My spoiler-free opinion:
Honestly, I loved Godzilla. I truly can't fault it at all. I didn't read the review quotes before, but I did skim them now that I've seen the film. To call the movie "rote and straightforward" is completely wrong. In terms of film technique, the movie has a definite and unique perspective that is extremely well executed. Is it deep? No, except in traditional Godzilla ways, which some might consider maybe a little deep. Are the characters and plot "rote and straightforward"? Yes, but the movie as a whole is far from it. I loved it enough to refute some of the other reviews points directly (even though they gave it a decent score).
For a movie that takes a serious approach to Godzilla, it’s unfortunate that the characters and plot should be an afterthought. Yes, this is traditional for the Godzilla franchise, but that doesn’t mean we should accept it.
Yes, it does, unless you don't want to watch a Godzilla movie.
At some point, we have to hold Godzilla to the same standard as other blockbusters even if it doesn’t always play by the same rules.
So, this is saying that other summer blockbusters are expected to have deep characters and plot? I call bull****.
Despite these weaknesses, there’s really no stopping Godzilla when he’s done right.
The new Godzilla shows that with the right approach he can more than a cash-in. He can carry his decades of history and not collapse under the weight. When he has our attention, we can’t turn away even if he’s not on screen. There may be many “Godzillas”, but there’s no mistaking a roar that can give us chills, send our hearts racing, and get our blood pumping.
Clearly, I concur with this.
Now, I will add that the film is likely not going to win any new fans who were expecting something more than a Godzilla movie or a mindless summer blockbuster, so in that way, that review is very fair despite my disagreement. At the end of the day, I was able to appreciate the film for what it is, and, as stated, I think it's adroitly executed.
The peculiar thing is that I do have some
major gripes with the film, but they are gripes of preference — more of a wish list — and not necessarily valid critiques of what was presented.
Perhaps some of my good cheer comes from the film
not being The Amazing Spider-Man 2, which I saw in the same theatre the day before, and perhaps some of it comes from the theatre itself. The renovated Chinese (now) IMAX is my new favorite theatre. They've taken full advantage of their space. The new seating is great, and the screen is freakin' enormous, but the best thing is they've fixed as much of the sound as possible without touching the historic decor. It's not perfect, but it's no longer a boomy bass nightmare either. I still miss the National in Westwood, but this IMAX Chinese will hopefully keep me happy for years to come.
Did I mention I love Godzilla? That goes for the 2014 movie and just in general.
