Michael Dougherty's Godzilla King of the Monsters (2019) Has Some Amazing Moments

Image by Harry Strauss from Pixabay

Michael Dougherty's Godzilla King of the Monsters has some amazing moments. Although the film is heavy on family drama, and light on kaiju action, there is enough fodder to merit a trip to the local movie theater.

My first experience in seeing a Godzilla movie, believe it or not, occurred in 2014, when I went to see Gareth Edward's Godzilla. Although I try my best to keep up with current movies, monster movies never really captured my attention. My experience in 2014 was enough to change my mind. I went to see that film several times. The revelation that Godzilla was not the bad guy amazed me. I assumed that these films would play out like a King Kong flick, with everyone basically trying to kill them, with a few dissenters. Nope, the science community and military are glad to receive Godzilla's help when they need it, and then bid him adieu. It didn't take long for me to draw a connection between Godzilla and the Seven Samurai in that way.

This iteration of the radioactive creature's journey had more family drama enclosed in the picture than the 2014 version, and I can't say it's a good thing. Although I was happy to see Millie Bobby Brown (from Stranger Things) featured in another role, the chemistry between the family seemed over the top and melodramatic, especially with no prior experience with this trio's story. One thing I do have to call out is that Ms. Brown may be a contender for the best scream award (current reigning champion is Sheryl Lee of Twin Peaks fame).

This film is at it's best during the few titanic fight scenes we have and during the moments when Ken Watanabe, reprising his role as Dr. Ishiro Serizawa, takes over the screen to wax poetic about Godzilla. And the beauty of Mothra will rivet you to the screen. Although it's certainly not the best Godzilla ever made, it's certainly worth a trip to the theater for a summer popcorn movie.