In 2004, “Godzilla: Final Wars” ended the Millennium Era on a high note. A Decade Later, Toho announced a reinterpretation of Godzilla as the first film and reboot in the Reiwa era. Set in modern day Tokyo, an evolving aquatic monster wreaks havoc. Scientists, soldiers and bureaucrats collaborate to prevent the monster from destroying Tokyo. Hieaki Anno & Shinji Higuchi signed on to co-direct “Shin Godzilla” as their first project of reinterpretations classic Japanese franchises, “Ultraman” & “Kamen Rider.” They’re not 100% tied to The King of Monsters.
Released exclusively in Japan on July 29, 2016 (same year Your Name came out) and given a theatrical release three months later in America, Shin Godzilla earned critical acclaim in Japan and was a box office hit. It received mixed reviews from American critics and movie goers. Due to legal issues with Legendary Pictures, Toho was barred from making live-action Godzilla’s movies until 2020, Toho found a loophole. Produce an anime trilogy, “Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters in a joint collaboration with Netflix.
After contractual obligations expired in 2020, Toho finally gained full access to produce a live-action Godzilla film. Three Years Later, the highly acclaimed box office juggernaut, “Godzilla Minus One” ultimately won an Oscar for “Best Visual Effects.” Anyway, “Godzilla Minus Zero” continues The King of the Monsters rampage in his first R-rated film. That’s right. Godzilla has ventured into R-rated territory much like “Deadpool,” “Logan,” “Joker,” & “The Odyssey.” He’ll square off with his archenemy, King Ghidorah. Godzilla Minus Zero will be released on November 6, 2026.
I’m so thrilled both giants are gonna go full-on “Mortal Kombat” on each other. By the way, the video game, “Godzilla Destroy All Monsters Melee” is getting a remastered edition three before the highly anticipated sequel comes out on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Mighty & Weak Aspects
Mighty: Hideaki Anno & Shinji Higuchi co-directed the film. The former’s known for anime classic, “Neon Genesis Evangelion.”
Action Sequences are splendid. My favorite part is when Godzilla unleashes his atomic breath. It’s different from other iterations. This time, he shoots a flame from his mouth. Then, he charges a bright purple beam. He also fires a beam from his dorsal fins. It earns Bonus Points for making my jaw drop.
Shirō Sagisu (Neon Genesis Evangelion, Bleach, Berserk) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Practical Effects and Visual Effects were effectively blended. A stuntman wore a motion capture suit recording every movement as a guide for the animators.
The Tone has a serious atmosphere. It’s not silly like Godzilla performing a flying kick in “Godzilla vs. Megalon.” He’s back to his old ways.
The film’s influenced by the real life 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Accident and Tōhoku Earthquake/Tsunami. Much like the atomic bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Godzilla’s a metaphor for nuclear weapons and natural disasters. Humanity represents teamwork and survival.
Random Thought: Godzilla’s design reminds me of Drogon from “Game of Thrones.” He has black scales and red burnt scars that resembles Daenerys Targaryen’s dragon son.
Weak: Human characters are forgettable. I couldn’t remember a single one. Not a single character has a unique personality. Just generic scientists, businessmen and soldiers. Previous Godzilla movies were known for one-dimensional characters. Godzilla Minus One gave us well written human characters we care about. Horror films from the 1930s-1950s had a sad a similar problem. Which is a cardinal sin.
Pacing’s slow having little to no action between Godzilla and the Army.
Boring exposition involving bureaucrats. Feels way outta left field.
The Final Verdict: B-
Despite blemishes, Shin Godzilla’s average. A 7/10 in my book. Toho got their act together giving the fans a definitive iteration in 2023. I’ve given Godzilla Minus One my highest grade an A, FOR APEX. Translation, 10/10. If you’re waiting patiently for Godzilla Minus Zero, check out Shin Godzilla, MonsterVerse flicks and Godzilla Minus One.
Which Godzilla movie is your favorite? Please leave a comment. Mine’s Godzilla Minus One.
