Posted on 06/25/2004 3:11:11 PM PDT by Long Cut
After banging around on some threads lately, it has become obvious that a decent number of FReepers are fans of Japan’s most famous monster, GODZILLA.
This is certainly understandable; that worthy creature has appeared in 28 movies over 50 years, has had two animated TV series, as well as a series of novels devoted to his exploits. Most of the movies we enjoyed as kids, whiling away Saturday afternoons in the days before cable with those great old ‘60s and ‘70s films with the Big G and his buddies Rodan, Mothra, Angilas, and a host of others. Lots of fun memories there, right? (C’mon...how many of you almost drove Mom crazy by trying incessantly to imitate the famous roar of Godzilla...at the top of your lungs? ‘Fess up.)
Myself, I have over 20 of Godzilla’s best (and worst) films on tape and DVD, as well as Daikaiju Eiga (giant monster movies) with other famous creatures of yore...Gamera the fiery turtle, Gorgo, and King Kong.
What is it that draws us to these creatures? Why do we take such pleasure in watching men in suits trash fake cities? WHO CARES?!?! They’re FUN!
Not only that, but they are perfectly suitable for our own children, being free of the sex and profanity so common today. Heck, I still own several Godzilla toys from years ago, and some NEW ones I “impulse bought”, to my wife’s chagrin, a few years ago when the American “GINO” (Godzilla In Name Only) came out.
Godzilla is actually a great fit for conservatives, is he not? Let’s see...he is steadfast in a fight, never running from confrontation and always standing up for himself.
He favors personal weapons, bringing his famous Atomic Breath (“Assault Breath”?) everywhere, carrying it concealed until needed. He has also taught his children the safe use of this weapon, as a good father should.
He is a good family man, taking care of both of his children single-clawedly, and homeschooling them besides. In fact, when one was taken by government agents (possibly from HHS), he retrieved the lad by leveling a city. As mentioned, he taught both the proper use of FIREarms.
He disdains illegal aliens, especially those from the planet Kilaak, whom he turned to cinders himself instead of bothering to wait for the INS. Repeat atmosphere-crossers, like Ghidorah, get similar treatment. In fact, no illegal aliens have ever faced anything but trouble from the Big Guy. He even destroys their ships, to prevent recidivism.
He hates government intrusion in his private life, such as when the government sends battalions of tanks to stop him from peaceably going for a walk. Not even David Koresh, however, reduced tanks to molten slag in defense of his Liberty.
He’s a team player as well as a good leader, having rallied other monsters to a cause and leading them on to victory, that being the obligatory stomping of (illegal) space alien ass, and of course the severe beating of Ghidorah.
He has no patience with the Endangered Species Act, which he proves by mauling and torching endangered giant mantises, spiders, and moths who pester him.
Yes, there’s a lot to like about the old geezer, and I figure that this is as good a place as any to discuss his and his bunch’s finer points.
So what’s your favorite movie? Favorite monster? How about the best battle, or what fight would you like to see? Let’s chew on that for a while...it’s the weekend!
Many FReepers, especially those of us in "Gen X", have many fond memories of the Big G and friends (and some of us never grew out of it, LOL), so I thought a thread like this would be a good place for us to gather and kick around old memories and personal opinions of these charming-if-cheesy entries in film history. We might also discuss such topics as "Godzilla versus Great Cthulhu...who'd win?" (which just occurred to me...wouldn't THAT one be great?!?).
Let the fun begin!
If you want ON or OFF my "PINGZILLA" list, please FReepmail me.
I've been looking for a pic of Anna Nakagawa, the time-travelling hottie from G vs KG.
No luck.
Stomp Tokyo! - Reviews of EVERY Godzilla movie, general Kaiju movies, and much, much more!
Big Clawz! - Tons and tons of info and downloadable Kaiju pictures!
Monster Zero! - All the latest news about those big lizards, turtles, moths, etc...
Kaiju Fan! - Source for articles and speculation about monsters in general. Much good stuff!
Enjoy!!!!1
She WAS quite the little Betty, wasn't she? Check the links above...might be something there. If not, give Google Image search a try.
BTW, Belated congradulations and best wishes for your wedding! May a lifetime of love stretch before you!
KAIJU GALLERY! - Lots of great pics and stats on the critters!
Okay, I'm out for now...going to dinner. Back later, see ya!
Thank you Long Cut! Good luck carving out your Monster spot!
Interesting that some times his face was reptilian, and other times is was very nearly feline.
Ah, memories!
Speaking of Godzilla's foes, don't forget Aspiga! That humongous spider was one nasty critter.
MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT! MAN IN SUIT!
I remember being five years old and BEGGING my Dad if I could stay up until 2AM to watch that movie. My Dad left, rolling his eyes at the song, "Save the Earth," (Probably running toward the nearest toilet).
Then when I saw it again when I was 13, I could understand why.
It WAS a pretty lame song. Great movie, though.
Fried Hedora spawn, anyone?
I have no doubts that Gandalf would have, given the opportunity, persuaded Godzilla to help out against Sauron, and I'm equally sure Sauron would have soon wished that he didn't.
Mumakil would have made perfect G-snacks!
OH! Was it on Bob Wilkin's?
The 1990's suits had a distinct "feline" look which was uncanny onscreen...Godzilla looked more dragon-like in that version.
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