When it comes to Kaiju movies, recent releases have been mixed to say the least. Whilst 2014's Godzilla certainly got the big fella's design and the story angle right (Godzilla is a monsterous amalgam of science and destruction of course) but the pace was off and it wasted the talents of Bryan Cranston, raising the ire of fans. Produced by Legendary pictures, it seems the studio got enough right with the 2014 version that it will be back for another crack at the genre next year with Godzilla: King of Monsters.
So what has Legendary learned in the least few years? Well, certainly it seems to recognise that, much like it's Pacific Rim movies, the monsters are the stars. The new film promises multiple Kaiju (or Titans as they'll be known here) with the latest trailer showing shadowy versions of Mothra, King Ghidora and Rodan so far. Something about the use of the mythical Titan label really appeals to me. I'm already on-board with the language of the story, which I think tells you a lot about exactly how the film is going to present the creatures.
Lets delve into what makes each of these stars so tantalising.
Mothra is shown in two forms during the trailer - in her larvae state, and what looks to be her flying form, with giant insect-like wings unfolding above a factory. The feeling of scale in the latter scene is absolutely terrific, and I admit I had a chill or two when I saw it for the first time. In older films, Mothra is a protector of humanity, so as much as any of these beasts can be considered good or bad, Mothra is the most likely to be "on our side" in the monster battles ahead.
Ghidora is a three-headed dragon. The trailer shows the creature encased in ice using some awesome lighting to cast a shadow - later Ghidora is shown against a smokey background, silhouetted in a similar manner to the gas creature from the recent second series of Stranger Things (appropriate considering the star!) Ghidora looks freaking incredible.
Rodan is a flying, dinosaur-like reptile. Historically this creature has been an ally and an enemy of Godzilla, so it'll be interesting to see which side of the fence Rodan sits on this time. Again, the scale of the creature in the few flying scenes from the trailer looks to be incredible. Not enough is shown to get a really good look, but the presence of this Titan can't be in any doubt.
Lastly, the titular Godzilla. As you'd expect, he makes the most appearances in the trailer, and the gentle, rising hum he generates before firing his nuclear breath into the sky is absolutely jaw-dropping. I can't wait to hear it in Dolby at the cinema!
As much as you can tell anything from a trailer, this one concentrates on two things - scale and awe. Director Michael Dougherty and Cinematographer Lawrence Sher seem to "get it" when it comes to framing these beasts - just look at the effect the wake of Rodan's flight has on the towns below, or the break of water around Godzilla when he surfaces. It really does feel like we're going to see the sort of titanic fights that will dwarf anything seen in Pacific Rim. The cinematography is absolutely to die for, and the cast, which includes Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), Kyle Chandler (Wolf of Wall Street, Argo) and Stranger Things' Milly Bobby Brown among others, is extremely solid.
I'm genuinely hoping that Legendary have learned their lessons from the 2014 film, will make better use of the cast and bring on the monsters. I don't get excited by films much these days, but I really can't wait to see this one!
Godzilla: King of Monsters will be released in May 2019
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