Godzilla (PG) - UK Review.
Based on the infamous Japenese legend, Godzilla is a tale of a huge lizard, it's mutated size caused by French nuclear testing. It's taller than the Empire State Building and has a huge appetite! What's worse, is that Godzilla has suddenly turned up in New York and is causing loadsa chaos as it tramples around, it's purpose unclear.
Naturally, the authorities are somewhat distressed at a huge lizard wrecking buildings and doing untold damage, so the chase is on to destroy this monster before it flattens the city. Add to the affray Matthew Broderick, a nuclear scientist and Jean Reno, a French secret service agent and you have a mix for two hours of fun.
Performances are quite good all round. Jean Reno (Leon) although underused, is excellent. There are some unexepected digs at the expense of the Americans, courtesy of chewing gum and coffee (you'll see) and Broderick gives some occasional, fine, comic deliveries.
Naturally, the real stars of Godzilla are the special effects. Seen before in Independence Day, they are provided again here to provide some quite spectacular scences of chaos and destruction.
On the downside, the story isn't really strong enough to sustain the two hours and I felt my attention occasionally wandering. Some scences in Godzilla will strongly remind you of Jurassic park and this film could have been easily wrapped up in 90 minutes.
Putting these flaws aside, Godzilla is a fun romp. The effects are quite something, there are some great chase scences and even some quite tense moments. Worth seeing, especially for kids, they'll love it.
7/10.
Review by Chris Hill.
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