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!
I got to thinking, why stop enjoying them? For me at least, they are just as fun now as then. These movies are indeed timeless in their charm.
After watching the newer ones, from the 1990's and beyond, I realized that they had been taken to entirely new levels. If you liked the older ones, you'll LOVE the later ones.
He returns in "Godzilla: Final Wars", along with Angilas, Gigan, Hedorah, and others.
It still was fun, though, but that flying Godzilla...I don't know about that one.
Harry Knowles BUMP!
Heh! I remember staying up every Saturday night to watch Wilkin's movies. It was right before the first Star Wars was about to come out.
This was back when cable TV's remote was this hugh push-button box on an actual cable for it's remote control.
Oh, those were the days.
Surprising that Toho has never made Godzilla into an anime character.
BTW, how is that one? I haven't seen it yet. Word is, that the Mechagodzilla in that one is part of a two-movie set, with the direct sequel being "Godzilla, Mothra, Mechagodzilla: Tokyo SOS", which is not out here yet.
See this article for a detailed look at all the Godzilla suits, and their respective movies.
An interesting diversion on a Friday night.
LC, I might have known! How are you doing?
Okay, take a break from the Crevo arguments...I haven't seen a science nut yet who didn't have a soft spot for Giant Monsters!
Doin' good, Colonel. Had a lovely dinner tonight with Ms. Behavin, and got to meet Ms. Poohbear, too!
Fun thread, Long Cut!!
Pop over to The Canteen when ya have a minute!!
;0)
Ms.B
Pretty good. Mechagodzilla (Called Kiryu) is built around the excavated skeleton of Godzilla of 1954 and uses it's DNA to run the machine, and can move in a blur (It body slams Godzilla to prevent his destroying a hospital). Supreme weaponry as well.
Kiryu made a comeback in Tokyo SOS, I hear.
Well, good for you! On all counts! I'll just consider myself envious.
In addition to Godzilla, thye used to have such stuff as "Yongary: Monster from the Deep", and "Gorgo", Britain's own Kaiju.
It's illogical, if you ask me. You've already got one monster destroying a city...so you build another? Seems then you get TWICE the damage.
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