Gigantis, the Fire Monster

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Matthew D Godzilla speeds around without slow motion in a funny incarnation of Japan's nuclear lizard. Director Motoyoshi Oda's kaiju horror film Godzilla Raids Again (1955) is very silly. It unfortunately is the only Godzilla that doesn't take the effort to use slow motion for Godzilla's movements, so he just looks like Haruo Nakajim in a suit fighting Katsumi Tezuka's dinosaur Anguirus as they wrestle around. Motoyoski Oda's direction focuses on Godzilla's attacks and encounters rather than a particularly compelling human drama. Godzilla Raids Again is a fun 82 minutes of hilarious Godzilla action with a bit of humanity from the civilians. Writers Takeo Murata and Shigeaki Hidaka create a heroic gruff pilot, forlorn doctor, and the charming radio switchboard lady. Kazuji Taira's cuts are crafty for the avalanche sequence that makes it look real, while not really hiding Godzilla behind shadows or buildings this time. Cinematography Seiichi Endo uses mostly wide shots straight on of Godzilla without obscuring. I wish lighting from Masaki Ônuma was drearier with some shadows, so Godzilla looked less like a man stumbling around. Production designers Takeo Kita and Teruaki Abe do great miniature work with the ice cubes for the avalanche and snowfall to the breakable city mini models. Hiroshi Koizumi is likable as the main leading man Shoichi Tsukioka. Setsuko Wakayama is compelling as the sweet switchboard girl Hidemi Yamaji. I really liked the wild pilot Minoru Chiaki plays named Koji Kobayashi. Takashi Shimura is excellent as always as Dr. Kyohei Yamane with his concerns for Japan's safety as well as the creature Godzilla's well being. The monsters are fighting at regular human speed, so you can unfortunately easily tell it's just guys in suits with no gravity or physics at play here for Godzilla's massive size that would make him slower. Visual effects artists Eiji Tsuburaya and Sadao Iizuka do all sorts of tricks for Godzilla's Atomic Breath to him tearing apart the iconic Osaka Castle. Composer Masaru Satō's bass and cello heavy film score makes Godzilla's arrival rumble to life. I wish they used the Godzilla theme here, but it never happens. Sound designers Masanobu Miyazaki and Ichirô Minawa let Godzilla roar, Anguirus honk, missiles flare, bombs explode, and planes zoom by in the sky. In all, Godzilla Raids Again is ultimately disappointing compared to Godzilla, but I had an enjoyable time. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/14/24 Full Review Keith H Who in the sam hill is gigantis, I thought this was a godzilla movie. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 03/01/24 Full Review Spike G A not so good silly godzilla film Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/06/24 Full Review Ethan G Who made this movie and thought to themself - this is quality, because ... by golly ... it is absolutely NOT. Rated 1/5 Stars •  Rated 1 out of 5 stars 08/24/23 Full Review Audience Member The first Godzilla film had the complexity to make audiences think about the consequences of nuclear testing and horrifying nuclear war was within Japan. The sequel to Godzilla (Godzilla Raids Again) is just a cash grab that wants audiences to be entertained instead of thinking of any sort of social commentary. Godzilla Raids Again tells the story of Japan trying to survive Godzilla's return, as well as its destructive battle against its ancient opponent Anguirus. The writing by Takeo Murata and Shigeaki Hidaka was questionable to be honest as the film had some plot holes that make you want to scratch your head. The visual effects in this film also looked cheesier than it did in the first film especially since audiences can tell that the airplanes during the climax of the film are just childish toys. The first Godzilla film was satisfactory has the film had nuanced moments. But Godzilla Raids Again lacks any sense of nuance. Overall, Godzilla Raids Again is simply an inadequate, cheesy, and unnecessary sequel. Rated 1/5 Stars •  Rated 1 out of 5 stars 02/18/23 Full Review Tony S A self admitted, rushed cash grab, trying to capitalize on the hype of the original movie. And it clearly shows. No more careful shot composition to give Godzilla weight and stature. Now he and Anguirus are clearly people in suits flailing around, crashing miniatures. No more allegories to bombs and devastation after. Although there are theories that Godzilla and Anguirus were representing both sides of the Cold War, where with them fighting, only the people would be hurt in the end. Backing this theory is the fact that Anguirus originated in Siberia. Of course, it is largely irrelevant because this origin would be revealed only decades later. And come on, this movie isn't that smart for this. The characters aren't interesting, and no levity or their sacrifices resonate. Takashi Shimura shows up again. He clearly isn't happy about it. Since he predicted this exact scenario in the ending of the first film. But he doesn't mind; he is just going to show you a highlight reel from the first movie. In complete silence. Then disappear. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/22/22 Full Review Read all reviews

Gigantis, the Fire Monster

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