Today’s quick review: Godzilla. When nuclear testing in the South Pacific mutates a lizard into a monster the size of a skyscraper, radiation expert Dr. Niko Tatopoulos (Matthew Broderick) is called in to investigate. With the help of the US Army, Niko tracks the creature to Manhattan, where it runs rampant in the streets. There he becomes reacquainted with Audrey Timmonds (Maria Pitillio), an ex-girlfriend still trying to make it as a reporter.
Godzilla is a sci-fi action adventure that puts a new spin on the classic monster. The movie follows a scientist, a reporter, a French spy (Jean Reno), and an Army colonel (Kevin Dunn) as they respond to a gargantuan lizard turning the island of Manhattan into its nesting grounds. Godzilla takes advantage of modern CGI to depict an all-out battle with the creature. However, its formulaic story and misplaced focus undercut its modest strengths.
Godzilla’s main failure is one of imagination. Rather than using the monster to its full effect, the movie shoehorns Godzilla into a generic science fiction template. The story follows Niko, Audrey, and the Army as they learn more about the creature and attempt to kill it, with a few detours along the way to explore Audrey’s career and Niko’s relationship with her. The monster drives the action but is not given the importance it is due.
Even so, the formula is a fun one for an audience that’s sufficiently laid-back. Seeing Godzilla run through the abandoned streets of Manhattan is a good visual, even if the details of the setup are questionable. The plot progression works well enough, with Niko learning more about the creature even as the military tries bigger ways to kill it. And while the movie never crosses over into outright comedy, it has a light tone that serves it well.
Godzilla is not high art, and it squanders a character that deserves better treatment. Dated special effects, shaky plot logic, and focus on a lukewarm cast of human characters make Godzilla a far cry from the movie it could have been. But for anyone who enjoys sci-fi movies for their own sake and is not too worried about quality, Godzilla is still a fun popcorn watch. Steer clear if you’re looking to be impressed.
For a sci-fi action movie about a battle against giant monsters that has a richer world and a better story, try Pacific Rim. For a 90s sci-fi action movie that pits the US military against an unfathomable foe, try Independence Day. For a sci-fi movie about a radioactive monster with a similar feel to it, try Hulk. For a more menacing take on the character, try the 2014 version of Godzilla. For a comedy in the same vein, try Ghostbusters.
[5.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120685/). I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for passable action with a lack of vision.