Godzilla (1998) Review- By Michael J. Carlisle

Title: Godzilla
Year: 1998
Director: Roland Emmerich
Country: US
Language: English

After Godzilla was decisively snuffed for only the second time in his then-40-year career at the end of Godzilla vs. Destroyah, Toho announced that they would give their giant cash cow some breathing room. After announcing the hiatus, Tanaka turned around and sold the licensing rights to Sony on a limited basis for what was supposed to be a three-picture deal. Sony immediately got to work, bringing in a team that was still riding high after the success of Independence Day. 

Godzilla has surfaced in Manhattan, leaving destruction in its wake. To stop this monster (and its babies), an earthworm scientist, his reporter ex-girlfriend, and other unlikely heroes team up to save their city. 

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned (I'm assuming Godzilla is now a woman since men don't tend to lay eggs). Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin given a jaw-dropping budget, rounded up an all-star cast (which included most of The Simpson's stars) arranged for a memorable soundtrack, and had enough practical effects to probably blow up New York for real. Despite that, in addition to all the hype and merchandising that went into Sony's project, Godzilla (1998) is hated by most fans of the series (including Toho Studios itself).

Why? Well despite Godzilla's physical presence in the picture, many fans do not think this dinosaur stands for or represents anything. Throughout Japanese Cinema, Godzilla had always been an allegory or symbol for a decaying culture whereas here he seems to be nothing more than a creature. SHE doesn't seem to have a purpose. If SHE were replaced by any other monster the movie would still be the same. 

Much of what Godzilla has represented throughout history was lost on Americans and that is fairly noticeable here. Although, even Toho's executives got it wrong for much of the 70's, early 80's and some of the 90's. This film is nowhere near as bad as Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (shudders). I personally think this film is better than what fanboys will remember it as. If you came for the spectacle you will not be disappointed, but if you watched the film to find some brain food then you'll have to watch something else.