Movie Reviews XXI

The Philadelphia Story
A-
Wow, what a movie? At first I didn't really seem to
enjoy it. It started out kind of slow. Also, I've never
been a big Hepburn fan. Cary Grant even started to
disappoint, but once the story moves into full swing
it becomes one to last for ages. Quite possibly the
best George Cukor film I've seen and highly recommended
to all you film lovers out there!


Kingu Kongu no Gyakushu (1967)
C
Toho's second Kong outing is considerably more
entertaining than their first. In my eyes, anyway.
This movie's Kong suit looks terrible in comparison
with the 62 version, but the movie makes up for it.
We have the evil Dr. Who, played by the ever enjoyable
Esei Amamoto, who has built a giant Mechani-Kong!
Also, see the first appearance of Gorosaurus, one of
the coolest kaiju of the Showa era. A cool movie, and
soon to be re-released on DVD with King Kong vs.
Godzilla.



Furankenshutain Tai Chitei Kaijū Baragon (1965)
B-
I absolutely love this movie. Seriously. This movie
is everything right about 1960's Showa. Frankenstein
whilst a crazy concept to grapple turns out pretty
well mainly due to the surrounding cast and story
direction. Baragon is an awesome kaiju and a
welcome addition to this universe. Seriously, if
you want a fun night of movie watching, check this
thing out!


Gojira: Fainaru Uozu (2004)
C+
You know, I should honestly give this a lower grade,
but I do have fun watching it. The dub job is terrible so
stick to japanese. Kitamura's all style and absolutely
no quality in this film. As the last outing for Godzilla I
find myself wishing for Tezuka back. While a lot of the
kaiju look cool basic things like....acting, script, score,
and direction all take a back seat. It's rather action packed,
but I feel that for a 50th Anniversary film we should've
seen more Big G. Sadly, this is still one of my top 10
favorites. lulz.


Frankenstein no Kaijū: Sanda tai Gaira (1966)
B-
While I find the first film, Frankenstein Conquers
the World (1965), to be a better one I still can't
say I don't enjoy this movie. Sanda, Gaira are
beating the crap out of eachother and the psuedo
science behind their genesis is probably some
of the coolest in a Toho film. I'm also genuinely
impressed with Honda who has some great shots
in this film. This, along with King Kong Escapes,
and Frankenstein are probably my favorite non-
Godzilla Toho Scifi outings.

Movie Reviews XX

Gojira X MekaGojira (2002)
C+
Tezuka has improved. Oshima has improved. Unfortunately
whatever Tezuka told Kitagawa to do has ruined his perf-
ormance as Godzilla. He barely moves at all in this film,
which is sad because this revised MechaG is so much
better than what we got in 1993. It's good to see improvement
in the director. It's also interesting to see the subtle
changes for the Kiryu-Goji suit. Worth checking out, especially
if you enjoy MechaGodzilla.


Gojira X Mosura X MekaGojira: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003)
B-
This is by far pinnacle of Tezuka's Godzilla directing
career. This film, along with GMK, and maybe if I'm
particularly in bad judgement, Final Wars do the best
job of mimicking the feeling of the Showa series since
Terror of MechaGodzilla in 1975. Mothra looks amazing,
and quite possibly the best its ever looked. The Godzilla
suit acting is much improved. I do feel the whole "Life
should be lived in the time allowed" thing to be terribly
forced, but it fits with Tezuka's other stuff. It tries too hard
some times. Still a worthwhile fillm to check out.


The Giant Gila Monster (1959)
D
I've known about this movie since I was around five years
old. I just watched it. It's terrible. There's barely any
monster action. The small town feel that they attempt to
recreate is just aggravating and poorly done. I also dislike
how sloppily the few miniatures are. Sorry, I grew up on
Tsuburaya's brand. There are a lot of songs in the film
that are embarassing and...well...just bizarre. Pass this
one up for sure.


Sora no Daikaiju Radon (1956)
B
Rodan was one of the first non-Godzilla monster movies
from Japan that I watched. It was really neat. I enjoyed it.
Well as I grew up I watched it less and less. Now I've re-
watched it and my god is it gloriously underrated in my
mind. The score is quite possibly my favorite from Ifukube.
Rodan looks the best here that it will ever look. How sad/
strange. Still, this movie is just...so well done, on so many levels.
This, along with Mothra are what make the Toho solo effects
films just as great as the Godzilla series.


Notorious (1946)
B
You know...Hitchcock hasn't really impressed me. I mean
not since I watched North by Northwest. Cary Grant is
fun to watch as always, but I can't help but not care
about the characters or the story. Maybe I just have
terrible taste? I dunno, it's highly possible. I'm sure
this is great for true Hitchcock fans, but whatev.