Godzilla (2014) - - - - Part 13

[Donut]

It will be interesting to see how the next one ends up. The majority has spoken & hate how this movie was done in terms with Godzilla

 

[Wildcard]

It will be interesting to see how the next one ends up. The majority has spoken & hate how this movie was done in terms with Godzilla

The majority? Oh, I wasn't aware that you've chatted with every single person on the planet who has seen the movie.

 

[Donut]

The Box Office drops speak for themselves & e veryone I know that has seen it all say the same thing about this movie & people are saying the same things else where

 

[Kirmit]

The only thing I didn't like was the lack of the title character in the film, when he was there though it was brilliant.

 

[Arach Knight]

So just as a general question to Godzilla fans with a lot more exposure, one of the criticisms I've seen some people voice is that Godzilla 2014 isn't a "real" Godzilla movie, what exactly would somebody mean by that?

I have mulled over this post for thirty minutes, but after finding concise statements that can capture what I wish to convey, I have decided to heavily truncate my post. So here are the important elements.

EX 1) "But the beast evolved: During the US-Soviet space race in the '60s, a star-gazing Godzilla mixed it up with King Ghidra, a three-headed space dragon. He even took the Japanese side occasionally, fighting off giant lobsters or arachnids that could harm civilians. By the '70s, as Tokyo was industrializing and confronting dense pollution, Godzilla got the better of Hedora, The Smog Monster – a shape-shifting blob of mercury and cadmium."

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia...illa-fuses-American-and-Japanese-beasts-video

EX 2) "Over time, Godzilla's symbolic role began to change, representing different perspectives of Japan's relationship with the US. Increased acceptance of the US as Japan's friend and ally, coupled with an increasing identification of Godzilla as a Japanese symbol would ultimately lead to a role reversal for the kaiju. In Ghidrah, the Three-Headed Monster (Sandai Kaiju: Chikyu Saidai No Kess 1964) a new threat arises: China, which had recently exploded its first atomic bomb, thus entering the ranks of the superpowers. The view of Japan depicted in Ghidrah is that of a tiny nation surrounded by large, dangerous ones.

Again, Mothra represents the resources of the Pacific used in Japan's defense. Mothra will help Japan immediately upon request although such help is no longer sufficient by itself. Japan's infant military status vis a vis the nuclear powers is emphasized by the depiction of Mothra throughout the film in the larval stage. Godzilla continues to represent the US, while Rodan assumes the role of the USSR. Japan's image of these two are a bleak one. Godzilla and Rodan are interested only in fighting each other, unconcerned about any collateral damage suffered by Japan; after all, they say they have "had trouble" with Japan in the past.

Even the threat of a resurgent Ghidrah/China does not rouse them to action. Only when they are shamed/inspired by Mothra's hopeless, kamikaze-style attack against Ghidorah do Godzilla and Rodan stop fighting each other to help fight Ghidorah. Ghidorah's large size and power represents the Japanese fear of the size and proximity of a nuclear-armed China, a threat more deadly than that of the US."

http://www.historyvortex.org/GodzillaSymbolism.html

EX 3) Let's take a look at 1991's Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah.

In that film, time travelers (The Futurians) from Europe/America travel to the past to convince the Japanese to help them get rid of Godzilla by removing him from Lagos Island, where he is created, before he is imbued by radiation from an atomic bomb. The Futurians claim that unless Godzilla is stopped, he will create a terrible future in which the entire world is on the brink of destruction.

This turns out to be a ploy on the part of the Futurians, as the reality is that Japan turns into the sole super power of their time. Japan becomes so wealthy and technologically advanced, that they are unmatched by any other country or region. In a sense, Japan economically rules the future. The Futurians, being non-Japanese, wish to prevent this from ever happening.

The Futurians wish to get rid of Godzilla so that they may unleash a monster (King Ghidorah) that is under their control. The plan partially backfires thanks to some subterfuge from one of their own team mates (a Japanese woman, and the only non-White Futurian) who eventually felt guilty about the plot she was helping them carry out. She assists the current day Japanese people with recreating Godzilla by dropping an atomic bomb on the time displaced Godzillasauraus that the Futurians brought to the present day.

The newly recreated Godzilla kills King Ghidorah, but Japan is no more safe. Godzilla goes on his own rampage and the Japanese still have to stop Godzilla and prevent the Futurians' plot from succeeding. In the end, the Japanese woman from the future turns the corpse of King Ghidorah into a mecha, which she pilots to thwart Godzilla's rampage.


----

Godzilla isn't a hero character. Gareth Edwards wanted to make Godzilla the anti-hero, and even that type of characterization fails to depict the character accurately. Godzilla is neither hero or anti-hero. Godzilla is thematically tied to Japan's zeitgeist. Godzilla can't just be a huge monster out to destroy things, or a "force of nature" seeking to "bring balance". Godzilla is an expression of very specific, Japanese fears. And as those fears shift over time, so doe the things that Godzilla represents. Reducing Godzilla to the role of "bringer of balance" just proves how Gareth Edwards fails to understand even a modicum of the characterization of Godzilla.

 

[Sithborg]

Godzilla isn't a hero character. Gareth Edwards wanted to make Godzilla the anti-hero, and even that type of characterization fails to depict the character accurately. Godzilla is neither hero or anti-hero. Godzilla is thematically tied to Japan's zeitgeist. Godzilla can't just be a huge monster out to destroy things, or a "force of nature" seeking to "bring balance". Godzilla is an expression of very specific, Japanese fears. And as those fears shift over time, so doe the things that Godzilla represents. Reducing Godzilla to the role of "bringer of balance" just proves how Gareth Edwards fails to understand even a modicum of the characterization of Godzilla.

Godzilla is and has been many different things. The 2014 version is the modern update on the hero Godzilla as seen in the 60s and 70s. Godzilla has been a hero, anti-hero, disaster, to down right villain. It's okay to have a preference. But Godzilla's 60 year history has had many different depictions. To say one is the "true" way to depict Godzilla is just wrong.

 

[Dispatch Ninja]

Actually from what I've seen the majority are quite pleased with it, it's just that the ones who dislike/hate it are much more vocal about it.

 

[Sithborg]

Actually from what I've seen the majority are quite pleased with it, it's just that the ones who dislike/hate it are much more vocal about it.

No, I think there is a truly mixed reaction to it. The criticisms are pretty valid. And as much as I love the movie, there is not big reason for repeat viewings, even if you liked the movie. I love the movie, but I'm not blind to the problems.

 

[GremlinZilla89]

It will be interesting to see how the next one ends up. The majority has spoken & hate how this movie was done in terms with Godzilla

No. This is patently false.

 

[GremlinZilla89]

No, I think there is a truly mixed reaction to it. The criticisms are pretty valid. And as much as I love the movie, there is not big reason for repeat viewings, even if you liked the movie. I love the movie, but I'm not blind to the problems.

It's not truly mixed. The majority of people liked it. It's just not universally praised like Cap 2 or DOFP has been. Critics view it favorably over-all, as well as audiences. It is very much a vocal minority. A strong dissenting opinion does not equal "truly mixed".

A 'truly mixed" film would be something like TASM2, Prometheus, MOS....films that seem to LITERALLY split people down the middle. The reception of Godzilla isn't perfect, or amazing...but it is overall strong.

 

[Dispatch Ninja]

No, I think there is a truly mixed reaction to it. The criticisms are pretty valid. And as much as I love the movie, there is not big reason for repeat viewings, even if you liked the movie. I love the movie, but I'm not blind to the problems.

Man of steel is mixed. This is viewed generally favorable both from user and critic reviews. Go to any site and I guarantee the poll ratio will favor heavily between 3s to 5s (good to great).

 

[Donut]

It's not truly mixed. The majority of people liked it. It's just not universally praised like Cap 2 or DOFP has been. Critics view it favorably over-all, as well as audiences. It is very much a vocal minority. A strong dissenting opinion does not equal "truly mixed".

A 'truly mixed" film would be something like TASM2, Prometheus, MOS....films that seem to LITERALLY split people down the middle. The reception of Godzilla isn't perfect, or amazing...but it is overall strong.

Thats like me going by Rotten Tomatoes & saying the more people liked Man Of Steel then Godzilla based on the Audience numbers numbers. The Box Office drops dont lie about WOM for this one

 

[GremlinZilla89]

Thats like me going by Rotten Tomatoes & saying the Audience liked Man Of Steel more then Godzilla based on those numbers. The Box Office drops dont lie about WOM for this one

That drop isn't indicative of the film being overall poorly received. It's second weak haul wasn't icredible, but is was decently strong. The drop wasn't much steeper than most everything else this summer. Cap 2 had a 56% percent drop in it's second week as well, which isn't all that much different than what Godzilla dropped.

For a film that isn't part of a huge franchise (Godzilla's cult following doesn't count) or a sequel it's pulling in decent numbers. Acting like it's otherwise is absurd.

 

[Dispatch Ninja]

That drop isn't indicative of the film being overall poorly received. It's second weak haul wasn't icredible, but is was decently strong. The drop wasn't much steeper than most everything else this summer. Cap 2 had a 56% percent drop in it's second week as well, which isn't all that much different than what Godzilla dropped.

For a film that isn't part of a huge franchise (Godzilla's cult following doesn't count) or a sequel it's pulling in decent numbers. Acting like it's otherwise is absurd.

Plus it had freaking x-men to compete with.

 

[Wildcard]

The Box Office drops speak for themselves & e veryone I know that has seen it all say the same thing about this movie & people are saying the same things else where

Okay, but your friends & a few websites don't account for EVERYONE. It's a generalization you're making, not a fact. It'd be the same if I said everybody loves the movie...I haven't spoken to every person in the world who's seen it nor have I visited every website & things of that nature.

It's your opinion, just like it's simply my opinion that the movie is awesome. But don't go trying to speak for everybody else because YOU view it that way.

And I'm quite sure that drop wouldn't have been nearly as large if X-Men hadn't been released. Obviously X-Men, something that's a bit more relevant & a lot more anticipated, is gonna take a big chunk of its audience. But considering it still made $38 million, I'd say it's doing fine.

The drop is nowhere near big enough for them to go "okay, maybe we shouldn't do a sequel." The movie is a success, & it's making good money. You're acting as if it had some record drop & it's doing abysmal, which it's not. To ignore the fact that it's doing great business is nothing short of crazy.

Saying Godzilla is failing at the box office is just as moot as saying TASM 2 is succeeding. Neither are true statements if you seriously analyze the numbers.

 

[Deserana]

Finally saw the movie today. I loved it! Like with Man of Steel and a few other films recently I just do not understand the completely over the top negative reactions from some. It wasn't perfect Godzilla's screentime could have been a little more but on the other hand it didn't feel like too little. Watanabe also was a little too OTT for the serious tone especially when he first says the name "Godzilla". The film could also have been a little more fun in places obviously it is going for seriousness but when you have this box of toys they should just have fun at times and luckily they did (Godzilla's tail smash and final MUTO takedown (HOLY HELL!).

As for Taylor-Johnson he definitely felt a little stiff but as he was playing a military guy who seems to hold himself well I can see he'd be a little emotionally distant. He certainly wasn't the godawful pile of s**t people are making out. If the character was meant to be a regular charming guy I'd say he was pretty bland but army guys are normally portrayed as emotionless in films we know Johnson can be more upbeat and happy in the Kick Ass films so he was obviously directed like it.

However, Edwards style made this just a wonderful movie to look at. Just the scale of the monster fight and the beasts in general. Godzilla and the MUTO's felt HUGE. Plus just the cinematography was wonderful to look at. Some imagery will stay with me for a while for example when Ford is on the boat at the end and there is one shot when everything is quiet and you see the MUTO in a spideresque stance looking at him. That shot was frightening. Edwards is a fine filmmaker and one to watch. The build up approach was logcial and personally for me, paid off. The second film would be different as we've seen him in his glory you cant hide him for another two hours.

But yeah really baffled by such mixed reviews.

 

[GremlinZilla89]

Okay, but your friends & a few websites don't account for EVERYONE. It's a generalization you're making, not a fact. It'd be the same if I said everybody loves the movie...I haven't spoken to every person in the world who's seen it nor have I visited every website & things of that nature.

It's your opinion, just like it's simply my opinion that the movie is awesome. But don't go trying to speak for everybody else because YOU view it that way.

And I'm quite sure that drop wouldn't have been nearly as large if X-Men hadn't been released. Obviously X-Men, something that's a bit more relevant & a lot more anticipated, is gonna take a big chunk of its audience. But considering it still made $38 million, I'd say it's doing fine.

The drop is nowhere near big enough for them to go "okay, maybe we shouldn't do a sequel." The movie is a success, & it's making good money. You're acting as if it had some record drop & it's doing abysmal, which it's not. To ignore the fact that it's doing great business is nothing short of crazy.

Saying Godzilla is failing at the box office is just as moot as saying TASM 2 is succeeding. Neither are true statements if you seriously analyze the numbers.

 

[StevenSeagal]

I dunno what i think of this film. Saw it today and thought it was great, the human characters were meh, Cranston was good but i hoped his fate would have been better [spoiler QUOTE] I also was hoping he got to see the muto get beaten down[ end spoiler/QUOTE]. Atj was alright, thought i'd hate him but he wasn't horrible just bland.

The monsters though looked fantastic, the scale is as good as i'd hoped it would be, the cutting away did annoy me at first but i understood why they did it. The sound of the roars were insane, felt like he was really there. And the fight scene at the end delivered ten fold.

What worries me now though is, how great will this be on Dvd/Blueray. Cause what made this so great was I-max, the size of the monsters on that huge screen was great, and the roar was incredible because of i-max sound. It makes me wonder if the scale and sound will be anywhere near that on a simple telly or a beamer. It saddens me i won't be able to see this in i-max again cause it's an experience.


also would it be wrong to grab someone's phone and throw it far far away if they're using it during film?

 

[Breaker]

No, I think there is a truly mixed reaction to it. The criticisms are pretty valid. And as much as I love the movie, there is not big reason for repeat viewings, even if you liked the movie. I love the movie, but I'm not blind to the problems.

It's Godzilla and also about supporting his outing, usually for fans that's big enough reason for repeated viewings. Seeing multiple viewings it's for Godzilla, the film itself(By those how enjoyed it or loved it), and grounding his success and his future. Especially when this is the first american take to respect the source material and by someone who loves the franchise. Although most of the time, you don't need a reason, to go back and see a movie over and over again. If you love it and want to see it again because you enjoy the film, then that's all that matters.

I am aware of the flaws it is has, but I'm still going to theaters to enjoy it more and more. Saw it at IMAX, never looking at my old theater the same ever again xD

 

[UltraSuperGuy]

I know full well this isn't a horror movie, but if you think that building up tension and what not can only be reserved for horror films, then I'm not sure what can be said to rebuttal that.

Gareth & co. did something right by not putting Godzilla into every single frame. To each his own but the movie would've gained nothing by hammering in more and more and more scenes for Godzilla.

It was a conscious decision, one that I believe worked.

But, some people only go to movies for special effects so I guess I understand the sentiment.

Well, I don't go to movies for special effects, but when I go to a movie called Godzilla, I want to see a fair share of him in it. If Godzilla was in it as much as the MUTO's were then I'm sure I would have been satisfied with his screen time. The script for the movie would also have to be significantly better than it was, as it was crap on a stick.

 

[GoblinWhirlwind]

If they hadn't immediately cut away from the first two fights I would've enjoyed it much more. They kept building Godzilla up and delivered on nothing until the last half hour. I'd love to see the final battle again but I really have no desire to sit through the first hour and a half each time in the theater. The tone of the movie to me was "yada yada yada HERE'S GODZILLA."

 

[Hypestyle]

I wonder will there be an extended cut DVD? Hmm..

 

[Wildcard]

Well, I don't go to movies for special effects, but when I go to a movie called Godzilla, I want to see a fair share of him in it. If Godzilla was in it as much as the MUTO's were then I'm sure I would have been satisfied with his screen time. The script for the movie would also have to be significantly better than it was, as it was crap on a stick.

Well, to each their own. We'll have to agree to disagree there as I feel the opposite towards just about everything you've said.

And there could be an extended cut...I recall Gareth saying there were some scenes that got cut out in a couple of interviews.

 

[hitmanyr2k]

That drop isn't indicative of the film being overall poorly received. It's second weak haul wasn't icredible, but is was decently strong. The drop wasn't much steeper than most everything else this summer. Cap 2 had a 56% percent drop in it's second week as well, which isn't all that much different than what Godzilla dropped.

For a film that isn't part of a huge franchise (Godzilla's cult following doesn't count) or a sequel it's pulling in decent numbers. Acting like it's otherwise is absurd.

Cap's 2nd weekend didn't have a holiday boost. Godzilla's 66% drop looks bad because it happened on a holiday weekend. On a normal weekend Godzilla is most likely looking at a drop of over 70% which suggests WOM is weak.

 

[Wildcard]

Cap's second weekend also didn't have to contend with another movie opening that was more anticipated than it was, something a lot of people are leaving out of the equation.