Frankenstein Conquers the World marks a departure from Honda's usual kaiju-fare of the mid '60s; however, it also marks a welcomed return to his horror aesthetic. Frankenstein features many graphic images that are intentionally brief and bloody, thereby leaving a lasting impression. The same is true for Honda's use of close-ups, especially on the titular … Continue reading How ‘Frankenstein Conquers the World’ Confronts the Monstrous Legacy of Hiroshima & Nagasaki
Category: Godzilla
30 Kaiju for November
As we bid farewell to Halloween and all its ghosts and goblins, we turn our attention to the warmth of Thanksgiving. Sitting around a dinner table, surrounded by loved ones, chatting monster movies. What, your family talks about other things? We're not ones to judge the conversations of others, but if you're looking for something … Continue reading 30 Kaiju for November
Shin Godzilla (2016)
Hollywood producers, take note: Shin Godzilla is how you can reboot a franchise in bold, ambitious, stylish ways, opting for true creative vitality instead of simply box-office profits. Put into production in late 2014 (the same year that the American Godzilla made almost $530 million worldwide, though it displayed precious little innovation while doing so), … Continue reading Shin Godzilla (2016)
Godzilla (1954)
Most horror-movie monsters are unleashed from somewhere deep within our collective id—the repressed fears which linger in “the dark, inaccessible part of our personality,” as Freud described it. We’re taught early in life that ghosts, vampires, and demons don’t really exist, but horror movies lure such terrors out into the open, agonizing the audience with … Continue reading Godzilla (1954)
Rebirth of Mothra (1996)
Discovering the stand alone Mothra trilogy is like finding $20 in your pocket. It’s such an wonderful surprise being treated to something you never expected. That is what Rebirth of Mothra promises for any kaiju fan, with Mothra/Godzilla enthusiasts getting a particular kick out of it. Director: Okihiro YonedaWriters: Masumi SuetaniRun Time: 106 minutesJapanese Theatrical … Continue reading Rebirth of Mothra (1996)
Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964)
It may sound like hyperbole, but Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964) is one of the most fun movies I've ever seen: a blast of visual splendor, offhand bizarreness, and kaiju-fighting mayhem from first frame to last. It was Ishiro Honda's sixth Godzilla film (after directing and co-writing the original film that spawned it all) and … Continue reading Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964)
Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973)
Godzilla vs. Megalon epitomizes the "best of times, worst of times" period of Godzilla films in the early 1970s; it exhibits the pure kaiju camp that makes these years so memorable, while also displaying the human snooze-fest that renders them equally forgettable. Jun Fukuda returns as director, having previously helmed Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972), Son … Continue reading Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973)
Godzilla Raids Again (1955)
Ah, Godzilla Raids Again. Considered by many the sophomore slump of the franchise. Considered by (at least) one, to be an underrated gem. Director: Motoyoshia OdaRuntime: 82 minutesJapan Theatrical Release: April 24, 1955; TohoUS Theatrical Release: June 2, 1959 as Gigantis, the Fire Monster; Warner Bros. First off, the film is noteworthy for the introduction of Anguirus – … Continue reading Godzilla Raids Again (1955)
Camp Kaiju 