I like to joke that movies like this all follow a similar format: we get two hours of snippets of a monster but mostly just the destructive aftermath. This shows us the scope of the issue the characters will be dealing with in the final action sequences. The main decision we have to make afterward is whether or not it was worth sitting through the first couple of hours or not. Movies are only rewatchable when the entire film is entertaining.
I trust Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) enough to hold my attention to build some great human moments, but let's face it, I'm going to this movie to see a giant monster tear a city to shreds. I'd better get it. Judging by most of the promotional images for the film, I may end up sitting through two hours of this:
This new Godzilla series may have some competition in the genre with films like Pacific Rim, Super 8, and Cloverfield all considering sequels. The winning trophy will go to whichever series has the best lead characters and the best action sequences. The issue comes with balance. How do you justify a 2-hour fight scene that makes the kids squeal but gives the adults a headache? With these movies all having 2+-hour run times, there are much more opportunities to make this a reality.
A lot of work does go into these films, especially when you're stuck with quality actors reacting to tennis balls on a stick. Here is some behind-the-scenes footage of how the humans fare against the might of Godzilla:
Official synopsis of Godzilla:
In Summer 2014, the world’s most revered monster is reborn as Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures unleash the epic action adventure Godzilla. From visionary new director Gareth Edwards (Monsters) comes a powerful story of human courage and reconciliation in the face of titanic forces of nature, when the awe-inspiring Godzilla rises to restore balance as humanity stands defenseless. Gareth Edwards directs Godzilla, which stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick-Ass), Oscar® nominee Ken Watanabe (The Last Samurai, Inception), Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene), Oscar® winner Juliette Binoche (The English Patient, Cosmopolis), and Sally Hawkins (Blue Jasmine), with Oscar® nominee David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck., The Bourne Legacy) and Bryan Cranston (Argo, TV’s Breaking Bad).What are your expectations? Will this be a mindless popcorn flick or a heart-wrenching action thriller?
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