Godzilla vs. The Sea Monster (1966) Review- By Michael J. Carlisle

Title: Godzilla vs. The Sea Monster
Year: 1966
Director: Jun Fukuda
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese

Toho had been steadily churning out Godzilla adventures at a rate of one per year since 1962’s King Kong vs. Godzilla. This time around, though, the series had lost two of its core players. Director Ishiro Honda bowed out, handing directorial duties over to Jun Fukuda, who would go on to helm five films total in the series. Special effects supervisor Eiji Tsuburaya had other commitments and he left  his duties up to Sadamasa Arikawa.

In this film,  a young man steals a boat to find his brother, but he and his shipmates become shipwrecked on a mysterious island inhabited by a giant sea monster and a slumbering Godzilla.

The original title of this film was called Operation Robinson Crusoe: King Kong vs. Ebirah. Yup, this picture was supposed to be about King Kong, but script re-writes gave Godzilla the lead role. Last minute changes like this script change and the loss of two great talents are the main reasons this entry just isn't as good as the previous entries in the series. 

The  greatest strength of Godzilla vs. The Sea Monster isn’t the monsters' presence; it’s the eclectic cast and their perilous journey to find a sibling lost at sea. Their island excursion plays out like Japanese James Bond. It would be a rather interesting movie if the monsters weren't included. Although because Godzilla doesn't show up until near the end of the film it does have very fun moments. 

Many parts of this picture are rather energetic and riveting. As a whole it isn't among the best of the series, but it's a hell of a lot better than Godzilla vs. Megalon. If you're a fan of the series then this is a must see, if you're not too into the giant lizard I'd stay away.