This is Godzilla's 20th anniversary movie, and Toho brought back some respected actors including Akihiko Hirata, Hiroshi Koizumi, and Kenji Sahara. Here, Godzilla meets his mechanical double called Mechagodzilla, employed by the Ape-like Aliens from the Black Hole in outer space called the Simeons (yes, another alien-invasion plot)! But, unlike "Godzilla vs. Megalon," this movie has more significance, turn-of-events, important characters and a solid plot.
*spoilers ahead*
A priestess from the Azumi tribe makes a prophecy that a monster will appear from a Black Mountain and will try to destroy the world. The priestess also predicts that two other monsters will come and try to save the world. This prophecy theme is used to gear towards another alien-invasion plot, but gets a little intriguing when the main characters go to explore and investigate to see if the prophecy will come true. And, putting in an Interpol agent into the mix gives the movie a little more excitement.
Not a lot of city destruction here, and that King Seesar doesn't really deserve to be called "powerful monster!" He really didn't do a whole lot, especially since he is an important element to the story; people took a big risk to try to obtain the statue that awakens him. Godzilla did more of the work. But, a nice Godzilla entry nonetheless, and it was nice to see some actors from the Godzilla movies of the 1960s. Mechagodzilla looks spectacular - full of weaponry and gear. Masaru Sato's score is catchy and fun and Teruyoshi Nakano did a much better job on the special effects. No stock footage was used, unlike "Godzilla vs. Gigan," and "Godzilla vs. Megalon," which Nakano also did the special effects for. This movie also marks the last appearance of Anguirus.
Overall, one of the better Godzilla movies of the 1970s. This movie deserves a special note, as it was the very first Godzilla film my brother saw. He's also a huge Godzilla fan.
Grade B+
*spoilers ahead*
A priestess from the Azumi tribe makes a prophecy that a monster will appear from a Black Mountain and will try to destroy the world. The priestess also predicts that two other monsters will come and try to save the world. This prophecy theme is used to gear towards another alien-invasion plot, but gets a little intriguing when the main characters go to explore and investigate to see if the prophecy will come true. And, putting in an Interpol agent into the mix gives the movie a little more excitement.
Not a lot of city destruction here, and that King Seesar doesn't really deserve to be called "powerful monster!" He really didn't do a whole lot, especially since he is an important element to the story; people took a big risk to try to obtain the statue that awakens him. Godzilla did more of the work. But, a nice Godzilla entry nonetheless, and it was nice to see some actors from the Godzilla movies of the 1960s. Mechagodzilla looks spectacular - full of weaponry and gear. Masaru Sato's score is catchy and fun and Teruyoshi Nakano did a much better job on the special effects. No stock footage was used, unlike "Godzilla vs. Gigan," and "Godzilla vs. Megalon," which Nakano also did the special effects for. This movie also marks the last appearance of Anguirus.
Overall, one of the better Godzilla movies of the 1970s. This movie deserves a special note, as it was the very first Godzilla film my brother saw. He's also a huge Godzilla fan.
Grade B+