Destroyah-x
MemberMothra LarvaeJul-25-2014 11:01 AMWell, well, what do we have here? The first wave of Godzilla reviews are in on the 1st day of the King's debut in Japan. Taken from Yahoo Japan's movie site, whats the verdict so far?
An average score of 3.52 out of 5 stars *(Do note that these are the first batch of reviews, and the score is expected to change in the days to come)
Through such reviews, I usually pick out key words mentioned that are most commonly associated with the movie. In the case of China and the rest of Asia, Godzilla 2014 has been largely associated in social media along with thousands of reviews highlighting the word '#Ultraman'. In Japanese reviews, the new Godzilla is currently associated with the words "#Heisei Gamera".
Below are some notable reviewers' comments translated from Japanese:
Positive reviews (Between 3-5 stars)
1. " This time, the new Godzilla is the perfect Godzilla. Unlike Roland Emmerich's version which isn't a genuine Godzilla. The design of this Godzilla is stocky and original. It depicts a Godzilla that I've always loved since childhood and I am impressed! "
2. " As a child, I've always found Godzilla superbly irresistable, and even so now as an older person. I am addicted to monster movies and I found Pacific Rim to be good, but this is a Godzilla movie exactly. It pays respect to the original and is a great production. The presence of enemy monsters follows the Heisei VS series. Hollywood has revived a superb character that Japan gave birth to."
3. " My review is divided into two extremes. The fondness for the movie monster Godzilla is unquestionably strong from people who watch it. Cheers and applause erupted during the movie when Godzilla made his first appearance and roar. In my opinion, the movie is a symbol of harmony and destruction, and through its works we could call Godzilla somewhat a dark hero. While others who are expecting a giant iguana to jump about and stomp the city would think otherwise. "
4. " Caught the premiere. While my colleagues fell asleep during the movie (laughs), I would still give a 3.7 score for this movie. It does remind me of a Gamera movie, and while it had a B-grade plot, the movie drifted well thanks to its great CGI and impressive cast. The villains (The MUTOs) in particular, are similar to Legion and Gyaos of Heisei Gamera. This movie has a closeness more to Heisei Gamera than Godzilla. The fighting scenes in Hawaii and San Francisco are heavenly."
5. " First, I would like to say this movie is a faithful reproduction of Godzilla of Japan. I've been waiting for this kind of Godzilla from Hollywood. Godzilla's movement gives a sense of weight, physique macho (which is a little thick, but well), more than any other versions of Godzilla thanks to the state-of-the-art technology of Hollywood. Also, you will not be able to forget some parts with an emphasis also on family love. Actors who have gave us a good taste of the part there. But most impressive of all was a depiction of Godzilla to say somehow, an ally of the human race."
6. " This new Godzilla is good, terribly good! The design of Godzilla is great and follows the original Godzilla of Japan. However, there are some changes in Godzilla this time. First, Godzilla is not set up as a monster born from the effects of nuclear testing. It is now an ancient creature that has the ability to absorb radiation and has emerged in order to keep the balance of nature. And that enemy monster MUTO, is a monster that hits the human race in order to absorb the nuclear energy, which puts it in the position of the Heisei Godzilla VS Series. That said, the large battle towards the last is a great power scene. Some fans might shed tears of happiness seeing the return of Godzilla after such a long time. I say that it is a must-see. "
Negative reviews (Between 0-2 stars)
1. " I was excited to catch the movie and bought the tickets early after seeing all the thrills and spills in the trailers. It seems to me Hollywood, you do not know well about Godzilla. It is a boring movie and I have tried my best not to sleep in the movie theatre. You are hiding Godzilla all the time, and only one moment do we get to see the full shot of Godzilla, while the rest is either Godzilla's dorsal spines or its all dark. Is it because of the lack of money to do the full CG effects? Only the last 15 minutes was okay, but there is still nothing good enough to serve the original Godzilla! "
2. " This movie distorts history. Godzilla used to be the symbol of the horrors of nuclear tests and a lesson for mankind. Instead this new Godzilla affirms the use of nuclear tests without remorse. Do not be swayed by the propaganda of America."
3. " There's good and bad points. The good thing is, this movie is better than the previous Hollywood version. The bad - It contains the same depth as many bad Hollywood movies do, along with typical rubbish stereotypes of Japanese people. Why must a Japanese kid be always seen wearing a baseball cap? The potrayal of Godzilla, even with the battle of monsters is weak, and is similar to the useless Showa Godzilla. "
4. " I watched it today, and regretted. It was wholeheartedly disappointing, and the storyline was less interesting than Roland Emmerich's version. The story seems to jump at every opportunity too, and the trailers are just stinking lying about the reality of the movie. Characters are too stereotyped, and we don't feel empathy for them. The scene cuts abruptly all the time, where your state of frustration cannot be released even until the end. The movement and modelling of Godzilla is also not Godzilla. Come on, you are not a bear! "
5. " The maturity level of this movie is low. The title should be called MUTO instead of Godzilla? Every appearance of Godzilla cuts into another scene. I think the basic 'Stop, Character, Music' is the movie's pillar. The tempo was very bad. Much boring scenes drift on for almost 1 hour before highlighting the action. A lot of focus was also on the American troops, which was another boring 1 hour and 50 mins until the last 10 mins. Depiction of the human characters was thin and the focus on the useless Aaron T Johnson from the beginning to the end, including the small role of Ken Watanabe. Even depicton of the US military is often frustration with handling of the bombs and not much of actual combat as well. I do not recommend watching it as you will regret it. "
6. " I cannot help but remember the anger as a Japanese. Do not watch it as the original Godzilla. However close this Godzilla looks to the original, as long as you draw a Godzilla through the eyes of the strong, as long as you continue to turn away from war and nuclear issues, you cannot make this a true Godzilla movie. It only follows the look but you've written nothing close to the sentimental value and workmanship of the original."
" Your kind feared the Darkness. "
My thoughts exactly, ShowTimeOrtega! It;s obviously a nod to dear Ichiro from Godzilla's Revenge!
"Daddy's home- cake every night,"
Well, a 3.52 score in Japan which is considered a 70/100 isn't bad at all. We have had Godzilla previously sitting around 8/10 during the initial reviews before averaging out to 6 - 6.8 /10.
What I do notice so far though from the nearly 200 reviews on the site, the ones who heaped mostly praise on Godzilla were self-proclaimed long-time G-fans. I am more interested to hear what non-fans have to say about the movie, but so far the largely negative reviews appear to come from the latter.
" Your kind feared the Darkness. "
