New Japanese Godzilla Movie in 2016!

We've known for awhile that Toho, the Japanese studio that created the iconic Godzilla series is planning a revival of the King of the Monsters. This all comes in the wake of the hugely successful Legendary Pictures "Godzilla" by director Gareth Edwards. Godzilla earned $525 million worldwide and $26 million in Japan. Edwards is already signed to direct Godzilla 2 for 2018, but Japan isn't going to wait that long. With renewed interest in Godzilla, Toho feels it's time to bring an all new Japanese Godzilla to the world. 

The new film is scheduled for a 2016 release and recently Toho announced the project will be co-directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi. Anno is famous in Japan for creating the Neon Genesis: Evangelion anime series and directed the recent Evangelion movies that are a re-telling of the stories. Higuchi's work should be well-known to kaiju fans as he was special effects director the Gamera trilogy of the 1990s directed by Shunske Kaneko. Higushi has gain more attention in recently as he is helming the live-action adaptation of Attack on Titan manga and anime.

Anno and Higuchi have been long time friends and recently collaborated on the impressive short film, Giant God Warrior Appears in Tokyo. It is set in modern day and is a kind of prequel to the famous Animated feature Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and tries to show the origin of the giant warrior "men" that destroy the world. Watching it, one can't help but think that the two men were making a resume for a future Godzilla film. Some destruction sequences are obvious re-enactments from old Godzilla movies and astute fans will even recognize specific sound effects pulled directly from the old Showa series. Anno and Higuchi's backgrounds make them perfectly suited to take up the mantle for a new Godzilla in 2016. Along with the announcement was an image of Godzilla's foot with a never before scene 5th toe. In addition, Toho said Godzilla 2016 will break 2014's size record of 108 meters(354 feet). Making him the biggest Godzilla of all time!. We'll soon see two Godzilla franchises running at the same time on both sides of the Pacific...(joygasm)

Follow the link to watch the short film, Giant God Warrior Appears in Tokyo

Gareth Edwards to Direct Godzila 2 and 3

With his smash hit Godzilla by Legendary Pictures, soft spoken, and virtually unknown director Gareth Edwards has been thrust into the limelight and the big times. His only film prior to Godzilla was Monsters, a low budget, independent sci-fi movie about alien invaders which won rave reviews and turned heads in Hollywood.

Now Edwards talent for making monster movies has been proven at the box office. Godzilla has already made over $112 million domestically and nearly double that overseas.

As recently reported on Godzilla Movies, Legendary Pictures has confirmed Edwards is set to direct Godzilla 2 and 3, as well as the Star Wars spin off movies. They already have story ideas for Godzilla 2, but it's still early in development and they don't even have a script yet.

The web is all a buzz as to what kind of story or monsters will be in the sequel. In an article on KDrama Stars via JapNation AniManga, it was reported that in selected Asian countries and not in the US, there was a post credits scene to Godzilla. It showed an army of flying Muto being led by Mothra who creates hurricane force winds with her wings.

Also, in a Cinema Blend interview, Godzilla star Aaron Taylor-Johnson suggested Mothra as a possible sequel monster. There was also apparently an Easter egg scene in Godzilla where the Fords return to their abandoned home and there was a long dead moth inside an old terrarium.

Mothra is one of Godzilla's greatest adversaries. She's the complete opposite of Godzilla, beautiful, graceful, and benevolent; a guardian goddess. Will the Mothra appear in Godzilla 2? I personally doubt the rumors. Although beloved by fans, I think it would be difficult to make Mothra a believable monster to modern American audiences. She's a giant moth for goodness sake. The name itself is a play on words. Also, Mothra is too similar physically to the flying Muto.

But there's a deeper reason. Mothra is a benevolent monster-goddess defending mankind. She first battled Godzilla at a time when he was clearly the villain. But Gareth Edwards's Godzilla comes out as the hero, saving us from the 'evil' Muto. To keep Mothra's character intact, you'd need to do a role-reversal for Godzilla. Or, heaven forbid, make Mothra bad.

No, I think we're more likely to see another of Godzilla's foes resurrected. Probably a space monster, King Ghidorah I hope. The genetically morphing Gryphon monster would be great too. That unmade monster was dropped from an earlier script of the Tri-Star Godzilla movie. Only time will tell who Godzilla will fight next, but one thing is certain, the King of the Monsters will return.

Feral Godzilla 2014 Movie Still

Here's an awesome shot from Godzilla 2014. Godzilla turns to face his opponent with eyes flashing red with feral rage. A nightmarish image of brutal force.

Gareth Edwards' 'Godzilla' Brings Back Suspense to Summer Movies

This great article at Moviepilot by Sean Huchinson really hits the nail on the head. He goes against nit picking critics and tells us how Gareth Edwards and Godzilla have brought back a kind of storytelling that in this modern age of instant gratification, Hollywood has forgotten about; teasing an audience. This kind of movie was made popular by the bearded one himself, Steven Spielberg in monster movies like Jaws or Jurassic Park, where the big monster shots don't come until the movie is more than halfway over.

These days, the Michael Bays of the world throw up as many special effects on the screen as possible, and the story takes a back seat to the action. This environment has made audiences impatient for the next fix.

People complained that the new Godzilla had too little screen time, but they didn't understand Edwards was teasing us and creating suspense. Hollywood would do well to follow Edwards example and audiences shoul learn to be teased again. It'l make for much more interesting films.

Original 'Godzilla' Soundtrack Vinyl Cover Art

As recently reported on Bloddy Disgusting, Death Waltz Records is releasing the original Gojira 1954 movie soundtrack by Akira Ifukbe on vinyl. The record will be released on June 21st in both a green vinyl and 400 limited edition blue and white, "Atomic Breath" vinyl. The amazing cover art pictured above is by Cheung Chung Tat. The Godzilla in the picture is actually the Heisei design Godzilla of the 1990's, done in a retro look with Japanese Zeros flying in the background. Truly awesome. Go to Bloody Disgusting to stream the full album and reserve your copy today. 

Godzilla Atomic Breath Movie Stills

Here are a couple of incredible movie stills from Godzilla 2014. Godzilla uses his trademark atomic breath to kill the Muto monsters. The top image shows Godzilla firing on the Female Muto in the climactic final battle scene. The bottom image shows a Godzilla meme posted on Facebook comparing King Kong's T-rex battle with Godzilla ripping open the male Muto's mouth and firing his atomic breath at point blank range, the kiss of death. I don't care for the meme, but it shows the image pretty clearly. Below s a fan art of the same scene. I'm really glad Godzilla used his atomic breath in this movie. If e didn't have it, it wouldn't be Godzilla. Go see this movie now!

Godzilla 2014 Akira Takarada Airport Movie Still

Here's a movie still from Godzilla 2014 showing a scene that was ultimately cut from the final version. It shows veteran Japanese Godzilla actor Akira Takarada as the immigration officer interviewing Sergeant Ford(Aaron Taylor-Johnson) at the Japanese airport.

Takarada, a fan favorite appeared in the original Gojira in 1954 as Hideto, the dashing young sailor, Hideto, part of the love triangle including the beautiful Emiko and Dr. Serizwawa, who creates the oxygen destroyer which ultimately kills Godzilla. Ken Watanabe's character is also Serizawa. It's a real shame Takarada was cut from the movie, but his scene will surely appear in the Blue-Ray or special edition.

Godzilla's Colossal Opening Beats Spider-Man at Box Office!

Well, I called it here first folks, and if you don't believe me, check out my earlier post:

 Godzilla 2014 vs. Amazing Spiderman 2: Who Will Win?

Here's to all you nay-sayers out there that said Spider-man 2 would do better on the merits of it's a sequel to a household-named, famous character franchise. What's Godzilla, buttered toast!? You can get more famous than him. 

It's official, Legendary Pictures' Godzilla is a smash hit(notice I didn't day 'monster'), obliterating any competition at the box office this weekend and doing even better overseas. It officially earned $93.2 million in it's opening weekend, far above initial estimates around $70 million. It slowed down on Sunday, falling short of a hoped $100, but still beat out Amazing Spider-man 2 which earned $91 million in its opening weekend and has dramatically slowed down since then. Take that Spidey! Go spin a web or something. 

Godzilla broke a lot of stuff in the movie, but he didn't break any records though, falling only $2 million short of Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier for the biggest opening weekend this year. 

Reviews of Godzilla were mixed, but generally positive, especially of people who had low expectations going into it. Who can imagine that!?:) But even those who criticized Godzilla would have to admit, it's still a much better film than either of those mangled superhero movies. 

The summer is just getting started though, and it will be interesting to see what happens when the highly anticipated X-Men: Days of Future Past opens this coming weekend. Can Godzilla hold his own against Hugh Jackman and the huge ensemble X-men cast? Personally, I'm excited, but I think the overwhelming number of characters will work against it. Anyway, I think you know whose corner I'm in. Godzilla has returned to reclaim his throne. Long live the King!

Yahoo

 

Interview with Steve Ryfle, Author of "Japan's Favorite Mon-Star" about Godzilla 2014

Here's a great interview with a true Godzilla expert about the new Godzilla 2014 reboot from Legendary Pictures. Steve Ryfle is author of Japan's Favorite Mon-Star, a great, unauthorized biography of the Godzilla series. This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in Godzilla and I've referred to his book many times in writing this blog. Steve is also currently working on a biography of Godzilla director Ishiro Honda.

He's actually interviewed by his wife about is opinions on the new film. I have to say, he answers every question expertly and I agree with everything he says. He answers such interesting questions like:

Is the new movie a sequal or an origin story?

How much does it honor the Japanese films?

How does it compare to Ronald Emmerich's 1998 Godzilla?

Why haven't there been any new Japanese Godzilla movies?  and...

Is Godzilla too fat?

It's a great read. My hats off to you Mr. Ryfle. See if you agree with what he says, and be sure to get a copy of his book.

Yahoo Movies!

Incredible Godzilla 2014 Art Movie Poster

If a picture's worth a thousand words, then this awesome, new Godzilla 2014 art movie poster says it all. Will this movie get here already!?

Godzilla 2014 3D Spot with New Footage!

Here's an absolutely amazing short Godzilla 2014 featurette (Spanish sub-titled)with director Gareth Edwards and others on how they converted the film into 3D and that Edwards said it was better than shooting the movie first in 3D because you have more control afterwards.

But most excitingly, the spot features new footage we haven't seen before, especially of Godzilla swimming  toward naval ships in the ocean with his huge spines and tail coming up. Later, there's an aerial shot of Godzilla swimming with ships on both sides like an escort. There are also shots of Muto's feet dwarfing soldiers beneath as it walks.

I can't wait!

Godzilla 2014 Official Movie Soundtrack and Plot Details!

The Godzilla 2014 Official Movie Soundtrack by Golden Globe winner and Academy Award nominee, Alexandre Desplat has been released and is available on Amazon. In addition, the track list pretty much spells out every scene in the film, revealing the basic plot outline and recalling scenes we've already seen in the trailers. Below is the official track list with my own interpretation added

Read the track list here:

1. Godzilla!  (Film opens)

2. Inside The Mines (Giant Chongqing Sinkhole cavern in China)

3. The Power Plant (The destruction of Janjira nuclear plant in Japan. The scene where Bryan Cranston's wife, Juliette Binoche dies)

4. To Q Zone (Cranston and Taylor-Johnson go back to the power plant site, now a Quarantine Zone and government coverup)

5. Back to Janjira (Cranston is captured and interrogated. "Your hiding something" scene. Meets scientists Ken Watanabe and Sally Hawkins for first time)

6. Muto Hatch (Mutos emerge from giant monolith)

7. In The Jungle (Giant Muto in jungle)

8. The Wave (tidal wave in Hawaii)

9. Airport Attack (Godzilla attacks spider Muto at airport)

10. Missing Spore (?)

11. Vegas Aftermath (Destruction of Las Vegas, small Statue of Liberty destroyed)

12. Ford Rescued (?)

13. Following Godzilla (Ford wants to join military train convoy?)

14. Golden Gate Chaos (Godzilla attacks bridge with school buses)

15. Let Them Fight (Watanabe's plan to let Godzilla and flying Muto fight each other)

16. Entering The Nest (military tries to stop Mutos at the same time?)

17. Two Against One (Perhaps winged and land Muto attack Godzilla...giant caterpillar?)

18. Last Shot (Godzilla uses his atomic ray)

19. Godzilla's Victory (Godzilla wins, roars)

20. Back To The Ocean (self-explanatory.  with sunset?)

Soundtrack features score from Grammy Award-winner, Golden Globe-winner, and Academy Award Nominee Alexandre Desplat.
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.

Godzilla 2014 Expected to Have "Monster" Opening Weekend.

According to various tracking sources and industry experts, the new Godzilla 2014 reboot is expected to make in the woods of $60-70 million its opening weekend at the box office. And be even stronger in international theaters. Personally, I believe it will be even bigger, hopefully beating Spider Man 2 at $90 million.

Godzilla will be roaring all the way to the bank. The reboot will not only launch a new studio franchise, but usher in a new golden age of giant monster films on the big and small screen with the likes of Pacific Rim and the TV series "Enormous" in development. There are sure to be lots of imitators from other studios and the smaller straight to video market.

The Hollywood Reporter

First Godzilla 2014 reviews: Monsters Shown Sparingly, But Effectively

Before the May 16th release, Godzilla 2014 has been shown in selected preview showings for the press. The first reviews are in and very complimentary. And they confirm Godzilla's atomic breath!

The first reviews from the Vulture say Godzilla has limited screen time and doesn't appear until after the first hour. This is in keeping with many classic monster movies including "Jaws" and "Jurassic Park" and director Gareth Edwards was heavily influenced by Jurassic Park. The sparing use of the monsters helps build suspense and engage the audience. Edwards said that if you show everything at once, it leaves you no where to go.

The review from avpgalaxy.net was even more enthusiastic. It said about Godzilla:

"They nailed his character. He's intelligent, badass, and above all, scary...He's massive, and his ridiculous size is totally believable: every step, every roar, every movement carries so much weight. His roar is so loud..it shook the room."

and...

"Oh and his atomic breath...I needed new underwear."

This comes as no surprise to this writer. I said long ago after Gareth Edwards was hired, that he was the right man for the job and knows how to use effects sparingly, yet effectively to tell the story.
Every image, every trailer, every word, just makes me more excited about this movie. They got it right this time!

Read the full article at Movieplot.

Japanese Fans: Godzilla 2014 is "Fat"

A recent article at IGN reported that Japanese fans who saw a the Godzilla 2014 trailer said they thought the new Godzilla was too fat. They were, "annoyed with how fat the monster appears in the American trailer." and America had "done a Super-Size me". Others named Godzilla as "Calorie Monster", or "Godzilla Deluxe". Click on the link above for the full article.

 

Now, the Godzilla from the old Japanese series was never thin. He' always been "big" and had a triangular body shape and was bottom heavy. Early on in the Showa era movies of the 60's and 70's, Godzilla and the other monsters were portrayed in battle like sumo or pro-wrestlers and Godzilla has always had a bit of a pot belly. The original Godzilla had a height of 50 meters(164 feet) and this was maintained throughout the Showa series. However, in the Heisei series of the 1990's, Godzilla grew to 100 meters(328 feet). He was quite massive with thick, heavy legs. I believe this reached a peak with Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla(1994) when Godzilla actually did look fat. My sister and I had a nickname for him, "Thunder Thighs".  Godzilla went on a major diet for his appearance in Godzilla: Final Wars(2004). He was his thinnest ever and could actually run and turn on a dime, something I never liked. He moved too quickly and lacked weight and drama.

The new Godzilla 2014 is slightly larger at about 106 meters(350 feet). Actually, as much as I'm excited about the new movie and pleased that Legendary Pictures has remained true to the overall design and character of Godzilla, I partially agree with the Japanese fans. The new Godzilla is a little too "heavy". The neck is shorter and very thick. The head is a bit small and lacks definition in the shoulders. From the neck down, Godzilla gradually grows in contour. It's obvious that Legendary design was based on a bear. The face is distinctly bear-like and Godzilla resembles a standing bear from the front. I believe they did this to make Godzilla look less anthropomorphic, less like a man in a suit.

Godzilla look has changed frequently over the years. This is simply the next stag in his evolution. So in conclusion, I agree the new Bear Godzilla is a little fat and thick necked, but he's always been a little fat and I like it.

Godzilla 2014 B-roll Footage Video

Here's a new video of B-roll (rough cut, raw, alternative) footage from the new Godzilla film by Legendary Pictures. It shows behind the scenes or unused clips. You can see the cast cutting loose, joking around, or Director Gareth Edwards giving actors some tips. The anticipation is building in the last week before the movie opens on May 16. Enjoy.

M.U.T.O. Video Clip

Here's a cool video clip from the movie showing General David Strathairn telling us that M.U.T.O. actually means; Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organism. Not exactly the best of acronyms for a monster, but we'll take it. We see a good shot of the flying, bat-like Muto on the monitor. I'm ure we'll see extra-terrestial monsters in future sequels like King Ghidorah, I hope. In that case, they'll need a new acronym. M.U.E.O. doesn't sound so good. Cool clip though. Can't wait!

Incredible Godzilla 2014 "Let Them Fight!" Video Clip

Godzilla vs. Muto

This is an absolutely incredible video clip from the new Godzilla 2014 movie. It features Ken Watanabe and shows us why he is so important to the story. The military has obviously been unable to stop the monsters, so they are going with Watanabe's plan to let Godzilla and Muto battle each other. David Strathairn's General speaks to Watanabe and says:

"This Alpha Predator of yours Dr., Do you really think he has a chance?" Watanabe then gives his already famous quote from the movie,

"The arrogance of man is thinking nature is in our control and not the other way around."

and then...

"Let them fight!"

Then we see Muto flying through sky scrapers and Godzilla rising between the buildings to take on the challenger. You can see it in Godzilla's eyes;

"Bring it on!"

This will be the biggest movie of the summer!

Unbelievable Godzilla 2014 Trailer Still Shot

This unbelievable still shot from the new Asian trailer speaks for itself He his a god. This is the most terrifying, savage Godzilla of all time. Nothing can withstand him. The way it's done, it really looks like a man in a suit. Godzilla returns May 16. Long Live the King!

New Winged Muto Photos From The New Trailer

Here are some tantalizing new still images showing us the best details yet of the flying Muto from the new Godzilla 2014 Asian trailer. We see the huge winged Muto flying past an office window as people stare on in amazement and finally a shot of it heading straight for a waiting Godzilla in attack pose. It reminds me of Gyaos or Zigra from the old Gamera movies. The new trailer reveals Godzilla is our savior against the Muto threat;

Aaron Taylor Johnson: "Can you kill it?" (Muto)

Ken Watanabe: "I believe something can."

Aaron Taylor Johnson: "A monster?"

Sally Hawkins: "No...a God." (Godzilla)

Later Ken Watanabe sets up the climax:

"Let them fight!"

Let's get ready to rumble!  Godzilla opens May 16.