*****
Terrific monster movie that is both fun and funny, with a pleasing cast of characters and an effective interpretation of Godzilla. Panned by critics — most famously by Roger Ebert, who is lampooned in the film — many of whom saw too many similarities to Jurassic Park in its effects and probably didn’t want to offend Spielberg by enjoying it. Matthew Broderick is very good as a happy man in not always happy circumstances and Jean Reno plays the surprising role of a French agent with amusing aplomb. Action-packed and exciting, with a clever twist in the middle that keeps Godzilla himself from becoming boring. Simply one of the best.
Addendum (8/22/16)
In 2016, Variety placed this film at #4 (in a catchall of horror movies) on its list of the 10 Worst Movie Remakes of All Time. Silly lemming.
Terrific monster movie that is both fun and funny, with a pleasing cast of characters and an effective interpretation of Godzilla. Panned by critics — most famously by Roger Ebert, who is lampooned in the film — many of whom saw too many similarities to Jurassic Park in its effects and probably didn’t want to offend Spielberg by enjoying it. Matthew Broderick is very good as a happy man in not always happy circumstances and Jean Reno plays the surprising role of a French agent with amusing aplomb. Action-packed and exciting, with a clever twist in the middle that keeps Godzilla himself from becoming boring. Simply one of the best.
Addendum (8/22/16)
In 2016, Variety placed this film at #4 (in a catchall of horror movies) on its list of the 10 Worst Movie Remakes of All Time. Silly lemming.