Godzilla Plaque At Historical Marker Database

Above, the Godzilla plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2006, the Godzilla Society of North America and the Platrix Chapter No. 2 of E Clampus Vitus dedicated a plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary of Godzilla, King of The Monsters!, starring Raymond Burr.

The plaque marks the spot where the small studio, Visual Drama, that was used for Burr's insert scenes for the movie. The location is now the Frank Del Olmo Elementary School (originally the Belmont Elementary School).

The Historical Marker Database has added the plaque last year and here's the location according to the plaque's page:

Location. 34° 4.413′ N, 118° 17.568′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. Marker is on North New Hampshire Avenue north of 1st Street. At Frank Del Olmo Elementary School, mounted to one of the columns at the top of the steps. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 N New Hampshire Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90004, United States of America. Touch for directions.

To see the full page, go here. 

"Godzilla: King of the Monsters" Blu-ray

Finally, today I bought the Blu-ray of Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

I had to go into Gallup anyway to pick up a new television antenna as the one I had crapped out. The new one works great!

The package contained the Blu-ray, a DVD and the Digital Code.

While having dinner, watched the movie and was impressed with the picture and sound quality. One thing I found annoying was that not all of the extras are included in the Blu-ray disc. One extra was in the Blu-ray and the others were in the DVD.

This was my second viewing of the movie. The first was in 3D in Gallup at the Red Rock Theaters. I apparently missed a few things during my first viewing, but caught them this evening.

"Godzilla: King of the Monsters" Ends Theatrical Run

Godzilla: King of the Monsters has ended its theatrical run and the numbers are now in.

Was it a success or failure? It all depends. Certainly Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. had higher expectations for the movie's box office results. Still, while that may be true, I'd hardly call it a flop.

Above, my movie ticket. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's the numbers:

Domestic: $110,500,138 Million
Worldwide: $385,900,138 Million

According to Comicbook.com:

So was Godzilla: King of the Monsters a success? Well certainly, it could have done better domestically. Netting a little over $110 million USD, the king of the kaiju wasn't able to meet the lofty sales goals that were established by its first outing with Legendary Pictures, as the 2014 picture stomped away with a domestic box office of over $200 million USD, marking a pretty sharp decline for the sequel. 

The international box office for the sequel faced a similar challenge from the original film, as the international take was over $100 million USD more. Whether or not pitting the kaiju king against the ruler of Skull Island, Kong, next year will be enough to hit the same heights as the original 2014 Godzilla is yet to be seen, though we'll keep our fingers crossed that Legendary's Monster-verse can continue past next spring.

I enjoyed Godzilla: King of the Monsters more than I did the 2014 Godzilla.

To read more, go here.

"Godzilla: King of the Monsters" Box Office

Despite the efforts of some critics, Godzilla: King of the Monsters seems to be doing well at the box office.

According to Box Office Mojo (as of June 23):

Total Lifetime Grosses
Domestic: $102,501,438    28.0%
+ Foreign: $263,500,000    72.0%
= Worldwide: $366,001,438   

Domestic Summary
Opening Weekend: $47,776,293
(#1 rank, 4,108 theaters, $11,630 average)

While at a dinner last Sunday night, one of the attendees said he was going to go see it that evening after the dinner. 

While Godzilla: King of the Monsters may not be ringing up the cash register numbers as 2014's Godzilla, it also has more competition than the prior film.

To read more, go here.

Godzilla Being Sabotaged By The Critics?

Above, my Godzilla: King of the Monsters theater ticket. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is indeed bizarre to read the negative reviews of Godzilla: King of the Monsters by the critics, while at same time, laud the 2014 Godzilla. Sometimes I wonder if they saw the same movie as I did. 

Although I liked the 2014 Godzilla (I found it more entertaining than Toho's Shin Godzilla), I don't like it as much as Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Back then, I gave Godzilla a B+.

In general, fans like the current entry. At Rotten Tomatoes, fans give it an 86% audience score, while the critics are giving it 40%. Over at various message boards, quite a number of fans are telling others to "ignore the critics". This smells of "critic sabotage" to me.

According to the BBC, the negativity is being blamed for Godzilla: King of the Monsters "disappointing" box office results. One has to remember that it is up against some stiff competition such as Aladdin.

They wrote:

After some pretty punishing reviews, Godzilla – and his monstrous cohorts Rodan, Ghidorah and Mothra – have fallen short of expectations at the US box office. 

The latest in the 'MonsterVerse' from Legendary Pictures, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, has made $49 million (£38.7 million) across more than 4000 screens in the US, which doesn't bode brilliantly for a movie that's cost around $200 million to make. 

For perspective, the previous movies in the series, Godzilla and Kong: Skull Island, did notably better on their opening weekends, launching to $93 million (£73 million) and $61 million (£48 million) respectively. 

Though things brightened slightly worldwide, with a total haul of $179 million (£141 million), but industry outlets like Variety are already calling it a 'fading franchise'.

It will be interesting to see if Godzilla: King of the Monsters picks up more business through word-of-mouth in the coming days and weeks or has enough "staying power" to maintain steady box office business.

To read more of the BBC article, go here.

Nakajima Tribute Photo

As I mentioned yesterday, at the tail end of the end credits to Godzilla: King of the Monsters, there was a memorial tribute to Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno and Godzilla suit actor Haruo Nakajima.

During this, my eyes were more focused on the tribute to Nakajima due to a very familiar photo of him taken during the filming of Godzilla vs. The Sea Monster. I can't recall any photo used for Banno.

But this is the photo used for Nakajima (as I said before, a classy touch):

As so many have stated, including me, be sure to stay for all of the end credits!

"Godzilla: King of the Monsters" In 3D

Above, yours truly with the "souvenir" 3D glasses.

Just a little while ago, I got back home from the Red Rock 10 Theaters after seeing Godzilla: King of the Monsters. I watched the 3D version.

Since not everyone has seen the movie yet, I will be a nice guy and not post any spoilers. How's that for public service?

Anyway, ahem, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. If there is an adjective to describe it, I would say spectacular! The monster battles were well done and I don't think there's been this many in a Godzilla movie, Japanese or American, since Godzilla Final Wars.

A few good things that stood out for me:

1. The 3D was better than I would have expected. I recommend seeing this version.
2.  Memorial Tributes for Yoshimitsu Banno and Haruo Nakajima at the tail end of the end credits was a classy touch!
3. The monster designs were top-notch. The tweaking of Godzilla's spines to resemble those of the 1954 Godzilla was a great touch. Rodan looked like the Rodan we all know and love as was King Ghidorah. This Mothra was the best ever. 
4. Familiar music cues from the Toho series were sprinkled throughout. Another nice touch!
5. Fully reclining seats! If one is not careful, they can easily nod off to sleep as they are so comfortable!
6. Clues or "easter eggs" for the next movie. Skull Island references dominated them. Stay for all of the end credits!

Bad things:

1. Obese mothers with kids have to get up in the middle of the movie with their charges to go to the restroom or the snack bar. Annoying!

Some "critics" complained about the lack of a plot for the human characters. I didn't notice any lack of plot. It was fine to me. One doesn't go to giant monster movies for "a plot", they want gratuitous monster mayhem! That said, fanatical "environmentalist wackos" got a good jab in the plot.

My grade: A.

Warm Weekend

Above, last night at home. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The thunderstorm passed over us and left the area during the evening. By then, I wasn't in the mood to head into Gallup for the nightly Indian dancing at the McKinley County Courthouse square. Instead, I fired up the fire pit and just enjoyed an evening by the fire.

However, I will be heading into Gallup today to see Godzilla: King of the Monsters in 3D. I would hazard a guess that many G-fans will be heading to the theaters today.

Today is supposed to be a lot warmer at around 75°. The warming trend is to continue through the weekend.

The forecast for the weekend by the National Weather Service:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 44. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind 10 to 15 mph.

"Godzilla: King of the Monsters" Opens Tomorrow

Tomorrow's the day that Godzilla: King of the Monsters is released to worldwide theaters.

Yesterday, after our regular group coffee gathering in the morning, I headed over to Red Rock 10 Theaters in Gallup, New Mexico to purchase my movie ticket.

Above, the ticket. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I decided to try the 3D version. I have not seen any 3D movie with the new digital technology, so I figured I'd give it a whirl.

If I am unimpressed (provided the movie is a good one) with 3D, I can always go back to see the standard release.

After buying my ticket, I headed back home on Historic Route 66 until it ended at the Iyanbito on-ramp for the fun of it. 

"Godzilla: King of the Monsters" At Red Rock 10 In Gallup

Finally, Allen Theaters has posted their May 31 movie schedule and Godzilla: King of the Monsters will be playing at the Red Rock 10 Theaters in Gallup.

Red Rock 10 is on the eastern side of Gallup, so I won't have to into town to the theater.

New Godzilla Toy

My Godzilla: King of the Monsters toy arrived in the mail today.

It is a bit larger than I expected. But I'm not complaining. I just have to figure out where to put it. For the time being, I have it on top of my curio cabinet.

Johnny Rockets Partners With "Godzilla: King of the Monsters"

Companies are lining up to tie-in with the hype of the upcoming Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

The latest is Johnny Rockets hamburger restaurants.

According to Business Wire:

WILBRAHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Johnny Rockets today announced a cross promotional partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ epic action adventure Godzilla: King of the Monsters – in theaters May 31, 2019 – to tout the restaurant’s new over-the-top avocado menu items.

The much-anticipated cinematic event corresponds with the debut of Johnny Rockets’ new avocado menu, which features several heroic items, such as an Avocado Bacon Ranch Burger and Chicken Sandwich, each piled high with fresh avocado slices, thick cut bacon, swiss cheese and crunchy onion rings. Also on the menu is an Avocado Chicken Salad, topped with bacon and bleu cheese crumbles, and Loaded Totchos, a sizable, shareable starter with tater tots smothered in cheese, chili, avocado and jalapenos. 

“With the rise of the avocado – the undisputed king of food trends – comes an opportunity to incorporate Godzilla fans’ epic taste of adventure into a variety of mouth-watering dishes, from loaded salads to starters to our beloved burgers,” said Linda Sangiacomo, Senior VP of Marketing, Johnny Rockets. “We pride ourselves in entertaining our guests every day, whether it’s through our iconic dancing servers, timeless upbeat music, creative ketchup art, or blockbuster partnerships such as this one.

“We pride ourselves in entertaining our guests every day, whether it’s through our iconic dancing servers, timeless upbeat music, creative ketchup art, or blockbuster partnerships such as this one. ”

To read more, go here.

Softronic: A Brief Guide To Godzilla

With Godzilla: King of the Monsters coming out in theaters at the end of the month, people are getting excited, including hardcore fans and casual fans.

In order to satiate the growing need for a Godzilla fix or two until the movie comes out, Softronic has posted a brief guide to Godzilla, which also includes videos.

They start with:

If you’ve been getting hyped up by the excellent “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” trailers, you’re not alone. The trailers have done a great job showing the film’s godlike cast of monsters as awe-inspiring forces of nature. 

If you’ve been wanting to get your Godzilla fix before the new movie comes out, it can be intimidating to know where to start. There have been more than 30 Godzilla movies having been made since 1954. There are multiple timelines and continuities, so finding a starting point can be a headache. Fortunately, we are a bunch of Kaiju nerds, so we can help shepherd you through the wonderful and weird world of Godzilla.

To read more, go here.

Have fun!

AMC Theaters: 5 Favorite Godzilla Battles

Above, the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios in Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The upcoming (May 31) release of Godzilla: King of the Monsters by Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. has different media sources thinking about the Big G.

In this case, AMC Theaters posted their five most favorite Godzilla battles in the nearly 65 years of movies.

They begin with:

As the star character in more than 30 movies, not to mention a whole host of spinoff media, Godzilla has a story for everyone. Originally created in 1954 as a monstrous metaphor for atomic destruction in Japan, Godzilla has been a force of nature, a hero and even a parental figure. He’s also a hell of a fighter. 

GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS, opening on May 31, is a sequel to the 2014 American film GODZILLA. The story brings several classic kaiju into the mix for the mighty lizard to fight, too. Mothra, Rodan and King Ghidorah will all get their licks in. Naturally, that has us thinking about our favorite battle scenes from films of years past. Here are five Godzilla battles we love most.

To see what their favorites are, go here. 

Impressive "Godzilla: King of the Monsters" Poster

This week, Legendary Pictures released a new poster for Godzilla: King of the Monsters. The movie opens on May 31.

Godzilla 65 Years

Above, the "Godzilla Month" proclamation scroll from the L.A. County Board of
Supervisors celebrating Godzilla's 50th Anniversary. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In many respects, it doesn't seem that long ago that we gathered in Hollywood to celebrate Godzilla's induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Godzilla Final Wars float in the Hollywood Christmas Parade, the premiere of Godzilla Final Wars at Grauman's Chinese Theater and, especially, the 50th anniversary of Godzilla. But it has been almost 15 years since all that!

Above, the Godzilla mural at Toho Studios. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now, with Godzilla: King of the Monsters by Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. set to open late next month, we're now celebrating 65 years of Godzilla. Nothing like being reminded of my age since I was also born in 1954.

Daikaiju TV has come up with a cool video celebrating Godzilla's 65 years of destruction. To see it, go here.

Godzilla Posters Celebrate Chinese New Year

Above, one of the posters celebrating the Chinese New Year by Legendary Pictures.

You have to hand it to Legendary Pictures' marketing machine. They have come up with some beautiful Godzilla: King of the Monsters posters that celebrate the Chinese New Year.

According to Dread Central:

We’re still a few months out from Legendary’s kaiju sequel Godzilla: King of the Monsters hitting theaters but that doesn’t mean that the marketing machine isn’t rolling hard. We’ve already received two (unbelievably gorgeous) trailers and viral tweets are making people dig furiously for any hint as to what’s to come. Speaking personally, I’m beyond excited and I can’t wait to see the film! 

Today marks the Chinese New Year, which this year is the Year of the Pig. While there aren’t any specifically pig-like creatures in the Godzilla universe, that isn’t stopping Legendary Pictures from wanting to celebrate the event themselves, which they’ve done by releasing a collection of four beautiful posters that can be seen below.

To see the posters and read more, go here. 

Director Confirms Oxygen Destroyer To Be In New Godzilla Movie

Above, the orignal Oxygen Destroyer on display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Dr. Serizawa's invention will be making an appearance in the upcoming Godzilla: King of the Monsters, according to an article in Cosmic Book News.

According to the article, the Oxygen Destroyer will be making much more than a cameo appearance.

They wrote:

Back in August of 2017 while filming King of the Monsters, director Michael Dougherty took to Twitter to tease the Oxygen Destroyer used in the original 1954 movie and the 1995 film Godzilla vs. Destoroyah.  

In a new interview, Michael Dougherty confirms the Oxygen Destroyer will be used in King of the Monsters and that it will be more than just a nod to the previous movies. 

"It appears as an important key item to the story, this is not a cameo," Dougherty confirms to the Japanese site Cinema Today. "Of course there will also be other weapons created by humanity that will be shown." 

In the 1954 original movie, the Oxygen Destroyer is used to kill Godzilla, while in the 1995 film, the Oxygen Destroyer creates the monster Destoroyah who appears as three forms in the flick. Destoroyah's final version stands twice the size of the King of the Monsters and sports bat-like wings with large curved horns on its head, a humanoid body structure, a long tail, and pincer.

To read more, go here.

"Godzilla: King of the Monsters" Second Trailer

Godzilla, King Ghidorah, Rodan, Mothra and...Ebirah? Either that or something else with claws. We'll have to see!

The second trailer for Godzilla: King of the Monsters everyone's been waiting for has finally been released. It looks good!

As one fan said, "It exceeded my expectations!"

Here it is:

"Godzilla: King of the Monsters" Gets PG-13 Rating

Above, the Japanese poster to the 2014 Gareth Edwards film.

"I want this on my tombstone."

That was the reaction by director Michael Dougherty to the MPAA's rating of PG-13 of Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

According to Heroic Hollywood:

The first trailer for Godzilla: King of the Monsters premiered during the Warner Bros. Hall H presentation at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. The trailer really brought the house down and since then, fans have been eager to see more of the mayhem that director Michael Dougherty (Trick ‘r Treat; Krampus) has in store for the sequel to Gareth Edwards’ 2014 film. 

Recently, it was announced that the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) have given the official rating to Godzilla: King of the Monsters as well as the description for the rating. The film is officially rated PG-13 due to sequences of monster action violence and destruction, and for some language.

I wonder what Dougherty's reaction would be if it were rated R?

To read more, go here.