Quick Reviews: GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN

GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN - THE AMERICAN VERSION

"How many casualties would there be until it was over? No one dared guess. . ."

IMDB.com Rating: 6.1 out of 10

Availability: In-print, and moderately-priced

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOo0CstvnM4

Watch Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKiZwQ7f1AI

____________________________________________

Tonight's movie is the first sequel in the long-running Godzilla series. In the American version, Godzilla's name was changed to Gigantis, to distinguish it from the titular monster from the previous film. Producer, Paul Schreibman, had since regretted that decision, because, let's face it -- Gigantis is a stupid, stupid name.

The film begins with some absolutely atrocious opening credits. The Toho release, which is the only release you should get, has both the American and Japanese versions on one DVD. Like I said, in America, it's called Gigantis. The American version's full title is 'Gigantis - The Fire Monster'. On the DVD release, they switched the name back to 'Godzilla Raids Again', but in doing so, they made the worst looking title credit ever. Care to see what I'm talking about? Then, buy the DVD. You're welcome, Toho. Anyways, two pilots are flying over the ocean, looking for fish. One crash lands on an island and the other comes to his aid. What they find on the island is Godzilla, err, uh, Gigantis. . . Did I mention that was a stupid, stupid name? For all intents and purposes, we'll just call it "Godzilla". They spot Godzilla waging a battle against a giant turtle/alligator with spikes on its shell, called "Anguirus". A hilarious government-made video of how the earth was created is shown to a group of scientists as a way to explain the origins of Godzilla and Anguirus. Meanwhile, the two monsters' fight eventually makes it to mainland Japan, destroying Osaka in the process; leaving countless dead, including Anguirus. Back to the island for the winter, Godzilla goes. That sentence sounded very Yoda of me. The Army eventually bombs the living shit out of the island, causing an avalanche to bury Godzilla.

'Godzilla Raids Again' is great for its special-effects. It's a highly entertaining movie, deserving of my time and money. It's hokey and fun, but it's also a pretty good sequel. The film has plenty of miniatures, but manages to stay credible and not cheap; especially since this was released less than six months after its predecessor.

On my scale:
Overall Enjoyment ----12
Redeeming Qualities---16
Rewatchability---------6
Fun/Special Effects----9
Directing/Quality------8
Plot/Storyline----------6
Pacing-----------------6
Dialogue/Acting-------5
TOTAL---------------68