This is yet again another reboot to the Millenium series, but this time it reintroduces one of my favorite Godzilla enemies, Mechagodzilla.
Forgive me, they don’t call it Mechagodzilla anymore. Instead, it’s Kiryu. Don’t know why they call it that, but who cares? It’s a cool name. The interesting thing about this version of Mechagodzilla is the fact that he’s built around the bones of the original Gojira, which will lead to a big plot point later on.
As for Mechagodzilla’s new design, I love it! It’s my favorite version of the character. It looks a little more like the 70’s version, but still updated for modern standards. It has a ton of weapons, and his roar is great. This is one of my favorite Godzilla enemies of all time. Its design still holds up today. It still looks bad@$$, and I don’t think anyone can say it looks as stupid as the past 2 versions.
Again, I suggest watching this one in Japanese with English subtitles. It’s a lot better if there’s no dubbing. I have seen the dubbed version, and even though the dubbing is better than past films, it still doesn’t quite fit.
The movie, overall, is VERY good. I was surprised. The plot features another kaiju defense squad, known as the Anti Megalosaurus Force. They’ve been fighting several different kaiju over the years. When Godzilla comes back in 1999, they decide to build Kiryu. 3 years later, he’s functional and ready to fight. But when he encounters Godzilla and hears his roar, it causes a genetic memory within the bones of the mech, and it remembers that it was Gojira, and goes on a rampage!
I hope you understood that, because it’s hard for a lot of people to grasp. Not for me, though. I deal with stranger things on a daily basis. Once Kiryu runs out of fuel, they begin repairs. Of course, Godzilla comes back to screw up a city a few days later, and they have to dispatch him again. This time, he doesn’t go on a rage. There is only glorious DESTRUCTION!!!
The fight is amazing! The laws of physics are broken on more than one occasion, but it’s too good of a fight to question it. They beat the crap out of each other! If there’s one thing the Millennium series always nails, it’s the fights. The music to go with those fights is good, too. Not as good as GMK’s soundtrack, but still notable.
The story, though confusing for some people at times, is great. They took a concept like Mechagodzilla and made it the most epic it has ever been. On top of that, the human characters are undoubtedly the best since the original Gojira. The main characters are the first ones in a long time that I’ve actually cared for. The little girl is a good actress, for being so young. The only time I found her even the slightest bit annoying was when she got all upset, and whined about Kiryu having a life, or something. It only lasts for a minute or two, and after some exposition you get to know why she’s so sensitive about life and death. So, I guess she isn’t all bad. I even recognize one of the actors. The guy who plays the Prime Minister played a recurring army general in the Heisei series. His voice is so much more awesome than the guy who dubbed him. I don’t know about anyone else, but the human element gets an A from me.
The special effects are at their best in this movie. A few other films might come close, but this one by far has the most properly scaled and detailed miniatures, the best suits, some good explosions, and, when it happens, pretty well done CG. They really did put a lot of effort into this, and I have to give full points for that. Any CG in this movie is good, like the shot of Kiryu flying into the city, or the White Heron jets. It doesn’t stand out as much from the physical props.
The design for Godzilla is back to the way he looked in Godzilla 2000 and Godzilla vs Megaguirus. Only difference is the color of his skin and spikes. This has to be my 2nd favorite look for the King. He might not look as good as GMK’s design, but it comes really close. He looks intimidating, he’s powerful, he instills some fear into the people, and most of all, this guy can endure! When Kiryu first shoots all his missiles at him, Godzilla just stares back at him, not even flinching!
Great effects, great fights, solid characters, makes Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla one of the best of the franchise. Want to know the best part? This one actually HAS a direct sequel! No more reboots! Well, until we get to Final Wars, but I’m just glad they kept this story going, because this next one is one of my personal favorites!
FINAL RATING: 46 / 50
STORY: 4 / 5
ACTING: 4 / 5
CHARACTERS: 4 / 5
SPECIAL EFFECTS: 5 / 5
ACTION: 5 / 5
SOUNDTRACK: 4 / 5
TONE: 5 / 5
ENJOYABILITY: 5 / 5
REWATCH VALUE: 5 / 5
OWNING VALUE: 5 / 5
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