Godzilla Minus One

Godzilla is a seriously tough sell for me. I've seen some of the films, and sadly probably not the best choices - the American ones ('Godzilla 1985' anyone?). Thus, the draw for me here is it being an original, Japanese film, and from the Toho Studio with their legendary history with the Godzilla character. To see the stellar reviews this was receiving from audiences (not critics), I felt obligated to see this. It was starting to feel like an "event release" on some scale, one I'd feel regret for not taking part in if I missed it's short theatrical window.

Does it deliver? Overall, yes. The special effects are for the most part, pretty darn incredible. They SELL IT, and that's essential with a literally larger-than-life character like Godzilla. I enjoyed as well the approach here of making this a drama, that happens to be about a giant monster, instead of being about Godzilla just walking around and destroying everything in its path. Here, you feel the stakes, and that was refreshing.

However, am I a convert now? No. The film is quite good in a few regards, and there is no doubt fans of this character and genre will and should fall head over heels for it. And as for me, I did enjoy it, which is in itself a miracle. But for me, another watch is unlikely, and frankly it didn't feel all that memorable, but that's my personal taste. So, I'd recommend it to pretty much everyone, but no question about it - this is not the miracle many seem to make it out to be. It's ideal - ESSENTIAL - for the fans, but bringing in a whole new audience? Still a tough sell.