KnightLander

I've loved Godzilla for as long as I can remember, but "Godzilla vs. Hedorah" (or "Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster", the original U.S. release title) has always been my least favorite - until the last time I saw it.

The 70's produced the worst of the Godzilla flicks - a series of dark, hokey, and dull films which ultimately caused the end of the Godzilla film line (until the beginning of a new series in 1984). Executive producer Tomoyuki Tanaka was in the hospital for much of the time while the film was being made, so he didn't see the different direction which "Godzilla vs. Hedorah" took. For the first time since 1964, the film had a strong social message: stop the pollution! A series of grim, grungy images show the pollution which is seeping into the air and the sea. From it rises Hedorah, the smog monster, intent on gobbling down the world's smog and pollution whilst killing off Earth's people. Bullets go through it, knives do nothing to it. Who will stop this "demon of drudge"? Why, Godzilla, of course! Yoshimitsu Banno pointed the series in a different direction (which enraged producer Tanaka upon his release from the hospital), inserting funky tunes, a scene in a revolting dance club, and entirely unnecessary animations. Then there's the creepy-looking Hedorah, which actually becomes quite scary when you see it's glowing eyes in the dark gray night sky, while the eerie bass guitar plays quietly amongst the soundtrack's instruments. This is certainly the weirdest, creepiest Godzilla flick of 'em all.

A sequel to this film was planned, hence the "And yet another one?" title at the end of the film. In it, Godzilla would travel to Africa and battle another smog monster. But the project was shelved when Tomoyuki Tanaka banned director Banno from ever coming near a Godzilla film again, claiming that Banno had ruined the series. I can't really say that I'm sorry for that decision.

"Godzilla vs. Hedorah" is one of the most unique of the Godzilla films, and because of that, it's one of my favorites. It's a weird, creepy film, that becomes much more fun (and funny) when you watch it with the terrible English dubbing.

The 'Millennium' series, the third Godzilla film series, began in 1999 with "Godzilla 2000: Millennium". It was followed by this film - "Godzilla vs. Megaguirus". The premise involves a seemingly crazy idea: launch a black hole on to Godzilla, absorbing and containing him so he can't stomp on Japan anymore. The idea turns out to be not so crazy after all, and so a test firing is done. Unfortunately, while the test seems successful, it creates a wormhole, mutating a dragonfly and creating a horde of vicious, large dragonflies.

"Godzilla 2000", while fun, was not a spectacular movie. "Megaguirus" is a considerable improvement. Although it has its share of hokey moments (not the least of which is Godzilla leaping four-hundred feet into the air), it features an interesting storyline and a good script, not to mention a terrific score (by Michiru Oshima). The highlight of the film is the opening sequence, in which the story of the original 1954 Godzilla film is re-created using the new suit.

While "Godzilla vs. Megaguirus" can't compare to some later entries in the 'Millennium' series - namely "Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah" - it's a fine Godzilla movie that should please fans. Be sure to stick around after the credits ...

Not surprisingly, "The Dukes of Hazzard" bears little resemblance to the classic TV series on which it's based. Sean William Scott and Johnny Knoxville play cousins Bo and Luke Duke, who lose their brains from the TV show and become crazy young-'uns with raging hormones. The plot of this film involves Bo and Luke out to stop Boss Hogg (Burt Reynolds) from strip-mining Hazzard. Also, Bo wants to win the Hazzard Racing Tournament for the 4th year, but faces tough competition from Billy Prickett (James Roday).

Let me start off by saying that fans of the TV show will no doubt be disappointed. The characters in this film bear little resemblance to those of the series. In the last few years, many TV shows have been remade as movies (namely "Charlie's Angels" and "Starsky & Hutch"), and while these remakes may have been entertaining, there's little resemblance to the series that they are based on. The key to enjoying these films is to separate them from the TV series. I did that for "Dukes of Hazzard", and I had a great time.

The film has a great cast. Scott is very funny as Bo Duke. Michael Weston makes a very likable Enos. Burt Reynolds is enjoyable as Boss Hogg. Jessica Simpson is actually pretty good as Daisy Duke. Then we have the great Willie Nelson as Uncle Jessie, who is very funny in many of his scenes. Lynda Carter has a small part as a friend of the Duke family.

The script isn't top-notch, but who'd expect it to be? For that matter, who'd WANT it to be? This film can be summed up in three words: simple, silly fun. The script is fun. The cast is funny. There's a great soundtrack, including the classic "Good Ol' Boys" theme. And there's the General Lee.

If you're looking for a bright film, this would probably not be a wise choice. But if you're looking for a simple, fun film, this might be a good choice.