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.

"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.

Max Borenstein Returning To Write "Godzilla 2"

Above, a scene from Godzilla. Photo: Legendary Pictures/Warner Bros.

The Godzilla world is abuzz with the news that screenwriter Max Borenstein will be returning to write Legendary Pictures/Warner Bros. Godzilla 2.

Moviepilot.com posted:

Legendary Pictures has closed a deal for Max Borenstein to write the screenplay for the sequel to Godzilla, which Gareth Edwards will direct. 

Borenstein wrote the script for the first Godzilla film, as well as the upcoming Skull Island, which was teased at this year's San Diego Comic-Con.

I thought Borenstein did a good job with Godzilla (after several changes in writers).

Skull Island is a prequel to King Kong. Godzilla 2 is slated to be released on June 8, 2018. It should have a good screenplay, Borenstein will about three or four years to write it.

To read more, go here.