GODZILLA (2014) - MONSTERVERSE RE-VISIT!!!!

Initial release date: May 16, 2014

Studios: Warner Bros./ Legendary Pictures

Tagline: The King Will Rise

Plot: Ford Brody, a Navy bomb expert, has just reunited with his family in San Francisco when he is forced to go to Japan to help his estranged father, Joe. Soon, both men are swept up in an escalating crisis when Godzilla, King of the Monsters, arises from the sea to combat malevolent adversaries that threaten the survival of humanity.

Cast

Aaron Taylor-Johnson - Ford Brody

CJ Adams - Young Ford

Ken Watanabe - Dr. Ishiro Serizawa

Bryan Cranston - Joe Brody

Elizabeth Olsen - Ellie Brody

Carson Bolde - Sam Brody

Sally Hawkins - Vivienne Graham

Juliette Binoche - Sandra Brody

David Strathairn - Capt. Russell Hampton

Writer: Max Bernstein (Hypnotic; Godzilla vs. Kong)

Director: Gareth Edwards (The Creator)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of destruction, mayhem and creature violence (123 minutes)

A few days ago, I took a look at the latest MonsterVerse movie Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. And, even though that review will be posted on April 10, I can say that despite a little silliness here and there, The New Empire is a fun watch.

So, now, I will be going through the MonsterVerse once again to give an updated take - except for Apple TV's Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (due to not having a subscription).

The 2014 Godzilla reboot has a grounded feel which really works quite well. This movie delivers a dark and gritty tone that really fits with this cinematic universe.

Sure, the first part of the movie feels like a human drama focusing on the father-son relationship. Then, once Godzilla and the MUTOs come into play, the exciting action doesn't slow down. The design of the creatures are amazing and the visual effects are incredible.

if you haven't seen the 2014 movie yet, I highly recommend it. The story is great and the Godzilla/MUTO action is one of the best in the franchise!! You can currently stream Godzilla on Netflix and Max.

HERE ARE QUITE A FEW INTERESTING TIDBITS FOR 2014s GODZILLA!!

• Originally, Dr. Serizawa was to introduce the titular monster as "Godzilla," but actor Ken Watanabe asked the filmmakers to use the original Japanese name of "Gojira."

• Godzilla is covered in Keloid scars (raised, thick patches of skin). The original Godzilla (1954) was heavily scarred to evoke the gruesome marks borne by the survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.

• The US Marine Corps declined to participate after their experience in the 1998 movie. The Navy cooperated with the 2014 production.

• Haruo Nakajima, who portrayed Godzilla in a suit for the original, stated that he immensely enjoyed the film.

• Toho Studios provided sound designer Erik Aadahl with the original 1954 recording of Godzilla's roar. He upgraded the roar to a more organic, contemporary sound.

• The skydiving sequence was actually shot in real life by a team of professional skydive photographers.

• The MUTO design was inspired by King Kong, Alien, Jurassic Park and Starship Troopers.

• At the film's premiere, some Toho execs and staff members were said to have broken down in joy at the portrayal of their property Godzilla in this film.

• Andy Serkis provided consulting work on the film's motion capture sequences in order to "control the souls" of the creatures.

• Guillermo del Toro was considered to direct, but he was busy with Pacific Rim,.

• One of the main criticisms of this film was the lack of Godzilla himself, despite it having over 12 minutes of screen time (this is one of the highest amounts of screen time for Godzilla in a Godzilla movie). Many people criticized this "teasing" as boring and unfulfilling, while others praised its holding back of the monster as references to how the shark from jaws was teased until the end.

• This is the first American film where Godzilla is a heroic character, in keeping with his evolution from a villain to a hero in Japan.

• In January 2014, John Furrier of Forbes predicted that the movie would flop, citing past Godzilla flops to bolster his prediction. The 2014 movie grossed roughly $200 million domestic and $529 million worldwide.

• In October 2015, Legendary announced plans to create a shared cinematic experience franchise between Godzilla and King Kong that would lead to Godzilla vs. Kong.

• Full theatrical MonsterVerse films at this point: Godzilla (2014), Kong: Skull Island (2017), Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019), Godzilla vs. Kong (2021), Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIu85WQTPRc