Godzilla vs. Destroyah

This was the last Godzilla film in the Heisei series, and it certainly topped all the rest. All the stops were pulled out to make this one a fantastic and explosive film that made July 4th a real firecracker.

First, they are trying to develop some new chemical to kill Godzilla and they create some really neat looking creatures that look somewhat like a crab or a lobster with a long neck and a head. I really don't think Godzilla will have any trouble with these things as one spent five minutes trying to get a girl our of a car and couldn't do it before he was destroyed.

But, the creatures apparently form in to one Destroyer and this one kills Baby Godzilla. Godzilla arrives to do battle and what a battle it is. The fireworks were spectacular and the sound track was marvelous.

Add to the mix a space shuttle-like super jet piloted by a cross between Tom Cruise and Will Smith and these babies don't stand a chance. Since this is the end of the series, you know Godzilla will die, but you can be sure that he will likely comeback in some form in the future.

I liked this movie because it had some connection with the original Godzilla movie of '54. I finally learned what happened to Shinkichi and Dr. Kyohei Yamane after the original Godzilla movie. Shinkichi got adopted by Dr. Yamane (!) What a great story line, and Shinkichi's son and daughter carries on the mantle of their father.

I've read some of the comments made by other Godzilla fans for this movie and their complaint is basically what I've been saying about these movies all the time - That Toho has very bad casting. I understand that it's cheaper for them to use their in house actors, but they probably have no aspirations to improve their acting or to be a good actor because they're on salary and don't have to worry about where their pay checks are coming from. More over, they might think that nail that sticks out gets hammered and tries not to stand out. Hence, the movies made have no central focus and plot meanders.

But out of all the '90s Godzilla movies, I thought this one did have better plots and better casting. Special effects was great with Godzilla appearing in places its never been seen like Hong Kong and its body spewing steam due to heat generated from within. It was also good to see Kochi Momoko reprise her role as Emiko Yamane in her last appearance before her demise in 1999 (Now if they had Akira Takarada's character in this movie too it would have been 100% better but...).

The most moving and thrilling of all Godzilla films, with a solid plot, smooth acting, moving music and emotional drama. I enjoyed this movie; the final one in the Godzilla "Heisei" series, in which Godzilla's heart, basically like a nuclear reactor, is on a verge of a meltdown. This will result in the disintegration of the entire city. As a result, this movie is a thrilling race against time to stop Godzilla before he melts down.

This G-film's story is particularly captivating and unique, exciting from start to finish. The film also includes a combination of elements that is iconic to a Godzilla film: scientists, reporters, military, Tokyo, fleeing citizens, city destruction, monster battles and Akira Ifukube's brilliant music score. And, it includes a host of actors that appeared in past Godzilla films, most notably Momoko Kochi reprising her 1954 role as Emiko Yamane. All this is a great homage to have in the final Godzilla film of the Heisei series.

There is one thrilling scene in which I especially liked - the part when Yukari gets trapped in the police car with Destoroyah pursuing her. And, the part when Miki breaks down and cry when Godzilla Junior laid lifeless on the ground almost reduced me to tears - reminding you that this film is Godzilla's final bow. I really despise Destoroyah, after all the damaged he has done. Godzilla should have melted that ugly arachnid. And, I would have made the Ken and Meru characters a little less annoying.

But overall, a terrific, heart-pounding film to close out the second Godzilla series. A must see for all.

Grade A-

Many fans will quote this movie as the best of the best when it comes to Godzilla movies. While I do agree that this indeed a great Godzilla movie, I can't name it as one of the best. I don't see this one succeeding in winning over new fans, as the plotpoint, ending, and even Destoroyah himself are callbacks to the original movie, and therefore fanservice. And that isn't a bad thing, but it keeps this from being the best of best. As far as quality goes, that is greatly lacking. The majority of the film drags at the same slow pace as the other 90s films, and consists mostly of scientists and military characters as protagonists. The reporter character is honestly the most interesting character here, but she isn't given a lot to do past the midway point. But, I've dwelled on the negative long enough. This is in fact a solid movie despite those issues. Epic score by Ifukube. The callbacks to the first movie are done with obvious love and handled perfectly. Godzilla's burning form is absolutely badass, and one must commend them for making his actions far more unpredictable, really selling the idea of the major pain he's suffering from his condition. Destoroyah is a great Kaiju, in appearance, concept, and portrayal. Truly a fearsome and evil creature. The final battle and the emotional ending are also among the most memorable parts of Godzilla's history. Like I said, I really enjoy this movie. I just can't lie and say it's the masterpiece other fans say it is, which that's their opinion so it's fine, and I totally get where they're coming from. But, to me anyway, there are better Godzilla movies out there.

I do highly recommend it to all Godzilla fans. If you're an average fan, or new to the series, maybe explore around the previous films some more before you try this one. You really do want the full effect of the ending, and not having it would lessen the experience for you. At least watch the original and the other Heisei films(1984-1994), if not a chunk of the original series of films too

-- Wes Wall.

So this is the end? No, meanwhile they found a way to revive Godzilla. But 1995, it was supposed to be. In order to close the circle, "Godzilla vs Destoroyah' referred directly to the first Godzilla movie from 1954. The monster Destroyah is a result of the `oxygen destroyer' used back then to fight Godzilla. Toho Studios really managed to tie up the loose strings here, giving us a rather dark action adventure, picking up the environmentally hazardous theme from `Godzilla vs Hedora', but at the same time have Godzilla junior return without becoming as childish as in `Son of Godzilla' 1967. If you see Godzilla glowing red with radioactivity (i.e. throughout the entire movie!), you almost feel the pain. Great flick, shouldn't miss in anyone's monster movie collection.