For a limited time only: Things The Curmudgeon actually LIKES - Part Four!
If any of you are familiar with The Curmudgeon's other reviews, you may well be scratching your heads at this one. A FIVE star review?! That can't be right. And usually, YOU would be right. The Curmudgeon has dedicated 95 of his 100 reviews to bringing you the very worst things out there. To celebrate the 50 review milestone I reviewed 5 GREAT things that are available on Amazon, and so, now I've reached 100, I thought I'd do the same again. So, from reviews 100 - 105, it's going to be nothing but good, great and awesome stuff.
Sometimes there's no justice. The term "Giant Monster Movies" immediately throws up two names: Godzilla and King Kong. The two kings of the genre have never really been fairly matched, however. Whilst Godzilla has a far greater quantity of movies, the big monkey certainly wins out in the quality stakes. Godawful 70's remake and sequel aside, Kong has fared better in the original movie (easily one of the greatest movies ever made) and the new glossy big budget remake certainly fared better than the abysmal 90's US attempt at Godzilla.
Speaking of THAT film, it's included on this boxset. Now let us never speak of it again. There's far better films to consider, all of which embrace the sense of adventure, inventiveness and fun that make this genre such a joy to watch. This boxset collects some of the more recent efforts, miles away from the more kiddie-friendly fare of the 70's movies. These are far more, um, realistic(?) in approach, a nod to the more serious side of the Big G. It's a superb collection that, crappy American attempt aside, will please anyone who don't salivate over the latest 100 million dollar CGI-fest. A guy in a suit it may be, but the genius of these movies is their ability to make you believe that it's a bad ass radioactive dinosaur trashing Tokyo for the millionth time.
This review isn't just about this boxset in particular, but Godzilla movies in general. If you can accept the often ropey effects, the absurd plots and wonky dialogue, they offer a sense of escapism that is unmatched. These movies have a passion and genuine love for their monsters that is so infectious, it isn't long before you know all of the monsters and are cheering on your favourites ("Go Mecha-Godzilla! Wooooh!")
King Kong and Godzilla, then. Kong may have the better movies, but Godzilla remains the better - and best - monster. Regardless of all the "final movie" comments (pah, I'll believe it when I see it) - long may his reign continue.
And that's part four of five taken care of. Just one more thing that The Curmudgeon actually likes. But what on earth could it be? Only one way to find out...
4 comments:
Ooooooh, what an awesome boxed set! Having seen every Godzilla film ever made -many before they ever saw the light of day in America- I already own each of these films, but I'd strongly encourage old-school Godzilla fans who haven't seen the newer flicks to check this stuff out, it rocks. The effects on these films range from not-bad to pretty sweet, the stories are workable at worst and GMK (my all-time favorite kaiju smackdown) has some truly awesome shots and CG work (best Mothra ever!) that make it not just a great film for kaiju-philes (if you've ever used that word, you probably are one) but a fun and impressive flick for sci-fi and action fans in general.
Personally, I don't think Kong's got an edge on the big G at all. He's just more respected over here as a Western film icon and his films haven't been relentlessly butchered like Godzilla's have. "Gojira" and even the American re-working, "Godzilla: King of Monsters" are as good as the original "King Kong" and though the recent "Kong" remake was miles ahead of the abominable American GINO (Godzilla In Name Only) remake, I feel that in the long run the big lizard's best and worst match up with that oversized monkey's pretty well. Okay, maybe Kong has never been in anything as horrifyingly stupid as "Godzilla's Revenge", but I seem to recall a sequel to the 70's Kong remake which featured a female Kong with giant monkey tits, so I'll just call it a draw and be done with it.
There's still a fair few Godzilla movies I need to buy (some aren't available on DVD yet - come on Godzilla Raids Again, where the Hell are you?!) but some of the more recent ones have been just superb. I really hope this "Final" movie thing is a lie. It would be a shame to finish when the movies are this good.
GINO was one of my worst movie experiences of all time, even rivalling Star Wars Episode One for sheer disappointment. It still makes me angry thinking about it (he's running away from the army!!!)
As for the King Kong movie from the 70's - that would be Queen Kong, an unofficial sequel that was pulled after Dino De Laurentis sued the company, fearing it would harm his remake. Yes, it's absolutely AWFUL and - yes - I have it on DVD. Gotta love that groovy theme music - "she's the queenie, for my weenie." Oh dear oh dear.
I'm still waiting for "Godzilla 1985" on DVD; I haven't seen that one since I was very young and I remember loving it. "Queen Kong"?!? HA! I've only a vague memory of it, but now that I've read your description, I simply must see this horror again for myself. That song sounds like it might be worth the price of admission by itself.
Well, there are a couple of versions floating around. The one I have has a commentary from the director, but one on American ebay is a double feature with "White Pongo" which, if nothing else, is quite possibly the greatest name for a movie ever.
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