Godzilla (2014) Movie Review
Synopsis:
A naval bomb expert, Ford Brody (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), meets with his estranged father, Joe (Bryan Cranston), in Japan. Joe and Ford get involved in a crisis when the ancient alpha predator Godzilla emerges. With Godzilla hunting other monsters, humanity’s fate lies in the balance.
Review:
Ever since his debut in 1954, Godzilla has become one of the most recognizable movie monsters of all time.
In 2014, director Gareth Edwards decided to debut his version of Godzilla on the big screen. With Godzilla (2014), Gareth Edwards showcases his directorial skills.
Take the sheer size and scale of Godzilla, as well as the other monsters in the film, as examples.
Godzilla’s appearance in this film is minimal. Whenever he is present, viewers will notice.
Each shot on display conveys his power. This is also present during the action sequences.
As with Godzilla himself, this film’s action is minimal. Despite this, it is well-shot and impactful.
Take Godzilla’s brief encounters with the MUTOs as an example. Every hit and building destroyed has a significant impact.
Also, Godzilla’s first use of his atomic breath is a highlight. This scene is also accompanied by imaginative sound design and great visuals.
Alexandre Desplat’s score also complements the action well. With varied instruments, Alexandre conveys pure power.
This is on display during the film’s opening credits. Alexandre builds audience excitement in the process.
As a whole, Alexandre’s score is intense at times, providing the right amount of intensity.
Despite the impactful action, there are times when it can be difficult to comprehend. This is due to how many of them are in dark environments shrouded in smoke.
This helps convey the atmosphere well. Despite this, having the action set in brighter environments would have been a welcome change.
Godzilla’s action, score, and visuals are the highlights. Its characters, though, are not as memorable.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Ford Brody is a capable enough actor. Despite this, he has little development.
His wife, Elle Brody (Elizabeth Olsen), is similar in that respect. Despite Olsen’s decent performance, she is not defined beyond being Ford’s wife.
Bryan Cranston portrays Ford’s father, Joe, and is the film’s most competent actor. For fans who have watched Breaking Bad, this should not be a surprise.
Despite being the film’s most competent performer, he gets little screen time. This is because his character, Joe, dies in the film’s first half.
After Joe’s death, the film’s plot suffers from slower pacing. This happens when certain characters give exposition, impacting the pacing as a result.
A character that does this often is Ken Watanabe’s Dr Ishiro Serizawa. Beyond informing audiences about Godzilla, Watanabe’s character growth is not major.
Regardless, audiences may appreciate the actor’s onscreen presence. He even utters one of the film’s most quotable lines, “Let them fight.”
Conclusion:
As a whole, Godzilla’s action, visuals, and soundtrack will please most audiences.
This is despite some underdeveloped characters and moments of exposition.
Also, some of the film’s action sequences are difficult to comprehend at times.
Despite these flaws, Godzilla fans should still appreciate what the film has to offer.
Sam’s Action Reaction score:
Characters - 6/10
Story - 6/10
Action - 7.5/10
CGI and visuals - 8/10
Soundtrack - 7.5/10
Overall score: 7 out of 10
