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[ratcliffja]

I imagine there are much bigger things to worry about with that movie.



They really pull it off. Not real spoilers, but being safe:

Spoiler

You can feel the actual weight to the monsters as they fight in the city. There's a few (literally) awesome shots that will have your mouth agape.

See above. Yeah, it's quite like that video and they aren't silly like Pacific Rim. Unlike that film, this feels like something tangible and has a realistic bent towards it. Particularly aided by the fact that Edwards actually cares about his characters, for the most part.



Atomic breath:

Spoiler

There are two and yes, they are definitely the money shots (two out of about four money shots). It's electric blue and both time it uses it the audience went nuts.

Easter eggs:

Spoiler

Bryan Cranston's son has a Godzilla poster in his bedroom at the beginning. You can see Gareth Edwards in the casino in Las Vegas. I haven't seen any other Godzilla films outside of Emmerich's, which I don't remember that well, so there are probably more.

Nice! Right now I'm like at a B. Cloverfield still beats it for the immersion factor in monster movies. While the setpieces are amazing in a design sense, I feel like some of them were only used to about 80% of their potential. When it comes to a summer blockbuster though I'd be surprised if any are better constructed than this thought.

So for a fan of old Godzilla movies that hated Cloverfield, would I still enjoy it? It sounds like they actually pulled it off unlike the awful 98 version.

 

[dreamcastfan]

It was fire breath, like a dragon or something.

Nope. It was just air. There were cars on fire, and it just made the fire spread. Put it in slow mo (if you have it).. the other time cars flew into each other and blew up.

 

[zma1013]

Nope. It was just air. There were cars on fire, and it just made the fire spread. Put it in slow mo (if you have it).. the other time cars flew into each other and blew up.

Don't insult me like that.

 

[Expendable.]

Spoiler

Do the spines light up when he uses the atomic breath?

Yes.

So for a fan of old Godzilla movies that hated Cloverfield, would I still enjoy it? It sounds like they actually pulled it off unlike the awful 98 version.

I'd imagine so. What aspects of Cloverfield did you hate? This isn't a found footage, so very little shaky cam.

 

[ratcliffja]

Yes.



I'd imagine so. What aspects of Cloverfield did you hate? This isn't a found footage, so very little shaky cam.

The characters were annoying, the monster was underwhelming and rarely shown, there was no good explanation for why the monster was there, and the resolution felt completely unsatisfying.

 

[MegalonJJ]

What aspects of Cloverfield did you hate?...

I hated the awful camera work/style...

....This isn't a found footage, so very little shaky cam.

Hype intensifies!!! Fuck yeah!

 

[Scooter155]

LOL, no kidding ;-)

I always thought the 98' version looked like his skull developed upside down. For some reason reminded me of Pete Puma or former Steelers hed coach Bill Cowher if he were a giant lizzard.

The Kraken in the 2010 COTT is badass, and the only decent thing about that movie. Too bad it shows up for all of 30 seconds or thereabouts.

Wow, he(she) totally does look like Bill Cowher...

 

[Expendable.]

The characters were annoying, the monster was underwhelming and rarely shown, there was no good explanation for why the monster was there, and the resolution felt completely unsatisfying.

Well, some of the characters here aren't well-formed, but I wouldn't describe them as annoying in Godzilla. There's more monster here, but the bulk of the film is teasing it. There's an exposition dump scene in Godzilla that effectively explains why everything is there and I'd imagine most will feel satisfied at the conclusion. So, you should be good.

I hated the awful camera work/style...

Hype intensifies!!! Fuck yeah!

I was really, really impressed at the direction here. Most scenes really drive the plot forward, not just on a script level, more specifically where/how Edwards moves the camera.

 

[ratcliffja]

Well, some of the characters here aren't well-formed, but I wouldn't describe them as annoying in Godzilla. There's more monster here, but the bulk of the film is teasing it. There's an exposition dump scene in Godzilla that effectively explains why everything is there and I'd imagine most will feel satisfied at the conclusion. So, you should be good.



I was really, really impressed at the direction here. Most scenes really drive the plot forward, not just on a script level, more specifically where/how Edwards moves the camera.

Excellent, thank you. I'm really looking forward to it now.

 

[Asriel]

I also saw the screening, and IMO, the Cloverfield monster couldn't hold Godzilla's jockstrap.

Godzilla is bigger and better by any stretch.

 

[The Librarian]

Expendable, what did you like most about the movie?

I also saw the screening, and IMO, the Cloverfield monster couldn't hold Godzilla's jockstrap.

Godzilla is bigger and better by any stretch.

Same question to you, if you don't mind answering.

 

[Asriel]

Mind you, I'm anything but a Godzilla enthusiast.

The set pieces. The score. The pacing. The incredible CGI.

Everything about this movie was amazing. Edwards made a monster movie first and foremost and made sure the audience knew it. I don't get the complaints about the actors or the characters. It's a monster movie, they're always going to play second fiddle.

And they were fine anyway. They added exposition to the plot in a streamlined yet meaningful way. They added the dosage of human element that showed us why the stakes were so high. And they also were involved in some great sequences that show why Edwards is so talented.

 

[RBelong2Us]

Should I see this in Dbox (the seats that move)?

 

[Sn4ke_911]

 

[Expendable.]

Expendable, what did you like most about the movie?

Same question to you, if you don't mind answering.

Hands down, the setpieces and the sense of scale. It's rare to have a blockbuster that actually feels like a massive care, timing and design was intricately thought and executed. Edwards honestly feels like after a few more films like this, he could be the next Spielberg (more so than Shyamalan at least, lolz).

Mind you, I'm anything but a Godzilla enthusiast.

The set pieces. The score. The pacing. The incredible CGI.

Everything about this movie was amazing. Edwards made a monster movie first and foremost and made sure the audience knew it. I don't get the complaints about the actors or the characters. It's a monster movie, they're always going to play second fiddle.

And they were fine anyway. They added exposition to the plot in a streamlined yet meaningful way. They added the dosage of human element that showed us why the stakes were so high. And they also were involved in some great sequences that show why Edwards is so talented.

But they don't play second fiddle in this film. They are as "developed" as any monster we see, and Edwards clearly wants that to come across. So when a few of them are lacking, it brings it down a bit. Nothing all that harmful to the overall thing, but I really think Watanabe and Hawkins' characters could've been better done.

 

[MoonsaultSlayer]

Question to those who've seen it: Does this movie acknowledge the original?

Spoiler

Since there's mention of a Godzilla poster, is the original movie based on actual events (in universe) with the facts changed until Watanabe tells how it really happened?

The one thing I find frustrating about these new monster movies made in America is how you always see soldiers with M16s firing at the giant monster. You see it in Cloverfield and now Godzilla. Which makes no sense to me cause there's no way an M16 would do anything to something that large. Soldiers in real life don't fire their M16s at an M1 Abrams tank, because they know it's going to be completely useless and futile. Yet they'll fire their rifles at something that's approximately 200-300 times larger then a tank? Please.

You watch the old Toho Godzilla movies and they had the right idea. You see shots of Maser tanks and aircraft firing on Godzilla, not little soldiers with rifles.

Having just watched the original's Godzilla attack scenes, it's safe to say you don't know what you're talking about...

Spoiler

or haven't seen it in a while =P

. The front line of defense when Godzilla first comes out of the water is mounted machine guns.

 

[Asriel]

Hands down, the setpieces and the sense of scale. It's rare to have a blockbuster that actually feels like a massive care, timing and design was intricately thought and executed. Edwards honestly feels like after a few more films like this, he could be the next Spielberg (more so than Shyamalan at least, lolz).



But they don't play second fiddle in this film. They are as "developed" as any monster we see, and Edwards clearly wants that to come across. So when a few of them are lacking, it brings it down a bit. Nothing all that harmful to the overall thing, but I really think Watanabe and Hawkins' characters could've been better done.

Honestly, I don't get the complaints about Watanabe and Hawkins. What more would you even want to know about them? They do a fine job of providing the exposition about the film and they need to do little else.

Spoiler

Even the bit showing Watanabe and how his own life was impacted by nuclear war in Hiroshima was done superbly.

 

[Expendable.]

Honestly, I don't get the complaints about Watanabe and Hawkins. What more would you even want to know about them? They do a fine job of providing the exposition about the film and they need to do little else.

Spoiler

Even the bit showing Watanabe and how his own life was impacted by nuclear war in Hiroshima was done superbly.

Edwards plays up the military angle well, but it just felt lacking on the scientific side. The spoiler bit was nice, but the rest of his performance is relegated to exposition dump and one-liners. And Hawkins just felt out of place and not believable. I just wish Edwards gave them more to do. Like I said, it in no way, shape or form ruins the film, but just a criticism.

 

[Asriel]

Edwards plays up the military angle well, but it just felt lacking on the scientific side. The spoiler bit was nice, but the rest of his performance is relegated to exposition dump and one-liners. And Hawkins just felt out of place and not believable. I just wish Edwards gave them more to do. Like I said, it in no way, shape or form ruins the film, but just a criticism.

I guess the first point is more of a personal preference, but what more could they have done? I'm asking seriously.

Sure they may have been relegated to exposition, but they're scientists in a monster movie. That's what they are there for. And again, this was the first film in a rebooted series. If they really want to give these characters full-fledged arcs, they have future movies to do so.

 

[The Librarian]

Hands down, the setpieces and the sense of scale. It's rare to have a blockbuster that actually feels like a massive care, timing and design was intricately thought and executed. Edwards honestly feels like after a few more films like this, he could be the next Spielberg (more so than Shyamalan at least, lolz).

Glad to hear it, sir!

 

[Raxus]

How is Cranston in all this Expendable.?

It looks like he plays a secondary character while the army dude seems like the main character.

 

[gosox333]

Was there an after credits scene?

I remember reading rumors a month or two ago that were talking about one, any idea?

 

[The Librarian]

Was there an after credits scene?

I remember reading rumors a month or two ago that were talking about one, any idea?

I haven't seen it, but from what I've read there aren't any.

 

[dreamcastfan]

Don't insult me like that.

I actually enjoy it. As A Godzilla movie? No. As a turn your brain off, dumb monster movie? Sure. No insult intended.

 

[chickdigger802]

thematically would it be plausible for a mechagodzilla to exist in sequels?

 

[Heroman]

thematically would it be plausible for a mechagodzilla to exist in sequels?

Considering the tone of movie I will have to say no.

 

[kaching]

I watched Godzilla 1998 yesterday and man, that was terrible. I rather live in world of atomic breath than endure that again.

My condolences.

It just seems atomic breath seems more disconnecting to the reality compared to just a giant lizard. Am I'm making sense, probably not.

Personally, when I see a 350ft mountain of roaring flesh, I expect nothing less than a fission reactor fueling it.

 

[andycapps]

Just got back from a screening of #JAWS. Movie was well done but you get very little of the title shark. People will get restless.

Just got back from seeing Alien. What kind of a shit movie was that? You only see the alien for about 5 minutes of the whole film. I want my money back.

 

[dreamcastfan]

Not sure if this had been posted.. LOL

 

[Prince of Space]

For those who have seen it (not really a spoiler, but just in case):

Spoiler

Is he actually called "Godzilla" in the movie? Or do they keep referring to him as the "alpha predator"?

 

[chickdigger802]

hows the 3D? IMAX makes 3D mandatory, but curious if its halfassed like pacific rim.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

It's rare to have a blockbuster that actually feels like a massive care, timing and design was intricately thought and executed. Edwards honestly feels like after a few more films like this, he could be the next Spielberg (more so than Shyamalan at least, lolz).

That's certainly high praise, but I remember AICN similarly gushing over Edwards' direction and storytelling in the SXSW footage:

Those little visual flairs, the ebb and flow of intensity really made this feel Spielbergian without aping his exact style. I'm wholeheartedly convinced that if the movie ends up being even somewhat good that Edwards has cemented himself as a top-of-the-list tentpole director for the next two decades. His visual storytelling ability is that strong in this footage. It's populist, but incredibly inventive and doesn't treat the audience like dumb kids.

Monsters was good, but it remained to be seen how Edwards' skills would translate to a production of this scale. The interviews had already sold me on him being the real deal, and these early impressions seem to only further confirm that Edwards was the absolute right man for this job.

 

[Savitar]

So the previews for the movie are careful not to show too much of Godzilla.

And there are ad commercials featuring cars or otherwise with Godzila that shows him in every way possible.

He even spits out a car that's too big for him in a Fiat commercial.

 

[Agent Unknown]

Expendable:

Thanks for the excellent impressions. Without spoiling, in your opinion would you say Edwards and crew did a good job of focusing enough on the conflict between Godzilla and the Muto creatures? Both in the sense of story/motivation and the amount of screen time we get with their conflicts/battles to where people will be satisfied? And will audiences come away with a sense of "This wasn't just two big, imaginary animal species duking it out," it felt like their fight REALLY mattered and carried a lot of weight? Also without spoiling, how were Godzilla's facial expressions? Even though he didn't do any actual motion capture, did the "Serkis touch" come through at any point? One more question, was Akira Takarada's cameo cut?

 

[RabidTanooki]

Anyone happen to have a link to the wondercon footage? I wanna see it again.

 

[Expendable.]

How is Cranston in all this Expendable.?

It looks like he plays a secondary character while the army dude seems like the main character.

Yes, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is definitely the focus, but Cranston is quite good and gives a better performance.

Was there an after credits scene?

I remember reading rumors a month or two ago that were talking about one, any idea?

No after credits scene.

hows the 3D? IMAX makes 3D mandatory, but curious if its halfassed like pacific rim.

The 3D is fine, nothing special. Doesn't distract at all.

For those who have seen it (not really a spoiler, but just in case):

Spoiler

Is he actually called "Godzilla" in the movie? Or do they keep referring to him as the "alpha predator"?

Yes, he is.

Expendable:

Thanks for the excellent impressions. Without spoiling, in your opinion would you say Edwards and crew did a good job of focusing enough on the conflict between Godzilla and the Muto creatures? Both in the sense of story/motivation and the amount of screen time we get with their conflicts/battles to where people will be satisfied? And will audiences come away with a sense of "This wasn't just two big, imaginary animal species duking it out," it felt like their fight REALLY mattered and carried a lot of weight? Also without spoiling, how were Godzilla's facial expressions? Even though he didn't do any actual motion capture, did the "Serkis touch" come through at any point? One more question, was Akira Takarada's cameo cut?

Yes, that conflict is virtually the entire focus of the film.

Everything has major weight to it and the VFX are incredibly detailed but not in a distracting way like the flashy Pacific Rim. I'll just say this: Edwards said if this actually happened it would feel like 9/11. And it does -- in one particular shot, to a troubling degree.

They really pull off Godzilla feeling like a character and, surprisingly, make one feel empathy towards him. I don't recall Takarada in the film, so I believe so.

 

[the_log_ride]

Jesus Christ these impressions have got me shook up. I need to watch this already! Nice posts, Expendable.

 

[The Librarian]

Y
They really pull off Godzilla feeling like a character and, surprisingly, make one feel empathy towards him. I don't recall Takarada in the film, so I believe so.

One of the things I like about some Godzilla films is his weird sense of honor to stop any threat to protect humanity, but is in himself a threat. Like an antihero of sorts. Glad to hear this is in the film.

 

[MegalonJJ]

Yes, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is definitely the focus, but Cranston is quite good and gives a better performance.



No after credits scene.



The 3D is fine, nothing special. Doesn't distract at all.



Yes, he is.



Yes, that conflict is virtually the entire focus of the film.

Everything has major weight to it and the VFX are incredibly detailed but not in a distracting way like the flashy Pacific Rim. I'll just say this: Edwards said if this actually happened it would feel like 9/11. And it does -- in one particular shot, to a troubling degree.

They really pull off Godzilla feeling like a character and, surprisingly, make one feel empathy towards him. I don't recall Takarada in the film, so I believe so.

I have a question:

Spoiler

Are there any scenes set in 1954...i.e. the footage when he comes out of the ocean and the nuclear bomb goes off?

 

[Expendable.]

I have a question:

Spoiler

Are there any scenes set in 1954...i.e. the footage when he comes out of the ocean and the nuclear bomb goes off?

Spoilers for the first few minutes:

Spoiler

The opening is a montage of the events that lead up to the nuclear bomb going off. Nothing actually "filmed," but more of a documentary-style look at the government cover-up. There's a really cool title reveal of Godzilla, too. It then jumps to 1999 in the Philippines in a scene that heavily recalls Jurassic Park.

 

[Agent Unknown]

Yes, that conflict is virtually the entire focus of the film.

Everything has major weight to it and the VFX are incredibly detailed but not in a distracting way like the flashy Pacific Rim. I'll just say this: Edwards said if this actually happened it would feel like 9/11. And it does -- in one particular shot, to a troubling degree.

They really pull off Godzilla feeling like a character and, surprisingly, make one feel empathy towards him. I don't recall Takarada in the film, so I believe so.

Awesome, thanks! This is all I need now to carry me to next week and I'm more glad than ever that I took the extra step to reserve IMAX 3D tickets. Bummer that Takarada's cameo was cut, but at least they cut David Straithern's speech. Even though it served the set up for the first trailer well, that part just came off as typical, silly blockbuster bravado.

Now I can finally stop searching for news online about the movie and go into next weekend mostly spoiler free.

 

[Expendable.]

Awesome, thanks! This is all I need now to carry me to next week and I'm more glad than ever that I took the extra step to reserve IMAX 3D tickets. Bummer that Takarada's cameo was cut, but at least they cut David Straithern's speech. Even though it served the set up for the first trailer well, that part just came off as typical, silly blockbuster bravado.

Now I can finally stop searching for news online about the movie and go into next weekend mostly spoiler free.

Happy to be of service. Yeah, that Strathairn speech is cut and now it's just that beautiful 2001 music.

 

[More_Badass]

I'll just say this: Edwards said if this actually happened it would feel like 9/11. And it does -- in one particular shot, to a troubling degree.

That sounds so damn fantastic. That's exactly how I hoped the movie would feel.

I actually wanted to ask about that. The original Godzilla/Gojira remains so compelling in part due its horrific inspiration, the bombing of Japan, and how that influenced the atmosphere and tone. For my generation and recent generations, especially for Americans, I'd say the only event with that kind of resonance and impact would be 9/11.

So given that you said the movie does have that feeling, do you think Godzilla 2014 will have the same impact for my generation as the original had for the Japanese audience who remembered the Atomic bombings so vividly?

 

[Expendable.]

That sounds so damn fantastic. That's exactly how I hoped the movie would feel.

I actually wanted to ask about that. The original Godzilla/Gojira remains so compelling in part due its horrific inspiration, the bombing of Japan, and how that influenced the atmosphere and tone. For my generation and recent generations, especially for Americans, I'd say the only event with that kind of resonance and impact would be 9/11.

So given that you said the movie does have that feeling, do you think Godzilla 2014 will have the same impact for my generation as the original had for the Japanese audience who remembered the Atomic bombings so vividly?

Probably not, considering the onslaught of movies that have also evoked the similar imagery. But it's effective.

 

[dreamcastfan]

I guess I missed it, Expendable, but how did you (and apparently many others) get to see this movie early? I am insanely jealous! Thank you for taking the time to answer all the questions.

 

[Protag]

They were talking about 2004, the 50th, wich was also the first time the uncut Japanese Godzilla was offically shown in US cinemas.

No i know, but 2014 is his 60th anniversary, and para-medic was right when she told snake that Godzilla films would still be made today

 

[Expendable.]

I guess I missed it, Expendable, but how did you (and apparently many others) get to see this movie early? I am insanely jealous! Thank you for taking the time to answer all the questions.

Early screening in NYC.

 

[Agent Unknown]

Happy to be of service. Yeah, that Strathairn speech is cut and now it's just that beautiful 2001 music.

WOW.

Ah, one more question that's been kinda bugging me, do they ever say Godzilla's name in the movie and if so, how do they handle it and what is the line of dialogue exactly? Wondering because Edwards said several times he was debating for a long time and didn't know if they would even have it said once. And this is one bit I don't mind being spoiled on as long as it's not connected to any major outcome in the movie. Is it treated as just a humorous one-off line (please no) or do they actually try to apply the name other than "alpha predator"? Again, don't mind you posting the actual line as long as it isn't tied to a majorly key event in the film.

 

[oc]

Won a radio contest and now I'm going to the premiere in Hollywood on Thursday!

 

[Mariolee]

Won a radio contest and now I'm going to the premiere in Hollywood on Thursday!

I hate you.