Series Rankings
#1 - Godzilla (1954)
#2 - King Kong vs Godzilla
#3 - Mothra vs Godzilla
#4 - Destroy All Monsters
#5 - Godzilla vs Hedorah
#6 - Godzilla vs the Sea Monster
#4 - Destroy All Monsters
#5 - Godzilla vs Hedorah
#6 - Godzilla vs the Sea Monster
#7 - Godzilla Raids Again
#8 - Godzilla vs Gigan
#9 - Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster
#10 - Invasion of the Astro Monster
#11 - Son of Godzilla
#12 - All Monsters Attack
#9 - Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster
#10 - Invasion of the Astro Monster
#11 - Son of Godzilla
#12 - All Monsters Attack
Spinoff Rankings
#1 - Mothra
#2 - Rodan
#3 - War of the Gargantuas
#4 - Frankenstein Conquers the World
#5 - Atragon
#6 - Space Amoeba
#7 - King Kong Escapes
#8 - Dogora
#9 - The Mysterians
#10 - Varan
#2 - Rodan
#3 - War of the Gargantuas
#4 - Frankenstein Conquers the World
#5 - Atragon
#6 - Space Amoeba
#7 - King Kong Escapes
#8 - Dogora
#9 - The Mysterians
#10 - Varan
Godzilla (1954)
With its powerful commentary on the atomic age, it's probably the only film of the series to truly transcend the "man in a rubber suit" fun and become a genuinely excellent film. Seriously, if you've never seen it, you should give it a go. The burning Tokyo cityscape, hospitals overrun with casualties, and children crying over dead parents while being tested for radiation poisoning all bear striking resemblance to the aftermath of a nuclear bomb. Considering this movie was released less than 10 years after Hiroshima, this imagery becomes even more unsettling through the lense of history. The human plot is another great moral debate about the uses of science to destroy versus aid humanity, and is entertaining in its own right.
Overall, I'd say this film is a true masterpiece. It's certainly darker and more serious than any of the films that followed, and the series would never quite be like this again.
Note: We chose the Japanese original version over the re-cut American one.
Overall, I'd say this film is a true masterpiece. It's certainly darker and more serious than any of the films that followed, and the series would never quite be like this again.
Note: We chose the Japanese original version over the re-cut American one.
Godzilla Raids Again (1955)
A direct sequel to the original, it tries to carry over some of what made the first film great, but with middling results. Granted, imposed blackouts, more mass destruction, and soldiers scrambling for their fighter jets still evokes some memories of the bomb. On the other hand, the human plot never really goes anywhere and has a sillier tone than before, so the film definitely lacks the emotional impact of its predecessor. Where this film really earns it's place in the series, however, is when it introduces Anguirus, another monster with a hatred for Godzilla who's ready for a fight. This monster vs monster format would become a staple of the series going forward, and the fight is surprisingly vicious at points (that ending!), so it's owed at least that.
Overall, this film is a bit of a bridge between the serious tone of the first and the silly, monster brawls that would follow, and while enjoyable enough, doesn't really excel at either.
Note: Again, we chose the Japanese original version over the dubbed American one. Also, for the second straight film we had large slushies while we watched. I'm not sure my body could handle that for 43 more films...
Overall, this film is a bit of a bridge between the serious tone of the first and the silly, monster brawls that would follow, and while enjoyable enough, doesn't really excel at either.
Note: Again, we chose the Japanese original version over the dubbed American one. Also, for the second straight film we had large slushies while we watched. I'm not sure my body could handle that for 43 more films...
Rodan (1956)
The first of our films that connect to the Godzilla series without actually featuring the titular monster, Rodan is a pretty good movie in its own right. There's a fairly interesting murder plot early on, as well as some secondary monsters that add a nice bit of variety. Rodan's scenes are all well done, featuring some aerial chases and a decent amount of destruction. If I had to level a criticism against it, it's the overabundance military/explosion shots towards the end. Seriously, the plot gives way for dozens of similar shots of explosions or vehicles firing rockets. I suppose that's par for the genre, but it seems like this film is guiltier than most. Also of note, is the very tragic ending. It really leaves one wondering who the monsters really are.
Overall, it's an excellent movie that embraces the fun of giant monsters while maintaining just a bit of that serious edge.
Note: As is par for the course, we chose the Japanese original version over the dubbed American one. Tonight's food of choice was donair pizza (which is delicious!).
Overall, it's an excellent movie that embraces the fun of giant monsters while maintaining just a bit of that serious edge.
Note: As is par for the course, we chose the Japanese original version over the dubbed American one. Tonight's food of choice was donair pizza (which is delicious!).
The Mysterians (1957)
Now things are settling firmly into silly territory, with almost no attempt at a serious tone. The Power Rangers... I mean aliens, are here to set up a colony, and all they want are some of our women. Negotiations are understandably complicated and mankind decides war is the only option. Mind you, it makes for an entertaining movie, especially if you allow yourself to laugh at it (which I did many times). It also features one of the least-convincing "pacifist" alien races in cinema, who maintain their disdain for war well into their destructive campaign. The opening monster attack isn't the greatest one you'll ever see, but it provides a nice little dose of kaiju action. The creature does look very much like a man in a cardboard costume, however.
Overall, it's a cheese-fest of a film, but provided you're in the mood, an enjoyable one.
Note: You could debate whether this movie is actually part of the Godzilla franchise. It features a substantial cameo by Moguera, a robot that would appear later on in the series, so I decided to include it.
Overall, it's a cheese-fest of a film, but provided you're in the mood, an enjoyable one.
Note: You could debate whether this movie is actually part of the Godzilla franchise. It features a substantial cameo by Moguera, a robot that would appear later on in the series, so I decided to include it.
Varan (1958)
Also known as "Varan the Unbelievable" in America, I found this film more so average than unbelievable. Another monster that a small group of people believe is a deity is provoked into an attack on mankind, and lots of crazy schemes follow. It's not bad by any means, but it's a fairly standard kaiju film, without any real interesting hook. There's a couple attempts as having a message behind the film, but nothing that carries any weight. Also, we're back in black and white for this film, so in general it feels like a bit of a step back as far as the series is concerned. The main professor this time feels like he really doesn't care about his role, or that he was on a great amount of drugs while filming, so deadpan is his expression the entire film.
Overall, it's a solid film, but probably the least interesting one we've watched so far.
Note: My roommate Allan joined us for this film. I guess he had nothing better to do.
Overall, it's a solid film, but probably the least interesting one we've watched so far.
Note: My roommate Allan joined us for this film. I guess he had nothing better to do.
Mothra (1961)
This is a step back in the right direction. The last of the big Toho monsters to get a solo film before joining up with Godzilla, Mothra freshens things up a bit with a little bit of a magical feeling. There's guardian fairies, musical numbers to summon the monster, and some odd religious symbolism. All-in-all it the kind of shot in the arm the series needed to make things interesting again. Mothra herself is such a classic kaiju that it's great fun seeing her original appearance. The human characters are actually pretty memorable and entertaining this time around as well, which is always a plus. Also, I'm pretty sure the slimy businessman from the fictitious country was supposed to be an American.
Overall, it's a awesome solo outing for a classic monster, and well worth your time.
Note: We replenished on snacks before this one. Chips and soft drinks. Allan stuck around for this one as well. Must have been a really slow day for him.
Overall, it's a awesome solo outing for a classic monster, and well worth your time.
Note: We replenished on snacks before this one. Chips and soft drinks. Allan stuck around for this one as well. Must have been a really slow day for him.
King Kong vs Godzilla (1962)
Godzilla returns to the series, this time doing battle with one of America's greatest beasts, King Kong. The human story is a bit silly, but entertainingly so, including a quasi-redo of some of the original King Kong films' story beats. The titular battle at the end of the film is one of my favorite fights of the Showa series, with the final brawl living up to the silly premise. Don't misunderstand, it's cheesy as heck (Kong can summon lightning powers), but it's fun in a way only these types of movies can be. Godzilla was actually put in this movie as a last minute decision (it was supposed to be Frankenstein). Thanks to that decision, after a seven year hiatus, Godzilla films would flourish under this new "monster vs. monster" mentality.
Overall, it's a great clash of the titans, albeit a silly one, and quite entertaining.
Note: We managed to watch the original Japanese version, which isn't available on Region 1 DVD, and it is far superior to the Americanized version. Also, my poor friend Brad was tricked into watching this with vague promises of "pizza and a movie."
Overall, it's a great clash of the titans, albeit a silly one, and quite entertaining.
Note: We managed to watch the original Japanese version, which isn't available on Region 1 DVD, and it is far superior to the Americanized version. Also, my poor friend Brad was tricked into watching this with vague promises of "pizza and a movie."
Atragon (1963)
The undersea kingdom of Mu is trying to rake back the earth, and mankind's only hope is Atragon, a flying/tunneling/diving wonder vehicle. If that description delighted you, then you'll likely enjoy this movie. It's a bit light on the kaiju action (the dragon Manda has probably five minutes of screen time total), but there's enough going on to keep you entertained. The tone is fairly light, although it does have some things to say about the nature of patriotism. The titular machine is a ridiculous, yet, splendid creation, and certainly elevates any scene that it features in. It really is a silly film, but one that is enjoyable in spite of (or perhaps because of) this, and it's not a chore to watch through by any means.
Overall, it's a thoroughly enjoyable sci-fi flick, even if there isn't much in the way of monster mayhem.
Note: Another spinoff that's somewhat loosely connected to the franchise. For sustenance, we plundered the leftover pizza from King Kong vs Godzilla.
Overall, it's a thoroughly enjoyable sci-fi flick, even if there isn't much in the way of monster mayhem.
Note: Another spinoff that's somewhat loosely connected to the franchise. For sustenance, we plundered the leftover pizza from King Kong vs Godzilla.
Mothra vs Godzilla (1964)
The first crossover of two Toho owned monsters, it retains many of the qualities of Mothras solo outing, with the fairies, Infant Island, and mystical songs all making a return. The fights aren't quite of the calibre of the King Kong duel, but they have their own unique qualities due to Mothras flying and webbing abilities. The human story is decent, with our heroes trying to stop another group of greedy businessmen from exploiting everything they come across. Nothing revolutionary, but solidly entertaining. By this point in the series, people have just kind of accepted Godzilla as a part of life, like a hurricane or tornado. He still inspires fear, but he's not the harbinger of the apocalypse he once was.
Overall, it's a solid entry in the series, with a fairly standard but enjoyable plot.
Note: As always, we opted for the Japanese version with subtitles.
Overall, it's a solid entry in the series, with a fairly standard but enjoyable plot.
Note: As always, we opted for the Japanese version with subtitles.
Dogora (1964)
Basically, this is a cops and gangsters flick with mutant space amoebas thrown into the mix. The creatures feed on carbon, especially diamonds, which leads them to cross paths with some professional jewel thieves. Personally, I enjoyed it, and it was a nice diversion from the standard Godzilla formula that's been established. The monsters are very different than anything the series has had thus far, with their strange, vacuum-like attacks making for some striking imagery. Rare for the series so far, it stars an American actor in a primary role, a shifty, morally ambiguous "diamond dealer" that keeps you guessing. Add to that some of the least successful gunfights in the history of cinema, and you have yourself a good evening.
Overall, it's a fun film, and a bit of a refreshing change of pace for the series.
Note: This is probably the most tenuously connected film we've included in our Godzilla journey. The monsters from here appeared in one episode of a spin-off show, so it's not exactly a Godzilla film. Still, it's a good time. Also, hard root beer is delicious.
Overall, it's a fun film, and a bit of a refreshing change of pace for the series.
Note: This is probably the most tenuously connected film we've included in our Godzilla journey. The monsters from here appeared in one episode of a spin-off show, so it's not exactly a Godzilla film. Still, it's a good time. Also, hard root beer is delicious.
Ghidorah the Three-Headed Monster (1964)
We're starting to move into more and more kid-targeted entertainment with this one. At one point the monsters have a full conversation with each other (translated by fairies), and Godzilla refers to mankind as "bullies." That being said, this is the first time King Ghidorah shows up, and he is quite the creature. This three-headed golden dragon would become one of Godzilla's greatest nemesis, and it all started here. The three monster tag team of Godzilla, Mothra and Rodan fighting against him is a lot of fun, and a great ending to the film. The human plot is also decently engaging, with police, scientists, reporters, and an alien (of sorts) all coming together to discover what's really going on behind the scenes.
Overall, if you can overlook the silly parts, it's a solid film, and the debut of a great villain.
Note: Japanese version. I believe Taylor is beginning to get burnt out by this point. I remain impervious to the increasing amounts of cheesiness.
Overall, if you can overlook the silly parts, it's a solid film, and the debut of a great villain.
Note: Japanese version. I believe Taylor is beginning to get burnt out by this point. I remain impervious to the increasing amounts of cheesiness.
Frankenstein Conquers the World (1965)
This one was actually quite a bit darker than I anticipated (especially with a title like that). It starts in Nazi Germany, moves through the bombing of Hiroshima and into the tale a small feral child who would become Frankenstein. In case you're wondering, this film is a very different take on the mythos, and shares very little with its namesake. That being said, it a heck of a lot of fun. The fact that one of the monsters (there is more than one) is a man unencumbered by a suit makes for some fairly lively and nimble fighting maneuvers. The ending to this film (at least in the Japanese version) was laughably ridiculous and completely out of left field, and none of the human characters seem phased by this in the least.
Overall, I enjoyed it quite a bit, even if it takes a complete left turn right at the end.
Note: Allan came home just in time to see the ending. I'm sure he was more confused than any of us about what was going on.
Overall, I enjoyed it quite a bit, even if it takes a complete left turn right at the end.
Note: Allan came home just in time to see the ending. I'm sure he was more confused than any of us about what was going on.
Invasion of the Astro Monster (1965)
Also known as "the one where Godzilla dances in space," the series begins to get even more cartoon-ish. Once again, aliens are encountered (wearing spandex and sunglasses of course), and feign friendliness to capture earth's monsters and take mankind by force. This actually has one of the more tragic deaths I've seen so far, even for such a silly movie.
Overall, it's not a terrible movie, but the series is starting to wane a little bit.
Note:
Overall, it's not a terrible movie, but the series is starting to wane a little bit.
Note:
Godzilla vs the Sea Monster (1966)
Now we're firmly in "Saturday morning cartoon" territory when it comes to the plot, with an evil organization on a secluded island becoming the focus of the film. It also opens with a dancing competition, so you're warned early that this isn't going to be a serious film. Luckily, however, this turned out to be the fun kind of silly, not the eye-rolling kind. One of my favorite elements is the menacing surf-guitar that often accompanies Ebirah (the aforementioned sea monster). The battle between him and Godzilla gets a bit silly at times, but it's neat to see a fight take place in and under the water.
Overall, it's a fun film, even if it contains none of the seriousness of the original.
Note: Actor Akihiko Hirata (Dr. Serizawa from the first film) is in this one, and, much to our delight, is once again sporting an eye-patch. It's become a bit of a game to spot the various actors that repeatedly appear in these films. Also we finally had sushi while watching one of these movies.
Overall, it's a fun film, even if it contains none of the seriousness of the original.
Note: Actor Akihiko Hirata (Dr. Serizawa from the first film) is in this one, and, much to our delight, is once again sporting an eye-patch. It's become a bit of a game to spot the various actors that repeatedly appear in these films. Also we finally had sushi while watching one of these movies.
War of the Gargantuas (1965)
A pseudo-sequel to "Frankenstein Conquers the World," this one manages something that few of these films manage: emotional stakes in the monster fight. While actors in rubber costumes knocking over small buildings is always a delight, few would mistake it for dramatic film at its best. This time however, the two monsters are brothers, and the path they take that leads to their clash is actual somewhat compelling. The human story is slightly less compelling (and a touch confusing), but really, who comes into these movies relying on a masterful story? If you want to see two giant monsters clash with a little bit a tragedy thrown in, this one is worth the price of admission.
Overall, the monsters take center stage in this one, and it makes for one heck of a fight.
Note: I was fighting sleepiness pretty hard this movie, but the second half really woke me up, so I suppose that's an endorsement in itself.
Overall, the monsters take center stage in this one, and it makes for one heck of a fight.
Note: I was fighting sleepiness pretty hard this movie, but the second half really woke me up, so I suppose that's an endorsement in itself.
Son of Godzilla (1965)
Oh boy, here we go. Now don't get me wrong, there are redeeming elements to Son of Godzilla, but there's also extremely childish elements that are pretty painful to watch. Godzilla takes a small monster, Minilla, under his care after saving him from a group of giant praying mantises. Minilla then proceeds to cry, throw tantrums, and make noises that sound like a donkey while Godzilla tries to offer him some fatherly wisdom. That's about as fun to watch as it sounds. On the bright side, the "Saturday morning cartoon" vibe of the series continues, with weather machines and giant insects galore. If you took the scenes of Godzilla and Minilla "bonding" out, it'd be a pretty solid entry in the series.
Overall, it has some strengths, but the introduction of Minilla is really going to test most peoples patience to the limit.
Note: We all agreed that the bug monsters were cool. We also all agreed that the so-called Son of Godzilla looks exactly like a poop with eyes when he's first born.
Overall, it has some strengths, but the introduction of Minilla is really going to test most peoples patience to the limit.
Note: We all agreed that the bug monsters were cool. We also all agreed that the so-called Son of Godzilla looks exactly like a poop with eyes when he's first born.
King Kong Escapes (1965)
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Overall,
Note: For the first time in our binge, we had to watch a movie with an English dub. Mildly disappointing, but I expected that to happen at some point in our journey.
Overall,
Note: For the first time in our binge, we had to watch a movie with an English dub. Mildly disappointing, but I expected that to happen at some point in our journey.
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