The 'Not-So-Critical' Critic: SHIN GODZILLA

The 'Not-So-Critical' Critic: 

on SHIN GODZILLA (2016, 120 minutes, PG-13)

The Quick of It -

Welcome to the new Japanese age of Godzilla productions.  Directors Hideaki Anno (of anime "Evangelion" series) and Shinji Higuchi (of ATTACK ON TITAN: PART 1 and THE FLOATING CASTLE) bring us a revamped but still harkening to the predecessor Godzilla.  Japan faces an unexpected threat as it comes from the seabed of Tokyo Bay.  And yes, it is subtitled.

This is not your Mama’s Godzilla!  Oh wait… it sort is…

Things I cannot comment on since I only had the opportunity to see it once.  The acting.  I was too busy going between the shots and the subtitles, but seemed deserving.  The Japanese traditional etiquette still resounds in the script.  Supporting roles did have their own flavors, so you can get a chance to expect certain reactions and contributions, knowing who those characters are to the film. 

I will not comment on Godzilla him/herself.  They held to the customary creature build, which is fine for us, old schoolers.  The results still felt epic.  I would have liked to see him blink, though.  That did bug the crap out of me.  We are spoiled with technology, so it is in poor taste to say they didn’t use what is available.  This project is meant to be a reflection of the past Godzilla films.

 

This film is shot with a mixed style; parts are filmed similar to a documentary, and then supplemented with found footage segments, which is then used to enhance the final, complete narrative.   The result is very different from the Hollywood norm.  This also makes it a bit dry with the pacing, as they regale you with political maneuvering and policy issues throughout.  The Japanese perspective and political relationships does add an interesting perspective as an American getting to look behind the curtain of Japanese government, and will probably be lost on most audience members.  The action is there in spurts, and you get a few surprises along the way.  I don’t know if there is enough to keep the rest of the world audience happy with this final product.  Only the Japanese will fully appreciate the cinematic experience.

Grade: B-