Gorgo

Yes, Yes, I know...this movie could be viewed as simply a ripoff of Godzilla. But really, the Brits took the concept and did a "Good show, old chap." Unlike most of the 'Zilla movies, it actually has an interesting plot. It's theme has a decidedly "pro environment" message...and the guy in the monster suit doesn't camp it up, but makes the monster seem remarkably real. Now there are some weaknesses...despite a journeyman cast of capable folks, many still turn in one-note performances, as if they're a little embarrassed about being in a monster movie. Also, some of the plot mechanisms are a little creaky. For all that, though, this is a monster movie that's at least a small cut above most. It held my attention as an adult (I'd first seen it as a child and didn't see it again for twenty years), the special effects are mostly quite good, and the ending, despite being hokey, still works! It rarely shows up on tv for some reason...so if you get a chance, rent it (there are copies available in independent shops that specialize in rare movies.)

This film is came out seven years after the debut of the "Big G" and it is quite a surprise. This is a great story, and the ending is definitely a twist on what usually happens in most giant monster films. This film could definitely be seen as a parable on the consequences of greed. This film is definitely a cult classic.

Ocean volcanic eruption brings many deep sea fishes to the surface. Divers researching the ocean finds not only the fishes, but a reptilian monster from the deep. They succeed in capturing the monster, and brings it back to London, but a closer study shows that it's only an infant, and a lot bigger adult is expected to exist somewhere. The adult shows up, to search for its missing offspring, and London is under attack by a 200 ft tall monster.

This might be a British version of Godzilla, but it's the first time a monster is portrayed as a family. The production is very good for a movie of this sorts, and has aged well. It was even more sensational back in the '60s when the movie was made.

It's a classic monster movie that has its place in movie history, and still a good entertainment to watch.

Bill Travers and William Sylvester (the latter having played Heywood Floyd in 2001 and also starring in *UGH* Devil Doll) are a group of fishermen/pirates who scour the ocean floor for gold and such. Well, one day, a volcano erupts while they are searching "some old rustbucket", and the next day, when they are repairing the boat, a prehistoric dinosaur (well, what other age did they come from?) attacks the island and is captured by the crew. Rather than donating it to the Irish government, they do the *cough* right thing and take it to London to sell to a circus for half of the profit to a Mr. Dorkin, one of the most tastelessly dressed men in the business. But then the monster escapes, right? No siree. Another dinosaur appears, except this one is MANY times taller. In other words, Dear old mum checks in to see how our babysitter friends are doing with her kid, and she won't be happy . . .

Despite some rather boring moments, this one, like Phantom Planet or Jack Frost, isn't too bad without the help of MST3K. It helps that the guy who directed The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms is the director. The one thing that bothers me: where's the female character? Maybe it could've been more interesting with a female point of view. But this is a kid's film, and I guess they could care less. But the one kid in this movie, although like Kenny from Gamera in that he likes the monster, is not annoyingly cute; he's much more a dramatic character than a comedy relief. And one more thing that strikes me funny: Joseph O'Connor, who is a veteran of British film, three years later starred in a film called "The Gorgon"!

A retelling of the Godzilla story in a British setting, Gorgo is a lot of fun to watch. As other reviewers have said, two fisherman come across a monster ("Gorgo") off the coast of Ireland and decide to put it on display in London. Trouble begins when Gorgo's mother shows up and wants her child back! The scenes of terrified crowds rushing the streets and attacks by the military are all well filmed (obviously the British military helped out a great deal in producing the movie), and it's neat to see a monster destroy a city besides Tokyo for once. Gorgo is obviously someone in a rubber suit, but the monster itself comes across as totally believable. Takes a while to get moving, but well worth seeing.