Giant Monsters

Debate with husband: Me: Did you like it?

Him: Oh yeah.

Me: I really liked it.

Him: But is it really horror? Aren't giant monsters science fiction?

Me: These were all science fiction HORROR films.

Him: I thought horror was gore and slashers.

Me: Then you have a very narrow view of what horror is. Horror blends with all kinds of other genres. Folk horror, comedy horror, action horror.

Him: Oh, yeah.

Me: (can't stop) When the Japanese saw Godzilla in 1954 it sure as hell was a horror movie to them. Godzilla Minus One is a horror movie. These are all supernatural creatures and they kill people. They're metaphors for all the enormous problems we fear. I think they spelled that out.

Him: Yes, you're right, you win, I give up. (Opens beer, drinks in silence.)

So far this series is a lot more upbeat and cheerful than some other Shudder docs. I appreciate that. This time they cover giant monsters from King Kong to the giant bug movies of the '50s, the many versions of Godzilla (scary, then friendly, then scary again, and so on...), plus Tremors (one of my faves!), Cloverfield, The Host (the Korean one directed by the guy who directed Parasite), Nope (gotta have my space shark), and more. I like the little lists they popped into this one -- "Top 5 Giant Monster Fighters" and "Top 5 Japanese Godzillas." As expected much praise is given to Godzilla Minus One, a movie that truly deserves it.