Horror films - 2019
| Godzilla: King of the Monsters | Us |
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After a surprisingly long wait after Godzilla (2014), Warner Brothers powered back with this ambitious sequel. The producers listened to the complaints about Godzilla keeping the star of the movie hidden much of the runtime and don't make that mistake here.
The story: The Monarch scientists figure out a way to transmit signals to the "Titans," the gigantic creatures such as Godzilla and several others they have discovered, which can influence their behavior - calming them, calling them, etc.. Eco-terrorists become involved, believing that the Titans need to wipe the planet clean to undo the damage caused by humanity. The terrorists locate a monster in the ice of Antarctica with power to rival Godzilla's that they name "Monster Zero." This is revealed to be Ghidorah, the 3-headed dragon. Gigantic conflicts soon follow with the awakening of Rodan in Mexico, who Ghidorah defeats in battle and recruits to his side. The film is conluded with a city-flattening showdown at Fenway Park. (Sorry, Boston.)
There have been several complaints about this film. But, frankly, I think they are all off base. There is a family story amidst the humans fighting the Titans, involving Millie Bobby Brown, Vera Farmiga, and Kyle Chandler. It's a bit absurd to complain about this. It is better than the human subplot in Godzilla, and it's just framing for the giant monster mayhem anyway. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Godzilla, Ghidorah, Rodan, and Mothra throw down with decent special effects. Yes, it's a silly story and a preposterous premise. But it's exactly what I wanted it to be. I'm looking forward to the next one. All the naysayers are kindly given permission to stay home.
- JC
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While writer/director Jordan Peele's follow-up to Get Out has an interesting premise - a normal family confronted with twisted versions of themselves - the story behind it is about as far from plausible as one can get. Lupita Nyong'o gives a good performance and there is some slasher-level horror and suspense, but people were trying too hard to like this fairly forgettable film.
- JC