don't want to say I hated it, just really underwhelmed by it)

Maybe I need to see it again to find out.