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The Great Greta Garbo

Glamorous, compelling, and ever so famous was the iconic movie star, Greta Garbo. She graced Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s with films like “Wild Orchids” and “The Kiss.” Altogether, she starred in thirty-three films and captivated men and women alike.

Greta was born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson on September 18, 1905 in Stockholm, Sweden and died April 15, 1990 in New York City at the age of 84 to pneumonia. Her childhood was that of poverty where her family lived in the slums. Her father was an itinerant laborer and didn’t earn much money to give his family the life he wanted for them to have. When Greta was old enough to work, she took various positions to help ease the strain of supporting the family.

One fateful day, film director Erik Petschler saw Greta and was mesmerized with her beauty after seeing her in a commercial advertising women’s clothing and he offered her a small role in his 1922 film “Peter the Tramp.” She was bitten by the acting bug and she started school at the Royal Dramatic Theater in Stockholm. She landed a major role in a 1925 Swedish movie “Gösta Berlings Saga” (The Saga of Gösta Berling). The director, Mauritz Stiller changed her birth name to Garbo as he felt it was fitting and becoming for her unique beauty. Seeing her potential, he negotiated with MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) Studios in Hollywood and secured her a contract. Louis B. Mayer had doubts about Greta’s screen performance until the release of her first American 1926 film “The Torrent.” Her lustrous glow and the fluidity of how she moved impressed Mayer so much so that he gave her an exclusive contract.

1930’s “Anna Christie” was Greta’s first sound film. The movie was marketed with “Garbo talks!” She would earn three Oscar nominations for best actress for her performances in “Anna Christie,” “Camille,” and for “Ninotchka.” She never did win, but she did receive an Honorary Academy Award in 1955. She won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for best actress for her performance in 1935’s Anna Karenina. Her last film was “Two-Faced Woman” in 1941 and it received bad reviews that greatly humiliated her. Her acting life halted despite offers for other films after the movie flop.

Greta never married nor did she have children. Her first romance was with her often co-Star John Gilbert. In her latter years, she had a relationship with Leopold Stokowski, conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra. It’s rumored that she had an affair with Russian-born millionaire George Schlee, stealing him from his wife. It’s specualted that Greta was bisexual, some would claim she was predominantly lesbian, but no one could confirm that. Though she appeared in events, she disliked the feeling uncomfortable acting like a socialite because it wasn’t who she was.

Greta would live the remainder of her life in a New York City apartment. She was an honored guest in the White House and She received treatment for breast cancer and would have dialysis treatment at a local hospital where she would later die from pneumonia. She will always be regarded as one of the most beautiful and graceful women that gifted us with her talent.

Until next time, Aloha oe.

Photos: *Getty Images, Posterlounge

#greta garbo #golden age #movie talk #movie time #movie theater #historical #actress #old hollywood #black and white movies #silent movies #silent film #movie star #hollywood history #hollywood #hollywood legend #actor #silent film actresses #hollywood actress #famous #movies #movie theme #league of legends #legendary actress

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The Golden Age of Radio, ep. 01

Tesla did invent the wireless radio that he held a public demonstration in 1893, but an Italian inventor named Guglielmo Marconi believed communication could happen through radio waves using what he called “telegraphy without wires” and he proved it in 1865 by sending and receiving a radio signal by Morse code. His intention was to use wireless communication to contact ships and he wanted to broaden his reach by transmitting waves across the Atlantic on December 12, 1901. There are historians that say Marconi stole the radio from Tesla, but regardless, he did invent radio waves and he was the first to send communication which he is credited as the father of radio.

After much work to perfect wireless communication, ships were outfitted with radios that proved beneficial when sailing the seas. The Titanic used radio to send distress signals to nearby vessels for aid, and though too many passengers lost their lives, many were indeed saved.

Marconi revolutionized radio communications. The first recorded radio broadcast happened in 1906 on Christmas Eve. Canadian Reginald Fessenden, also named father of radio, worked with Edison in New Jersey for years to improve radio waves by transmitting sound like human voices and he proved it accomplishable with the first audible broadcast on Christmas Eve. Fessenden introduced the small ensemble playing Christmas tunes and he would end the show, “Goodnight to all.”

January 13, 1910 was the first live public broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. Radio communication proved effective in World War I, but a decade later in 1920 marked a historical event when Pittsburgh station KDKA aired the first commercial broadcast in America on Election Day, November 2, to announce the results of the Harding and Cox. The success of the broadcast inspired other stations to start their own broadcast programs, and thus, this paved the road for the Golden Age of Radio in America.

In the 1920’s, From 1930 through to the 1940’s commercial radio programs aired with programs that entertained families in the privacy of their homes. The function of radios wasn’t limited to homes, but also on battlefields, in the air, and on the seas in both World Wars I and II.

Radio programs allowed its audiences to visualize performances and favorites brought families together to enjoy their favorites: The Jack Benny Program, Amos ‘n’ Andy, Dick Tracy, Burns and Allen… a few of so many. RCA - later became NBC, CBS, and ABC were the biggest networks that contracted celebrities and their sponsors that were recorded in New York City or Hollywood. During the birth of television, shows would move from NYC to Hollywood as programs started to converge over from sound to sight.

If ever you get an opportunity to listen to a radio program, do so with an open mind. You’ll be amazed between the difference. Until next time… aloha oe.

Photos: *BBC, Britannica, The Canadian Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Getty Images

#movie talk #movie time #old time radio #review #1950s #1930s #1920s #hollywood history #reviews #1940s #old hollywood #golden age #golden hour #entertainment #inventions #history #historical

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The Era of Silent Films, ep. 01

Silent films united the world as a universal language of artistic majesty. The art of acting was body language and facial expressions, but it was music played by orchestras that impacted theater goers by unleashing emotional reactions film directors desired.

The oldest surviving silent film was recorded in October 14, 1888 by Englishman Louis Le Prince called the Roundhay Garden Scene. Le Prince filmed his son, his in-laws, and a woman enjoying an afternoon in the garden at his in-laws’ home. Le Prince’s invention of capturing moving images on camera predated Edison’s invention of the Phonograph.

In 1895, two Frenchmen brothers, Louis and Auguste Lumiere, invented the Cinemetographe and a specific kind of film to capture daily activities in France. The movie was released at the Grande Cafe in Paris and they charged admission to view their series of films.

Australia produced the first feature silent film in 1906 by filmmaker director Charles Tate, The Story of the Kelly Gang. This would be the longest narrated film in its time running over an hour long.

In America, viewing of silent pictures began in 1894 in Manhattan at Kinetoscope Parlors and Nickelodeon picture houses with 30-second long films made by Thomas Edison. He later produced a twelve minute long film in 1903 titled The Great Train Robbery directed by Edwin S. Porter. This film is credited for launching America’s film industry, however, masters of the industry were from overseas. Compared to America, quality of productions was superior because of elaborate details flowed flawlessly as to studios here didn’t have money to create lavish sets to tell a good story.

D.W. Griffith dared to challenge films made overseas by concentrating on directing one film. He adapted a story from Rev. Thomas Dixon’s book The Clansman. Griffith’s father was veteran of the Civil War which was the influence for his big production. Joseph Carl Breil wrote the score and on February 18, 1915, the movie premiered at Clune’s Auditorium in Los Angeles where he conducted the entire Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. It’s reported that men cried in theaters and even President Woodard Wilson said it was like seeing history in a flash. Griffith later changed the title to The Birth of a Nation because of the film’s emotional impact on people.

The Birth of a Nation was controversial and it caused riots across America, but despite the problems it created, the movie launched the filmmaking industry of quality films into what it is today. I will cover this in another post.

The silent film era gave us great movies, iconic movie stars, and a universal connection around the globe. Until next time… Aloha oe.

Photos: *Next Best Picture, Collider, Getty Images, OpenALG, ToughtCo,

#movie review #movie talk #movie time #silent film #movie history #movies #movie theme #review #movie theater #hollywood #hollywood history #silent movies #historical #black and white movies #hollywood icons #19th century #cinemetography #filmmaking

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Dark Universe: THE WOLFMAN, 2010

Hollywood introduced movies based off of folklore about monsters that lurked in the shadows. The first horror movie of this kind was 1921’s The Death of Dracula, the first adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel. Frankenstein, mummies and werewolves became silver screen icons beloved by monster horror fans throughout the world.

Universal Studios wanted to have their own universe to compete with Marvel and DC; they created The Dark Universe. In 2010, the studio released THE WOLFMAN.

The 1hr 42mins film stars Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, and Hugo Weaving. It was directed by Joe Johnston and screenplay credit goes to Andrew Kevin Walker and David Self. The movie was adapted on the motion picture screenplay by Curt Siodmak.

The movie was indeed gory, but tastefully done. The movie opened with ominous music that set a haunting tone of a woman reading a cryptic poem: “Even a man who is pure of heart and says his prayers by night may become a wolf when the wolfsbane blooms and the autumn moon is bright.”

A man holding a lantern hastily walks through a dark forest seeking someone. A flock of birds fly up from the ground startling both man and movie audience from the start, and then… swoosh! A large creature bolts out of nowhere taking the man down.

1891, in the quaint town of Blackmoor, just a day’s travel by train from London, lives a man of substantial wealth, Sir John Talbot (Hopkins). His son, Ben, is engaged to Gwen Conliffe (Blunt) from London. Ben mysteriously vanishes and Gwen writes a letter to his brother in America, Lawrence (Del Toro), about the disappearance. She pleads to him to return to England, asking for help to find her beloved.

Lawerence returns to England and is greeted by his father in the foyer. The welcome is dispassionate and Lawrence explains the purpose of his return, but his father tells him that Ben’s mutilated body was found. Lawrence goes to town to see his brother and is appalled at the condition of Ben’s corpse. Later, Lawrence is at the pub staring at a gold medallion that belonged to Ben. Though his eyes concentrates on the gold piece, his ears listen to the patrons talk about the mutilation of his brother’s body and a murder happened twenty-five years ago. One man blames this murder on the Gypsies that are camping outside of town.

Later, Lawrence returns home and presents to her Ben’s personal belongings. Lawrence walks through the house and enters the bedroom he shared with Ben in their youth. He’s overwhelmed with memories: he and his brother happily play in the courtyard with their mother. Then he remembers finding his mother dead in his father’s arms of a supposed suicide. His father sends him to Lambeth Asylum in London because he began having delusions after seeing his dead mother. The next day is Ben’s funeral. Afterwards, Gwen and Lawrence become acquainted before she leaves for London.

That evening, Lawrence goes to the Gypsy caravan asking about the medallion. While meeting with a mystic named Maleva. Their meeting is interrupted when a band of townsmen raided the caravan to seize the bear, but then out of nowhere, a massive beast emerges from the forest and begins killing people. Lawrence sees the beast and starts shooting at it. A little Gypsy boy runs to a hilltop with stone structures and the creature chases the lad. Lawrence sees this and runs to the boy to save him, but when he reaches the hilltop, the beast viciously attacks him on the neck. The beast is chased away and Lawrence is being stitched by Maleva.

While recovering at home, Lawrence suffers a fever and is stricken with nightmares. Once the fever breaks, he awakens to see Gwen sitting next to the bed. A doctor comes over to examine the wound and is befuddled to how well and quickly his wound healed. Later that day, a band of townsmen arrive and attempt to take Lawrence away. Sir John shoots at them and orders them to leave. The men argue, and Sir John shoots at them, missing, and warns them to never trespass on his property again or the next shot fired won’t miss. The men reluctantly leave.

In town, a Scotland Yard inspector, Francis Aberline (Hugo Weaving) arrives to investigate the attack. He goes to Talbot Manor and asks Sir John for permission to speak with Lawrence but Sir John denies him a visit, but makes an empty promise that maybe in a few days. Lawrence appears and agrees to meet with the inspector. The interview turned from civil to accusations and insults. The inspector leaves. That night, Lawrence realizes he’s different and sends Gwen home to London because he feared that she would get hurt.

One night, Lawrence follows his father to a crypt on the property. When inside, he sees a tomb with a carving of a woman adorning the cover. A small room adjacent to the tomb contained a portrait of his mother with lit candles. Sir John confronts Lawrence and gives him a cryptic warning about the full moon, a warning that he will do horrible things as he locks himself in the small room.

Lawrence undergoes his first transformation and turns into a werewolf. He escapes the crypt and kills men hunting the creature that killed men at the Gypsy camp. In the morning, Sir John awakens Lawrence sleeping inside of a tree. He disappointedly tells his son that he’d done the most horrible thing in the night. Lawrence is arrested by Inspector Aberline and is taken to Lambeth Asylum again.

The doctor at the asylum is the same one who treated Lawrence when he was a boy. The doctor uses torturous treatments on him to cure him of whatever delusional ailment that’s plaguing his mind. Later, the doctor performs a medical lecture with an audience, including Inspector Aberline in attendance, using Lawrence as a subject for shock therapy. A full moon appears; Lawrence warns the doctor that he will kill everyone in the room. No one listens. All are in shock to see Lawrence transform into a werewolf; chaos erupts and the doctor is killed.

Lawrence escapes, exposing himself running through London streets with Aberline and men chasing him. It’s morning; Lawrence hides in Gwen’s store and she promises to help him, but he refuses her offer. He travels on foot to Talbot Manor to kill his father while Gwen seeks help from Maleva. Meanwhile, Aberline and fellow inspectors from Scotland Yard set up When he arrives, his father is there and the two transform into werewolves and begin fighting. Gwen arrives at the manor and witnesses the two beasts fight. She picks up a gun and runs away. Behind her, Aberline enters the manor after Sir John is killed. Lawrence bites him but releases him to run after Gwen. Aberline picks up a cane with a silver head before he follows suit.

Gwen is trapped at the cliff when the frightening beast she knows is Lawrence appears. With all her might, she pleads to him to not hurt her. He softens his gaze. Gwen picked up the gun and shoots Lawrence, thus, ending the curse. Aberline arrives to see Gwen embracing Lawrence. An ironic ending shows the inspector covering the wound in his neck and the scene spans downward onto the cane in his hand with a silver wolf’s head.

“The Wolfman” received less than favorable reviews from critics. The studio president at the time, Ronald Meyer, disliked the movie and even said it was crappy. Production budget was $150 million and only earned $142.6 million. Despite the negative criticism, the movie earned an Oscar for best makeup at the 83rd Academy Awards.

Personally, I enjoyed the movie. Its pace was quick and though there are many holes that needed filled to explain how would they know or how did they know, but overall, the film was entertaining.

Movie grade: 0.0 to 4.0

Movie score: 3.0

Photos: *IMDb, Getty Images

#the wolfman #movie review #movie talk #movie time #movies #dark universe #monster movies #werewolf #werewolves #movie release #movie theater #horror movie #movie recap #movie ranking #movie reaction #review #reviews #theatre #movie theme #movie thoughts #movie title

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MCU’s FANTASTIC FOUR

The dynamic duo, Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, created a super hero family with powers to protect the world from dastardly evil beings with plots to rule the earth. The mighty team is led by scientist Reed Richards - Mr. Fantastic, Susan Storm (Mrs. Richards) - The Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm - The Human Torch is Susan’s brother, and Ben Grimm - The Thing is Reed’s best friend.

The team went a test flight expedition aboard a space ship when they were hit by a cosmic storm containing a massive amount of gamma radiation. Though they weren’t injured, they soon discovered that the exposure to the radiation altered their DNA, each having a different life-changing effect. They each learned their abilities and became superheroes.

Reed’s body became elastic and rubbery, stretching to unbelievable lengths. Susan can make herself invisible along with the ability to create force fields. Johnny’s body ignites into flames as hot as the sun and he can fly. Ben’s anatomy transformed into stone with unmatchable physical strength. Together, the combined abilities of the team makes them one to be reckoned with, but challenging for their foes to want to conquer.

From Pages to Screen

THE FANTASTIC FOUR first came to life in 1963 with ten episodes.

Cartoon series entertained fans of all ages in 1967, 1978, and in 1994 - all fun and enjoyable to watch.

In 1994, a TV movie was made but not released. The budget was low and it was during screening that producers refused to air it because of the low quality special effects and acting.

In 2005, 20th Century Fox released the first of two the FANTASTIC FOUR films starring Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards, Jessica Alba as Susan Storm, Chris Evans as Johnny Storm, Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm, and Julian McMahon as Victor Von Doom. The movie’s budget started at $87.5 million and when production wrapped, it cost the studio $100 million to make. FOUR fans rushed to theaters to see their beloved heroes earning the studio $333.5 million dollars.

In 2007, the cast reprised their roles in FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER. Budget for this production was $120-$130 million and had box office earnings of $301.9 million.

Both films were directed by Tim Story. Mark Frost, Michael France, and Stan Lee wrote the screenplay in 2005 and the 2007 film was written by Don Payne and Mark Frost. Critics weren’t fond of either movies, but they fared well in earnings and fans. Of course, Stan Lee had adored cameos that had us tickled pink with delight. If you’ve seen the movie, I’m sure you may have been critical about the CGI, but keep in mind that that particular technology was blooming and it was decent and watchable for its time.

Both films had critics that felt the movie had a lack-luster feel and felt generic when compared to SPIDER-MAN. (I don’t believe these critics read any of the comic book series). Despite their opinions, comic fans enjoyed the movies for what they were: cartoon heroes that came to life and non-comic book fans enjoyed the movies for pure entertainment.

Marketing FANTASTIC FOUR products like toys, clothes, and even comic books soared, earning both the studio and Marvel Comics significant profit.

Movie grade: 0.0 to 4.0

2005 scores 3.6

2007 scores 3.8

In 2015, 20th Century Fox released another FANTASTIC FOUR (FANT4STIC) movie that is based on the original comic book series by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, but the movie went in a different direction that became a blockbuster flop.

The film starred Miles Teller as Reed Richards, Kate Mara as Susan Storm, Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm, Jaime Bell as Ben Grimm, Toby Kebell as Victor Von Doom, and Reg E. Cathey as Dr. Franklin Storm. The doomed flick was directed by Josh Trank and written by Jeremy Slater, Simon Kinberg, and Josh Trank.

In this version, the team consists of super intelligent teenagers ousted by peers. They teleport to an alternate universe and during the transport, something goes horribly wrong and the four are physically altered with their newfound special abilities. They are forced to combine their powers to defend the earth from a friend turned enemy determined to rule the planet.

Reviews were less than favorable and critics weren’t at loss for words with a few walking out of theaters unable to finish watching it, and I was one of them. I did eventually finish the movie on Disney+, and it was grueling. It cost the studio $120 million to make and the studio earned only $167.9 million overall compared to the previous releases with only $56.1 million in the states. Expectations and hype were crushed and for millions of FOUR fans, this film is too unbearable to view.

Movie grade: 0.0 to 4.0

Movie scores a -0.0

Marvel Studios announced its production of a new FANTASTIC FOUR movie for release in 2025. The new cast has fans reeling with excitement. The new faces of the beloved heroes are Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Marvel hired Matt Shakman (WandaVision) to direct with Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer set to write the screenplay.

As a seriously devoted fan of Marvel Comics and movies, I look forward to seeing the 2025 release.

*photos: Hanna-Barbera, Marvel Comic, MCU, Warped Factor, Getty Images, Variety

#fantastic four #marvel #silver surfer #fan comic #comic books #superhero #marvel mcu #mcu #movie time #movie theater #movie review #movies #movie talk #fantastic 4 #mr fantastic #movie critic

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A Timeless Classic: A CHRISTMAS CAROL, by Charles Dickens

“Marley was dead, to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge signed it. And Scrooge’s name was good upon ‘Change for anything he chose to put his hand to. Old Marley was as dead as a doornail.”

Charles Dickens had the talent to create stories based on his own personal experiences. His novels captivated world wide readers and he earned praise for his epic storytelling. Some of his tales were adapted into cinema and I, personally, favor A CHRISTMAS CAROL and I religiously watch it once a week every holiday season.

There have been many versions of the holiday tale, with the first movie in 1901, to recently in Disney's in 2009 animated release. As a writer and a reader, it pains me to watch a film derived from novels because there have been too many directors that butcher a beautifully told tale that an author painstakingly created. I'm pleased that filmmakers didn't stray too far right or left from the literary masterpiece and alas, we were gifted a beautiful story to see and love.

I truly enjoy Disney’s animated movie, directed by Robert Zemeckis, starring Jim Carrey as Scrooge, the ghost of Christmas past, present, and future. I watched a behind the scenes video of how the movie was made with live actors, digital gear, and computers - talk about Disney magic. (I recommend that you find it on YouTube and watch it)

*DisneyStudios

The animated release received critical acclaim for the animation, and it received criticism for some scenes that were too gruesome and scary for younger audiences, but overall, the movie did fare decently well in theaters.

My favorite live action adaptation is 1984's release directed by Clive Donner, starring George C. Scott. The all-star cast performed exceptionally well, so much so, that you believed the actors were the characters themselves. This is a must-see movie if you haven't done so, yet.

*Getty Images

About the Movie

Scrooge is a greedy, wealthy old man filled with content towards all people, even his fellow wealthy peers. He owns a counting house with a business partner just as nasty as him, Jacob Marley, and together they are ruthless to their clients. The story begins with Scrooge confirming Bob’s death in a mortuary, but his story begins seven years, the anniversary of Jacob’s death.

Scrooge employs a good-hearted man, Bob Cratchit, paying him a very low wage. The sweet man pities his employer and tolerates his mean demeanor regardless of the ill treatment he receives, but also for a much desperately needed wage. Christmas is when Scrooge is grumpiest because he’s always hounded by solicitors asking for donations to feed the poor. The moment you meet Cratchit is on Christmas Eve, and you see how gentle of a man he is. The working condition isn’t great because the fire is low and the dear man wears his outerwear for little warmth. Two men later enter the business and asks Scrooge for donations to help the poor and they’re thrown out. Then Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, enters with an invitation to Christmas dinner, but he’s given hostility for being giddy and festive. In response to his uncle’s bitterness, Fred says:

“There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited, I dare say,’ returned the nephew. ‘Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round—apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that—as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!”

Fred leaves with high spirits and insists that Scrooge join him if he has a change of heart.

Later in the evening, Scrooge is spooked at his home when the face on his door knocker changes into the face of his old business partner, Marley. Once inside and settled in for the night, Marley’s ghost appears and warns Scrooge to change his ways or he’ll suffer the same fate of being a restless spirit suffering throughout eternity like he is. Scrooge defies his old friend. Marley tells Scrooge about three spirits that will visit him, the first one will appear after the bell tolls one, but he’s dismissed by the skeptical old man.

After the stroke of one, the ghost of Christmas past, Scrooge’s past, appears. It takes Scrooge back in time for him to witness how happy he once was. Scrooge sees events that he long forgot about and he refuses to see anymore memories because they were too heartbreaking, more so the one when he sees his fiancé, Belle, whom he lost because he loved his money more than her.

The next spirit of Christmas present appears and takes Scrooge to see his employee, Cratchit, and his family. The mean old employer didn’t realize how poor Cratchit was. Scrooge’s heart softens when he sees Tiny Tim, Bob’s ailing son. Scrooge hears sees Bob toast his employer for their meager feast, but Mrs. Cratchit says unkind words about Scrooge for being a cold-hearted man for overworking her beloved husband on a slave’s wage. Bob defends his employer and this moment softens Scrooge’s heart and he begins to exhibit sympathy. Scrooge is then taken to his nephew’s house and sees that he’s being ridiculed by everyone there. This hurts Scrooge because he didn’t expect to see his nephew and company to have a festive evening on his expense.

Later, the spirit of Christmas Yet To Come, or ghost of Christmas future, appears and it’s the most frightening spirit of the three. Scrooge is taken through time to see a Christmas that he wasn’t present in. However, Scrooge isn’t aware these events was about him… yet. Scrooge sees men discuss a wealthy’s man death and what happened to his money. Scrooge believes the man being spoken about is someone who is loathed and the spirit wants to show that the man could be himself if he doesn’t change. Scrooge is shown grief Cratchit suffers upon the passing of Tiny Tim. Afterwards, the spirit takes Scrooge to a graveyard to see his tombstone and this is when the bitter man realizes he witnessed what the future will be like after his death. This frightened Scrooge so much that he promises to change.

Dawn… Scrooge awakens in his room and is grateful that he’s been given a second chance. He becomes giddy. Scrooge sends a huge Christmas turkey to Cratchit, and he joins Fred for dinner, to his surprise. The next morning, he promotes Bob and promises to help his family with whatever they need. Good to his word, Scrooge’s life changed and he became a beloved man by all in his town.

Final Thoughts

If you haven't seen this holiday classic, I recommend that you watch it with an open mind and learn to appreciate it for what it is: a timeless masterpiece. There are many versions of A CHRISTMAS CAROL to see; select the one that calls to you, get cozy with snacks, and indulge yourself in a story from one of the greatest creators of all time, Charles Dickens.

Movie Grade: 0.0 to 4.0

Score: 4.0

#christmas #movie talk #movie review #movies #holiday #a christmas carol #christmas movies #holiday movies #ebenezer scrooge #movie theme #movie time #movie critic #review #happy holidays #merry christmas #merry xmas

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Godzilla: Invasion of Astro Monster, 1965

In 1965, Toho released GODZILLA: INVASION OF ASTRO MONSTER. In this film, King Ghidorah is reintroduced, and this time, he’s accompanied by an alien race from a distant planet. The idea for Ghidorah is to break away from the original concept of monsters created by man-made nuclear weapons. With the idea of broadening origins for nemeses. American actors have been casted in Toho movies, but this film had a known American actor that did a phenomenal job as a main character.

Production Stage

Henry G. Saperstein, an American producer, was approached by representatives at United Productions of America to produce a good monster movie for American theaters. He agreed to their request and approached Toho to discuss making a monster movie. When he arrived at Toho studios, FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD was in production, where he was involved in halfway through. But when production of Astro Monster started, Saperstein was completely involved with fifty percent input, according to him.

The original script for the movie was written as the other movies with committee meetings amongst government officials discussing ways to defeat Godzilla. Saperstein recommended adding an American actor to the film to entice American audiences to see the film. Nick Adams was given a role in the Frankenstein movie and was given a role in the Astro Monster movie. Saperstein suggested an alien invasion to go along with Ghidorah’s space origin.

A new Godzilla suit was made for Astro Monster, but Ghidorah’s and Rodan’s costumes from the previous movie and given fresh coats of paint and altered. The P-3 spaceship was made to be three meters tall - the tallest prop made for the set.

(Pinterest)

The Movie

World Space Agency discovers a new planet beyond Jupiter, Planet X. Two astronauts, Fuji and Glenn, are sent to explore the planet in spaceship P-1. When the astronauts check in with space headquarters, Fuji asks Professor Sakurai to give his sister, Haruno, to not do anything stupid in regards to her boyfriend, Tetsuo, until he returns. The professor asks Haruno about the scuff with Fuji, and she explains that Fuji disapproves of her boyfriend who is an inventor.

Meanwhile, Tetsuo is home working on his invention, Lady Guard - a defense mechanism for women, that emits a loud screeching sound. He receives a call from a company that offers a contract for his invention. Back at the space agency, the professor gives a press conference about Planet X. Later that evening, Tetsuo takes Haruno to dinner to celebrate his sudden success, and there, they meet Miss Namikawa from the toy company, World Education Corporation, that wants to buy his invention.

In space, Spaceship P-1 approaches Planet X. The surface seems similar to Earth’s. Glenn performs a temperature reading and the results baffle the men because of the planet’s distance from the sun. They land the ship and check for radiation before exiting to begin exploring the terrain. Oddly, gravity and air pressure on the surface is similar to that of Earth. Fuji goes to plant a flag atop a rock mound when a sudden lightning storm strikes, startling them. After the flag is planted, Fuji spots footprints, contacts Glenn but gets no response. He returns to the ship and sees that it and his partner have vanished. A lighted cylinder raises up from the ground. A commanding voice speaks with urgency coaxing Fuji to enter the cylinder because he is in grave danger. Fuji demands the voice to identify himself. The voice claims to be one of a race of people from Planet X, but Fuji refuses to obey. A laser beam convinces the reluctant astronaut to comply.

(Wikipedia)

Fuji is led to a dark room where Glenn is seated. Lights turn on revealing a control room just as a team of men enter. The leader introduces himself as the commander of the planet colony. He wants to discuss a few matters with the men, but before they can speak, another lightning storm strikes interrupting the meeting. The astronauts learn that the people of the planet are forced to live underground because of being terrorized by a fierce creature they call Monster Zero. The commander reveals the monster to Glenn and Fuji of which they recognize to be King Ghidorah.

The commander reveals his intention: to borrow Godzilla - Monster Zero One, and Rodan - Monster Zero Two to help them defeat Monster Zero. The astronauts say they cannot agree to their request because they don’t know where either monster is. The commander tells them their locations on Earth and in return, they will give a formula that will cure all kinds of cancer for humankind. Glenn and Fuji agree to relay the commander’s request when the return to Earth.

(Wikipedia)

Fuji, Glenn, and the professor report to authorities about their encounter with the people of Planet X. Party leaders hold a session to discuss the idea that a new race of people exist on a newly discovered planet and the benefits of helping them with their dilemma. Party leaders say to get formulas for medical miracles that will cure all diseases in the world would undoubtedly be a miracle. But before they will commit, they want to confirm that the monsters are located where the planet commander says they are located.

(Wikipedia)

Tetsuo goes to the World Education Corporation headquarters to see Miss Namikawa for an update on the contract for his invention. He’s met by an associate that says she’s out of town on a business trip. Tetsuo asks the man about his contract but he’s given an excuse that has delayed payment per their contract agreement.

Fuji arranges to meet for drinks with Glenn, his sister and Tetsuo to talk about the sold invention. Before the couple arrive, Glenn tells Fuji about his suspicions about Planet X and that he doesn’t trust the commander - Fuji agrees with him. When the couple arrives, Fuji patronizes Tetsuo and Glenn defends him but leaves early for a date and unbeknownst to all, he’s dating Namikawa. Tetsuo is angry because he’s been lied to and he plans to revisit the company to get answers.

Military search parties discover radiation at the lake. This confirms that Godzilla is indeed resting in the depths of the water. They also confirm that Rodan is in mountainside as predicted.

The following night, Glenn drives Fuji to the lake house where he and Namikawa spent the night. He explains that something weird happened and he wants Fuji to help him investigate. When they arrive to the location, a military squad stops them because of strange activity happening in the water. Surprisingly, UFOs emerge with a sleeping Godzilla attached with a tractor beam.

In the morning, a crew from a UFO arrives and meets with officials - the astronauts and the professor, too, on a beach near the lake. The commander shows his gratitude for the extended friendship from Earth. Glenn tells the professor he doesn’t trust the guy. The professor confronts the commander about their premature extraction of the monsters without their permission. The alien leader apologizes and says their situation at home is dire and they couldn’t wait any longer. The astronauts and the professor to return to Planet X aboard a UFO to retrieve the medical formulas as was promised to them.

Aboard the UFO, the astronauts are shocked to learn that the alien race uses brain waves to control flight and they would reach Planet X in hours rather than months. After they arrive, the guests witness Monster Zero and the brief fight that ensues with the earth monsters. Godzilla and Rodan defeat Zero, and the commander is elated. However, Glenn and Fuji sneak off to investigate the underground base. Clones of Namikawa are seen and Glenn completely distrusts the commander. The two are discovered and scolded for snooping. The commander gives the professor a box containing a tape recording with the medical miracle formula he promised.

(Pinterest)

On Earth, Tetsuo follows Namikawa to the lake house and snoops around. He’s captured by the aliens via trap door. Haruno finds Namikawa and asks about Tetsuo’s whereabouts, but she’s lied to.

When the WSA astronauts return to earth, they present the tape recording to a party official. The tape is played and on it was a message to humans to surrender to Planet X or suffer annihilation from the three monsters in their control. The commander gives Earth twenty-four hours to comply. Professor Sakurai and Fuji have a plan to block the alien radio waves. The aliens arrive to earth with monsters in tow. With the threat looming, the scientists begin working feverishly to devise a way to stop the invasion.

Glenn sees Namikawa in her true form and he is captured after she’s killed. He’s captured and is put in the same cell as Tetsuo. There, a letter from Namikawa is found. She explained what her people’s weakness is and Tetsuo uses his device to debilitate their captors and escape. Glenn tells Fuji about Tetsuo’s invention and how it will destroy the aliens.

The commander unleashes the monsters to attack hours before the time deadline. Tetsuo’s gadget is broadcasted through the radio and it’s piercing sound is devastating, the aliens self destruct their ships. The monsters are released from brain wave controls. Godzilla and Rodan battle Ghidorah, who escapes Earth once more. The earth is saved.

(Wikipedia)

Release

The Japanese version, INVASION OF ASTRO MONSTER was released in Japan on December 19, 1965. The American version, MONSTER ZERO was released in the U.S. on July 29, 1970. The movie was a box office hit here and abroad in it’s time. Saperstein said working with Nick Adams on set in Japan was great because of the actor’s excitement of starring in an iconic movie.

Cast and Crew

Executive Producer: Tomoyuki Tanaka

Directed by: Ishiro Honda

Screenplay: Shinichi Sekizawa

Starting: Akira Takarada - Fuji, Nick Adams - Glenn, Kumi Mizuno - Haruno, Akira Kubo - Tetsuo

Final Words

I loved Nick Adam’s performance. The energy Saperstein described Nick had on set was emulated on screen. The cast had a chemistry that made this film all the more enjoyable. I like the direction this movie took and future Godzilla movies became more interesting and enjoyable.

Movie Grade: 0.0 to 4.0

Score: 3.7

If you haven’t seen this movie or any Godzilla film, you can find them on Amazon by hitting the link below.

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#movie review #movie talk #movie time #movies #godzilla #japanese movie #monster movies #movie critic #movie theme #review

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What level of fan are you for STAR WARS? How much do you know about the franchise? Believe you me that being a diehard fan can be overwhelming if you aren’t familiar with the depth of the stories, timelines, and characters. I could cover it all, and I will.

George Lucas is the mastermind behind this successful franchise and all who love STAR WARS are forever grateful. Disney now owns the rights to continue growing this saga and so far, they’ve not disappointed much. You can find all this on Disney+ if you haven’t subscribed.

Serious fans fell in love with the first trilogy and when it ended, we were sad. Like the saying goes, all good things must come to an end… but why? Kids wanted to be a Jedi, the romance of Han and Leia was beautiful, Chewbacca was adored, and the Ewoks were too cute! I personally loved how ships came out of warp speed. Bam! That was too cool. We came to know iconic characters and we loved everything about them. If you’ve seen anything from this franchise, I hope you’re like me and a vast majority of fans, watch and enjoy the features for what they are and don’t read between the lines, meaning, comparing the features with real situations. Though, current producers have used some references of life to model the stories, but you should purely enjoy STAR WARS for what it is.

I’ve attended art house theaters with a group of people (Meetup) to see THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. After the movie, we gather outside to reminisce and to share our favorite scenes and characters. There is always one intellectual person who compares fiction to reality, the one person who applies facts and credentials to validate their point, and always, there is always, a friend who agrees. as unrealistic and unachievable. They expressed how impossible it would be for mankind to construct space ships so big to fly so fast because space lacks oxygen and the atmosphere is dense, and light speed is impossible because you can’t move through light. (Imagine my deadpan expression, pressed lips). There is always a friend who agrees - always. I do remember how the two stated how technology in the 70s wasn’t advanced and they expected it to be better in the movie. I chuckled and reference the opening crawl and emphasized:

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…

Dun, dun, dun, duuun dah! Dun, dun, dun, duuun dah! Dun, dun, dun, duuuun dah! Dun- dun- dun- dummm!!!

I did sing the tune. They looked at me like I was crazy and I got laughs from the rest. I can confirm movie meetups we’re minus two bodies.

I believe STAR WARS can be credited for officially creating the evolution of loyal “fanship” of scifi fanatics. Sure, scifi movies existed before this, like, ONE MILLION B.C., MAN MADE MONSTER, STAR TREK and LOST IN SPACE to name a few, but they were received differently with audiences (I’ll discuss this later), but Lucas struck a chord with fans, the pied piper that lured all nerds out from the shadows and exposing them to the light.

Lucas introduced us to Luke Skywalker, a Jedi, from the planet Tatooine. He was raised on a farm by his Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru. Ben Kanobi, aka Obi Wan, lives incognito to watch and protect Luke from the Empire.

Princess Leia, the fiery rebel alliance leader from Alderaan aids her father, Senator Organa and his wife, Queen Organa to destroy the Empire.

Han Solo, a smuggler, and Chewbacca, a Wookie, are independent smugglers with bounties on their heads for skipping debts to a gangster. Han is lovingly known as a scoundrel.

Obi Wan Kenobi is Jedi Knight from the clone wars. He lives on Tatooine to secretly monitor Luke’s upbringing and to keep him hidden from the Empire. Unbeknownst to Luke, his father was a powerful Jedi who fought in the clone wars.

R2-D2 and C-3PO are two droids accompanying Leia and the rebel alliance. The duo are best friends that have a bickering friendship.

Darth Vader is he dark Sith Lord Jedi that wields the dark side of the force and is the most feared person of all.

Storm Troopers are soldiers for the Empire. They were once clones from the clone wars, but after Empire’s victory in the clone wars, volunteers were recruited to replace the clones.

After the first release, fans were anxious to rumors about plans for future releases. Comic books and novels were available to pacify fans. Cartoons and television episodes were created, but they weren’t warmly received by fans.

In my STAR WARS coverage, I will discuss everything - history, current news, future projects, interviews, and more. Join me for an adventure to a galaxy far, far away.

Movie Grade: 0.0 to 4.0

Score: 3.9

#star wars #a new hope #the empire star wars #the empire strikes back #return of the jedi #darth vader #han solo #chewbacca #princess leia #luke skywalker #obi wan star wars #obi wan kenobi #movie review #scifi #jedi knight #jedi #wookie #rebel alliance #movies #movie time #movie talk #lucasfilm #george lucas

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Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster, 1964

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the menacing, the powerful: Ghidorah!

Ghidorah - two pronunciations, Gee-door-ah or gi-der-ah (a personal preference), is not a creature resulting from nuclear aftermath but an alien monster, a destroyer of planets.

Tonaka wanted to feature a trio of monsters, Godzilla, Rodan, and Mothra, to combat Ghidorah to emphasis the alien monster’s power. Naturally, Godzilla and Rodan don’t get along and Mothra convinces them to put aside their differences to help it defend earth from Ghidorah’s raid. Godzilla was given a new identity if you will, no longer an enemy to the people of earth, but a defender from invading monsters.

The Story

A team of UFO enthusiasts expect signs from aliens to send them messages but their expectations are crushed and they blame a reporter, Naoko Shindo, for the reason via her skeptical brainwaves are preventing the aliens from communicating with them. Japan is experiencing an unusual heatwave in January, which is why they wanted the aliens to communicate with them so they could explain the odd occurrence. The team sees a meteorite falling and it lands in Mt. Hida.

Meanwhile, Detective Shindo, Naoko’s brother, receives instruction that he is assigned guard a Princess Salano who needs protection from an assassination plot to prevent her from ascending the throne.

The princess travels to Japan on a plane. Her assassins hid a bomb somewhere aboard the plane. Before an explosion, a voice hypnotizes the princess and encourages her to leave the plane. After she jumps out of the cabin, the plane explodes.

The next day, a team of scientists, led by Professor Muira, go to Mt. Hida to see the meteorite. When they come upon it, they’re amazed to how large it is. The team setup camp near the huge space rock, and as they settle in, a magnetic force from the meteorite pulls their equipment away from them.

Later, a prophet surfaces and spews warnings to the people that they are in danger but she’s not being taken seriously. The crowd mocks her, but the lady is persistent. Naoto arrives, unaware the lady is a princess, asks her questions about her warnings. The lady points to the sky and says she’s from Mars, in the American version, and is from Venus in the Japanese version.

Later that evening, Naoto and Shindo are home with their mother eating and watching television. The program they’re watching has Infant Island’s twin fairies on as guests to talk about Mothra. There, Shindo reads the paper and sees a picture of the prophet and recognizes the lady as the princess.

The assassins see the picture in the paper and they go to Japan to be sure the lady is the princess or not. They are ordered to kill her if she properly identified.

The next day, Shindo shows his chief the newspaper. Shindo finds his sister in the city and invites her for coffee. Naoto tells him she’s meeting with Muira and she introduces the men when he shows up. They talk about the meteorite and that’s when they see a news flash about the prophet at Mt. Aso.

The prophet warns people at the mountain to leave because Rodan is buried below and will soon emerge. The crowd mocks her. Someone’s hat flies off his head and his girlfriend whines and begs him to climb down the peak to retrieve it. He refuses, but another man offers to get it for money. The man descends the mountain despite the warning about Rodan. When he reaches the bottom, he’s killed when the giant bird emerges.

The fairies are leaving on a passenger ship bound for Infant Island. The prophet appears and warns the crew not to sail or they would meet a tragic fate. The ship’s captain sends her away, but the fairies take the prophet’s warning seriously and leave the ship. Naoto arrives and takes the prophet to a hotel where she’s given a change of clothes. The assassins follow the girls and see the prophet but cannot confirm if she is the princess. In the room, the fairies reveal themselves and confirm the prophet’s predictions. Godzilla destroys the ship and makes his to land to confront Rodan.

Shindo locates his sister at the hotel. Naoto goes to meet him at the lobby where she learns the prophet is the princess. While Naoto and Shindo are talking, the assassins break into the room.

The fairies save the girl from the men, and a shootout happens when the siblings come to the room. When the assassins escape, Shindo takes the princess to a doctor for examination.

At a medical clinic, the princess undergoes exams and is confirmed by the doctor that she’s in good health. The princess says she’s an alien and gives a history about her people and that the earth is in danger from a monster called Ghidorah.

Meanwhile, at Mt. Hida, the meteorite cracks open like an egg and Ghidorah emerges from within. A national emergency is announced for evacuating the nearby villages and towns.

The defense team and city government ask the fairies to ask Mothra for help. The twins call Mothra with their song and he comes to their rescue.

Mothra arrives to Japan and “speaks” to the dueling monsters, Godzilla and Rodan about defending the earth from Ghidorah. The giants refuse and baby Mothra goes to fight Ghidorah alone; Godzilla and Rodan join the fight after being struck by the three-headed monster.

During the battle, the princess is attacked by an assassin. Shindo protects her and is shot. The assassin dies from falling rocks from the monster battles above. Ghidorah is defeated and the defending monsters return to their homes.

The princess regains her senses but doesn’t remember claiming to be from another planet. She returns to her country with gratitude for Shindo saving her and for Naoto for helping.

The Last Word

This movie was great, both versions. The monster battle was both comical and exciting to watch. I’ve seen this movie a ca-zillion times and never tire of it.

I loved that this was the first for two things: Godzilla no longer is the antagonist villain and we now have a new powerful nemesis for the king.

Cast and Crew

Starring: Yosuke Natsuki, Yoriko Hoshi, Hiroshi Koizumi, Akiko Wakabayash

Directed by Ishiro Honda

Special effects by Eiji Tsuburaya

Produced by Tomoyuki Tanaka

Movie Grade: 0.0 to 4.0

Score: 3.9

If you haven’t seen any of the Godzilla movies, click the link to rent or buy the movies. You won’t be disappointed.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&tag=1charlouise-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=5ad5a44ca0fc80e5eaa4d24259e1dea2&camp=1789&creative=9325&node=130">1Charlouise-20&lt;/a>j

#godzilla king of the monsters #godzilla #movie explained #movie review #japanese movie #monster movies #movie critic #movie talk #movie theme #king ghidorah #rodan #mothra #kaiju monster #movies #movie time #movie theater #reviews #review #movie classics

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Mothra vs. Godzilla, 1964

Mothra, Mothra, Mothra! Ishiro Honda once again delivers a monster masterpiece, Mothra vs. Godzilla. The American version is Godzilla vs. the Thing

We were first introduced to the island god in 1961’s box office hit, Mothra. The giant moth is the peaceful protector of Infant Island and the earth if danger arises. We also met the twin fairies and the natives who guard their protector passionately. The Mothra song sung by the fairies is one of the most recognized tunes in the world (you can download it on iTunes).

Honda intended to show the kind of destruction nuclear testing can do, Infant Island in the movie, however, an undertone of industry greed surfaced as the main message that money and fame could corrupt men.

The Story

A typhoon, strikes Karuta Beach. A reporter, Ichiro Saki, and his photographer, Junko Nakanishi, go to Shizunoura to get photos of what damages was caused by the typhoon. Junko discovers an object floating in the water and wants to photograph it, then they receive word about a giant egg that washed ashore. They leave their location to investigate it and take the strange object with them.

Saki and Junko meet Professor Miura who is there examining the egg. A shady businessman named Kumayama stops Miura from working claiming the egg belongs to him. When asked how that is possible, the seaside village leader claims the egg washed onto their shore and it’s rightfully theirs, so he sold it to Kumayama for a large sum of money. Completely taken aback by the situation, Miura reluctantly leaves.

Saki, Junko, and Muira to a nearby hotel to discuss the egg situation. They see Kumayama sneak to a room; suspicious, Saki follows him to find out what’s going on. In the room, Kumayama meets with a financial investor, Jiro Torahata, about the egg. Pleased to know the egg now belonged to him, Torahata says he will construct a giant glass incubator to encase the egg and charge people fees to view it. The men are interrupted by twin fairies from Infant Island, or Mothra Island in the American version, who say the egg is rightfully theirs and they want it back. Torahata and Kumayama try to capture the twins, but they escape. Saki enters the room upon hearing the ruckus and recognizes Torahata.

Saki regroups with Junko and Miura and tells them about Torahata’s background about being a wealthy investor who owns Product Enterprises. The fairies come forward and introduce themselves. They explain that they pleaded with Torahata and Kumayama to return Mothra’s egg, The Thing in the American version. The fairies take the three to see Mothra and they agree to help by persuading the bad men to return the egg.

The following day, Saki, Junko, and Muira visit Kumayama and Torahata and explain to them the egg doesn’t belong to them and it rightfully belongs to Mothra. The bad men sarcastically tell Saki to get a power of attorney from Mothra to convince them the egg is The Thing’s property. Junko opens a decorative box to reveal the fairies inside. They ask the bad men to return the egg to them, but the response they get is an offer to buy them from Saki for a large sum of money. Saki and his friends leave feeling defeated. They regroup in a bar to come up with another plan to get the egg back. Realizing probability is hopeless, the fairies return home on Mothra’s back.

The village fishermen visit Kumayama with demands for money owed them for the egg and land rent. Kumayama turns them away telling them he’ll pay them later. He calls Torahata to tell him to pay what he owes, but said he won’t because he needs the money, instead, he convinces Kumayama to accept a loan he can repay from his share in the company stock.

The following day, Saki and Junko visit Muira at his lab. Before they’re allowed in, they’re “washed” down because they were contaminated with radioactivity from the object Junko found in the water at the beach. Muira returns to examine the egg with Saki and Junko to check for radioactivity, but he’s stopped. Saki looks for Junko and finds looking at a beach some distance away. He calls her to leave but she refuses and tells him she sees the ground “bubbling.” Suddenly, Godzilla emerges and everyone runs to safety.

Saki and his friends fly to Mothra Island to ask for help; the natives refuse to because they wouldn’t return the egg. However, Mothra calls out to the twin fairies and they ask it fight Godzilla. Mothra agrees to and Saki and the team return home.

Meanwhile, the defense force devises a defense strategy to defeat Godzilla hoping Mothra comes to their aid. Godzilla made it to the egg and begins destroying the incubator with its tail. He starts on the egg, and then Mothra arrives and a battle ensues.

The fight is intense, Mothra uses all its energy and flies away to die atop the egg. The fairies take Saki, Junko, and Muira to the egg for it to hatch. When they arrive, Mothra has died and the twins begin chanting a song to encourage the larva to hatch. Surprisingly, twin larvae emerge and they fight Godzilla with their webbing. After the battle, the caterpillars swim back to Mothra Island.

The Reception

Mothra vs. Godzilla was released in Japan April 29, 1964. In May of the same year, Henry Saperstein acquired rights to the movie August 26, 1964 as Godzilla vs. the Thing.

Reviews for the Japanese version was great, except for the military scenes. Critics said the military appeared meek compared to previous movies. American critics gave decent reviews. The problem for them was that foreign actors wouldn’t appeal to a target audience that didn’t recognize them.

Dang. Harsh.

Final Word

This particular Godzilla film was one of the best Honda made. Two babies crawling on their bellies defeated the king and it was exciting to watch it happen. I love Godzilla, but the first thing that I thought of was: “ teamwork makes the dream work.”

Cast and Crew

Starring Akira Takarada, Yoriko Hoshi, Hiroshi Koizumi, Yu Fujiki, Kenji Sahara

Directed by Ishiro Honda

Special effects by Eiji Tsuburaya

Movie Grade: 0.0 to 4.0

Score: 3.6

#godzilla #mothra #mothra vs godzilla #king of monsters #movie review #reviews #review #movie critic #movie critique #japanese movie #godzilla king of the monsters #godzilla movies #the thing #movies #movie theme #king of the monsters #monster #monster movies #movie theater #movie time #movie talk #movie release

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Godzilla, 1998

Okay, I couldn’t wait any longer to get this out of my system. Are you ready?

In the Studio

Henry G. Saperstein was granted permission by Toho Studios to present an idea to Hollywood studios for a Godzilla movie. He met with producers Cary Woods and Robert Fried about producing a new Godzilla film. They liked the idea and proceeded to present the idea to a few major studios and were rejected, even be TriStar at first, but final effort proved successful.

A TriStar rep went to Tokyo to oversee and obtain rights to Godzilla, and when negations came to a close, Toho provided specific rules the studio must abide to be requiring specific physical requirements of their version of Godzilla. TriStar would later announce in 1992 they acquired rights from Toho for Godzilla and they would make a trilogy of Godzilla movies, and they promised Toho they would remain true to the original series of movies. This meant they would use caution when referencing nuclear weapons and runaway technology.

Expectation from Godzilla fans was high, and the studio promised they wouldn’t be disappointed. Toho Studios Godzilla filmmakers gave TriStar support and looked forward to one day having a friendly competition to see who would make better movies.

Production Phase

Jan de Bont would be given the job to create Godzilla and have the movie completed for release in the summer of 1994. His concept for the monster was to not have him atomic like the original but design him to be a creature from Atlantis that would defend the earth from a monster called “The Gryphon.” Stan Winston designed the monsters for de Bont and his Godzilla was true to Godzilla’s features.

Winston’s original, unproduced, design for de Bont

Jan de Bont presented his storyline to TriStar, they approved it, however, they didn’t approve the budget he requested to make the movie. Since an agreement couldn’t be made, de Bont quit.

Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio wrote the original script and revised it after de Bont can aboard as director. After he left, they rewrote the script and finished it in 1995. TriStar, however, hired Don Macpherson to rewrite the entire Elliot and Rossio script. Macpherson was a big Godzilla fan and felt the original script lacked depiction of what Godzilla was.

Roland Emmerich was approached to direct Godzilla and Dean Devlin as the producer. They would agree to do the job if they had control in making the movie as they saw fit.

The original script was tossed and Emmerich started from scratch and designed Godzilla to his vision because the original Godzilla didn’t make any sense. Emmerich and Devlin wrote the script in five weeks and changed a lot of features, or power, this Godzilla would have - everything would be practical and real, unlike the original monster.

And so, what TriStar delivered, well… yep.

The Story

In French Polynesia, an iguana nest becomes exposed after a nuclear fallout. Meanwhile in the South Pacific Ocean, a Japanese ship is attacked by a large creature and only one person survived, to which he repeatedly chants “Gojira.”

A Dr. Niko Tatopoulos is in Russia researching radiation effects of wildlife at Chernobyl when he’s approached by officials from the U.S. State Department to aid in identifying shipwrecks in Jamaica and Panama. There, Niko, or Nick, finds skin samples of an unknown creature.

A giant creature appears in New York City. The military doesn’t destroy it, but they wounded it. Nick collects blood samples from the creature and discovers it produces asexually and is collecting food for its offspring.

Nick’s ex-girlfriend, Audrey, betrays him when she steals a top secret video tape from his tent at the army mobile HQ. She wants to use it to launch her media career, but the tape was stolen by her boss and he lies, claiming he, himself, obtained the video. Nick is removed from research team.

A Frenchman, Phillippe Roache, and his team are agents from the French Secret Service assigned to monitor the movement of the monster. Their mission is to cover up France’s responsibility of creating Godzilla, a giant iguana, from their nuclear testing. The agents believe Godzilla hid a nest somewhere in the city and they need Nick’s help to find it and destroy it.

Godzilla reappears and is attacked by a submarine. It fires a torpedo and when Godzilla disappears underwater, the U.S. forces believes the monster is dead.

Nick and the Frenchmen find the best in Madison Square Garden. Audrey and her cameraman, Victor, follow them inside and in the arena find a pile of eggs. After a few minutes, the eggs hatch and mini giant Godzilla babies are emerging. They chase the team and all the Frenchmen are killed except Phillippe. Only four are left: Nick, Phillippe, Audrey, and Victor. They lock themselves in the broadcast booth and from there, Audrey transmits a live report with the nest below. This prompts the Air Force to launch an air raid to destroy the eggs and hatchlings.

After the raid, Godzilla emerges from the downed building and goes crazy with rage. It chases Nick and the team throughout the city. Nick lures Godzilla onto the Brooklyn Bridge, the Air Force kills it. Nick and Audrey make up, Phillippe gives thanks and quietly leaves. Meanwhile, a single egg survives and a baby Godzilla emerges with a tiny roar. The end.

Audience Reception

True fans disliked the movie very much. The idea of a giant lizard rampaging between tall buildings was ridiculous. It didn’t have special powers, just… hot breath? Fellow film critics had nothing nice to say and Toho Studio execs even went as far as dubbing this as the Hollywood Godzilla which struck a nerve for Emmerich. He defended himself by saying he was never a Godzilla fan because the concept of a giant creature with atomic powers was far fetched. He only agreed to make the movie because of what he was offered and for that amount of money, he couldn’t say no. Emmerich blamed having a deadline contributed to the lack of success.

Financially, the movie profited. However, this Godzilla movie was a box office flop.

Final Word

This movie was awful. Period.

Cast and Crew

Starring: Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno, Maria Patillio, Hank Azaria, Kevin Dunn, Michael Lerner

Director: Roland Emmerich

Screenplay: Dean Delvin

Studio: Sony / TriStar

Movie Grade: 0.0 to 4.0

Score: 2.5

photos: Getty Images

#godzilla #movie review #movie critic #movie time #movies #thriller movies #movie theme #review #movie talk #monster #reviews

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Thank you @ivandobsky and everyone who got me to 5 reblogs!

Godzilla Raids Again, 1955

Godzilla returns with a vengeance, and this time he’s not alone.

With the success of Gorjira, Toho wanted to give new fans more, but how would they after Godzilla was killed? Executive producer Iwao Miri told Tomoyuki Tomaka to start production on another Godzilla movie. Miri wanted a reasonable explanation for a revival of the great monster, and Tomaka went to work immediately.

Ishiro Honda was pegged to direct the movie, but he was working on another film. Tomaka collected the creative team from the first movie to help and a new director, Motoyoshi Oda. After weeks, the creative team finished the screenplay and production started. Here is the magic they created:

Marine Fisheries KK in Osaka is a successful fish manufacturing company makes fish products. It’s success relies on two pilots searching for pockets of fish in the Pacific Ocean. Shoichi Tsukioka (Hiroshi Koizumi), and Koji Kobayashi (Minoru Chiaki), report their findings to the control operator who is the owner’s daughter, Hidemi Yajima (Setsuko Wakayama). Hidemi and Tsukioka are a couple madly in love.

On a routine flight one day, Kobayashi’s plane has engine problems and he makes an emergency landing on a nearby remote island, Iwato Island. He calls headquarters to report his situation; Hidemi informs Tsukioka who then flies to the island to rescue his friend. Kobayashi is spotted, and Tsukioka lands nearby. Just as they were leaving, strange noises from beyond a cliff caught their attention, so they go and check it out. They’re shocked to find two monsters fighting, one is recognized as Godzilla, but the other one isn’t familiar. The men watch in horror as the battle rages on. The mobsters fight so fiercely that they fall off the cliff and into the ocean. Tsukioka and Kobayashi escape unscathed and quickly return to Osaka and report this to authorities.

The JSDF, Japanese Self Defense Forces, and a team of scientists led by Dr. Yamane to discuss the mobsters on Iwato Island. Dr. Yamane confirmed the one monster is in fact Godzilla and the new one as Anguirus based on a report written by a Polish scientist. Great monsters do in fact exist. Godzilla and Anguirus had been dormant underground for centuries until they were disturbed by atomic blasts from nuclear testing performed by the American Navy in the Pacific. (Brilliant!)

This time, Osaka was the unfortunate location for Godzilla’s raid because it was closest to Iwato Island. The defense team reviewed footage from the last Godzilla attack in Tokyo a year ago. The monster was killed by the Oxygen Destroyer, and a powerful weapon like that doesn’t exist. How would Osaka defend itself? Dr. Yamane suggested that Godzilla was light sensitive, observed from the Tokyo footage, and a citywide blackout would be the best defense. They could use flares to lure it to Osaka and use their military weapons to defeat Godzilla.

The JASDF, Japanese Air Self Defense Force, sends planes to search for Godzilla and he’s spotted moving towards the Kii Channel between Wakayama Prefecture and Shikoku. Mr. Yamaji, Hidemi’s father, is concerned because Godzilla could destruct his valued fishing production that he couldn’t afford to lose. Godzilla then changes his course and is now heading towards Osaka Bay. Authorities order an evacuation and Tsukiaka and Koboyashi go to the cannery with Mr. Yamaji. Meanwhile, convicts are being escape from an evacuation transport. They lead the police in a chase and crash into an oil refinery. The explosion attracts Godzilla and he goes towards it.

Mr. Yamaji and everyone evacuate the cannery and unbeknownst to them, the escaped convicts enter the business to hide. But no sooner than later, the convicts are killed when the monsters destroy the business. Destroying everything in their path the battle ends for Anguirus when Godzilla kills him with his atomic breath. Godzilla returns the sea.

Later, Mr. Yamaji relocates his business to Hokkaido. Tsukioka is reunited with Tajima, a friend from college and the war; Tajima works for the JASDF. The friends join Yamaji and friends for dinner. It was there that Kobayashi tells Hidemi he’s fallen for a woman, but doesn’t say whom. She tries to persuade him to tell her, but he won’t. The dinner party falls silent when a news flash reports a ship was sunk by Godzilla.

Tsukioka volunteers and helps the JASDF search for Godzilla the morning after the sinking. He flies out to the location of the downed ship and spots Godzilla at Kamiko Island. Kobayashi joins Tsukioka who is trying to prevent Godzilla from leaving the island. Meanwhile, Hidemi finds Kobayashi’s diary and finds her picture is in it. She becomes emotional learning she’s the one he loves, but she is in love with Tsukioka. Kobayashi joins his friend circling Godzilla but is struck by an atomic blast and crashes into the mountain peak. The crash causes an avalanche that buries Godzilla and this is how the JASDF decides to use this method to stop Godzilla.

Everyone who knew Kobayashi is distraught, especially Hidemi. Tsukioka wants to aid the JASDF, but Tajima won’t allow him to because of Kobayashi. The JASDF flies to Kamiko Island and bombs the ground creating a wall of fire to prevent Godzilla from leaving while another group of planes shoots missiles into the mountaintop causing avalanches to subdue the great monster. Tsukioka flies out to the island to witness the attack and watches Godzilla fire one last blast before being completely buried by the downfall of snowy rubble. Knowing Godzilla is defeated, Tsukioka tells his best friend, Kobayashi, that they’ve won and he can rest in peace.

Wrap up

Godzilla Raids Again was released in Japan April 24, 1955 and an English-dubbed version was released by Warner Bros. in America May 21, 1959 under a different name: Gigantis, the Fire Monster.

The Japanese version was released in Japanese-American theaters prior to the new adaptation and the audiences reception wasn’t received with the same excitement as was the first movie, but it did draw a moderate amount of money compared to what the first one profited. Tanaka claimed that the creating team had very little time to make this movie and he didn’t much care for it personally.

Despite the moderate profit and less enthusiastic reception, the movie is credited for paving the road for other great Godzilla movies.

I did enjoy the movie. Despite the mad rush deadline to meet, I think Tanaka created a good enough story that allows a scientific reason for Godzilla’s existence.

I enjoyed how the original movie and this one had similar romance dilemmas. The first movie, Emiko and Ogata are in love, and Dr. Serizawa is a friend who likes Emiko. Serizawa dies to save Japan. This movie, Hidemi and Tsukiyaka are in love and their friend Kobiasha likes Hidemi. Kobiasha’s death inspired a defense tactic to defeat Godzilla. Actors in both movies were outstanding. They made us believe Godzilla was real, none more so than the extras recruited for evacuation scenes.

Cast and crew

Director: Motoyoshi Oda

Special effects: Eiji Tsuburaya

Screenplay: Takeo Murata and Shigeaki Hidaka

Story: Shigeru Kayama

Produced by: Tomoyuki Tanaka

Score: Masary Sato

Starring: Hiroshi Koizumi, Setsuko Wakayama, Minoru Chiaki, Takashi Shimura

Movie score out of five 🌶️ hotties

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Photo references: Getty Images

#5 reblogs #tumblr milestone #thank you

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Godzilla vs. King Kong, 1962

I laughed out loud watching this movie. It wasn’t the monsters that tickled my side, but the actors. You must appreciate the movie for what it is and not be offended. This was the first production with the two kings as opponents and it was entertaining. Ishiro Honda’s vision came to life by his creative imagination and a brilliant cast.

Behind the Scenes

Tomoyuki Tanaka approached Ishirō Honda with an idea to make another Godzilla movie, this time with King Kong as a nemesis. Honda put a lot of thought into it and wanted this movie to be a satire of Japanese programs. Television networks and sponsors engaged in wild publicity stunts to secure high ratings.

"People were making a big deal out of ratings, but my own view of TV shows was that they did not take the viewer seriously, that they took the audience for granted...so I decided to show that through my movie, the reason I showed the monster battle through the prism of a ratings war was to depict the reality of the times.” - Ishiro Honda

Honda teamed up with Shinichi Sekizawa when creating a fictional pharmaceutical company in the script. Shinichi’s experience working on television shows gave valuable insight to what Honda wanted when telling his story. The idea that a pharmaceutical company is supposed to make medicine wouldn’t be enough for the owner who wanted fame and more money, so to get a giant monster to glorify his company for the wrong reasons shows how ridiculous networks are as well as the viewing audience.

Toho studios wanted the monsters to be funny, from Kong’s demeanor to the battles. This concept would appeal to a wider and younger audience. During filming, the special effects crew were frustrated because monster battles are supposed to portray power, not include comedic antics. Honda was not happy at all about making monsters silly.

“I don't think a monster should ever be a comical character," and "The public is more entertained when the great King Kong strikes fear into the hearts of the little characters.” - Ishiro Honda

Shoichi Hirose played Kong and Haruo Nakajima played Godzilla. Tonaka was insistent to make the monsters funny, so he allowed the actors to design a fighting style that would be funny and appealing to the audience. Professional wrestling was becoming a popular sport in Japan; Hirose and Nakajima would use fighting techniques based off the sport to Tonoka’s liking.

After monster suits received approval, four octopi were used for filming on Faro Island because of limited funding, a suit couldn’t be made.

Tonaka was all hands in for the movie. After Honda’s script was approved, it was time to film.

The Story

The President of Pacific Pharmaceutical, Mr. Tako, sponsors a lot of television programs and the ratings he hoped to have isn’t doing much to boost the image of his company. He wants something grand that makes him stand out from other businesses with better ratings.

Mr. Tako hears about a monster discovered on Faro Island and he wants it to boost his ratings, so he sends two of his men, Osamu Sakurai and Kinsaburo Furue, to the island to retrieve it. During their journey there, and unbeknownst to them in another distant location, a U.S. nuclear powered submarine hits an iceberg. The impact of the collision and exposes Godzilla who’d been trapped inside and he destroys the sub.

Sukurai and Furue arrive at the island and with them they have a former native who helps as a translator. The visitors meet the village chief and and offer gifts. While there, a giant octopus comes to shore and begins attacking the village. Kong appears. He fights the octopus and saves the people. The natives offer Kong red berry juice and perform a ritual dance as he drinks. The combination of juice and dance make Kong fall asleep.

Now that Kong is unconscious, Sukurai and Furue transport the giant on a raft back to Japan. Waiting for them is Mr. Tako, and he’s thrilled when he sees Kong, however, the JSDF prohibits them from bringing the monster onto shore.

Godzilla reaches Japanese shores and begins destroying everything in sight. Kong abruptly awakens and runs to meet Godzilla and the two giants engage in an enormous battle.

Godzilla shoots an atomic blast at Kong and he retreats because Godzilla was stronger than he anticipated. Meanwhile, JSDF digs a deep pit and arms it with explosions and poison gas hoping it will be enough to end the tyrant’s rage, but it’s ineffective. The next defense tactic is a barrier of extreme high voltage wires and it does work. Kong reappears and uses the electric barrier to strengthen him.

Kong enters Tokyo and sees Sakurai’s sister, Fumiko, and he takes her to the top of the country’s National Diet Building. Sakurai and Furue informs the JSDF about the red juice from Faro Island and it’s medicinal effects. The JSDF immediately takes action and showers Kong with the juice knocking him unconscious. Furue is rescued and the mighty ape is transported to Mt. Fuji via balloons, where Godzilla is. The purpose is to have the monsters battle with Kong defending Japan from Godzilla.

It seems the effects of the berry has made Kong weak. Godzilla’s strength is overbearing. Godzilla sets fire to Kong, and it looks like the great ape is defeated until a thunder cloud appears and strikes Kong with lighting. He’s rejuvenated and he bounces up. The mighty two exchange blows and they tumble into Sagami Bay, but everyone watching them from afar hold breaths because they are underwater with only bubbles stirring.

Then suddenly, Kong emerges as the victor. Everyone cheers and shouts gratitude to him. Kong swims out to sea returning home to Faro Island.

Release

King Kong vs. Godzilla was released in Japan August 11, 1962. This movie recorded the highest attendance of all Godzilla films to date.

An American version was made by John Beck who then sold the film to Universal-International and premiered in New York City June 26, 1963.

American critics were harsh, then and now. Unfortunately, the critics never took into account the era, the special effects techniques, the effort it took to create a masterpiece. If these were considered and the movie viewed with an open mind, they would’ve appreciated it more.

Cast and Crew

Starring: Tadao Takashima, Kenzie Sahara, Yu Fujiki, and Ichiro Arashima

Directed by Ishiro Honda

Written by Shinichi Sekizawa

Special effects by Eiji Tsuburaya

Movie Grade: 0.0 to 4.0

Score: 3.9

Photo references: Getty Images

Quotes reference: Toho Kingdom

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Godzilla and My Favorite Nemeses

There is no monster like the king, Godzilla. He is, to me, better than my fav cherry pie filling topped cheesecake. Ask me, “want to see a Godzilla movie or do you want a whole cheesecake?” Must you ask twice? Go ahead, wave that thing under my nose, go ahead. My response: “I’ll eat that cake after the movie.”

Some monsters are weapons used by aliens with dastardly plans to take over the world and in order to do that, they must destroy Godzilla. They come to earth disguised as humans and present themselves as peaceful beings wanting to cohabitate and naive politicians believe them and hold press conferences to display whatever it is they want all to see. Then, the ah-ha moment happens when the aliens’ true intention is unveiled. The people of Japan expose the aliens, the defense league gather their forces and ready themselves for retaliation. Monsters are unleashed, but earthly weapons aren’t effective against the monsters and all hope for mankind seems lost until… dun, dun, da! Godzilla appears and opens a can of whoop-ass on the enemy! Booyah! A great battle ensues to which the king of monsters always wins.

I’ve always imagined Godzilla saying, “Fool! Only I can wreak havoc on this planet! This is my territory!” You go, Godzilla! You show ‘em why you’re the king!

Here are my favorites:

King Kong

The mighty Kong was introduced to American cinema in 1933. An uncharted Skull Island is where this great ape dwells and he is considered a God that is feared and respected by the natives. This version of Kong was rebooted in 1976 with Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange and in 2005 with Jack Black, Naomi Watts, and Adrian Brody.

Many Kong movies were adapted in feature films and weren’t as popular as the ones stated above. But the most popular and favored Kong was introduced to the world in 2017, Kong: Skull Island.

Kong. The mighty king of Skull Island is bigger and badder than other versions. I loved this movie. A giant gentle soul defending his home from intruders. We saw that a giant creature isn’t always bad and some humans can have bad intentions when they’re fueled by ignorance and fear. We also saw that some giant creatures are bad and some humans have good intentions. Great movie.

Kong first appeared with Godzilla was in the 1962 release of King Kong vs. Godzilla. This movie was funny to say the least. The actors were great as always, and the monsters were creative. It surprised me that Godzilla was defeated. I rewatched the movie twice to confirm my eyes weren’t tricking me.

The 2021 release of Godzilla vs. Kong displayed the great powerhouses fighting one another where Godzilla is the victor. Later, Kong and the king would team up against a powerful robot creation called Mechagodzilla.

Kong’s brute strength and intelligence makes him a worthy and respectable rival.

Mechagodzilla

This robot was introduced to us in 1974 Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla. Mecha was created by martians that wanted to take over the earth and to do that, they would use their creation to kill Godzilla. In 1975, Terror of Mechagodzilla reintroduced the robot by the same martians. You know Godzilla defeated it in both movies. In the 1993 and 2002, Mechagodzilla was made by a Godzilla task force to use in battle against the king.

His most recent appearance in the in the 2021 release, he was created by a greedy tech tycoon. This version was ultra cool and maybe the last time we see the mechanical giant in a live action production.

Mechagodzilla is controlled by its creators. However, in two movies, it was built around a Godzilla skeleton and the latest had Ghidorah’s essence, or DNA. These robots were manually controlled until the spirit of both monsters broke free to move and think independently. The Godzilla spirit fought to save Japan from Godzilla’s rage and the Ghidorah one just wanted to destroy the earth and anything that attempted to stop it.

King Ghidorah

Ghidorah is my favorite Godzilla nemesis of all. This amazing monster has three heads and shoots lightening with a force so powerful to knock Godzilla off his feet. Considered to be the greatest and strongest foe, every battle between the two is epic especially that Ghidorah flies.

We first met Ghidorah in 1964 in Ghidorah, the Three-headed Monster, where he emerged from a meteorite. He reappears as a challenging foe for Godzilla and his fighting technique never is boring. One head bites down on Godzilla’s neck, another bites his shoulder, and the one head bites wherever it gets a hold of, and then… ZAP! They shoot powerful jolts into his body. So awesome! It always seems Godzilla is getting his butt handed to him, but in the end he triumphs.

In 1992, Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, people from the future created Ghidorah from three separate cute creatures called Dorats and use it to destroy Japan but unbeknownst to them, Godzilla emerges and destroys not only Ghidorah, but them, too. Androids, spaceships, and American actors brought this live action thriller to life. This Ghidorah is by far the biggest and strongest one until he appeared in the 2019 Godzilla: King of the Monsters and he was bigger and badder. I’ll say it again, Ghidorah is the best nemesis and will always be my favorite one.

Space Godzilla

1994’s Space Godzilla proved to be a worthy opponent for Godzilla in the Toho releases Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla.

The terrifying monster didn’t have an origin and was explained to have come to life when Godzilla’s cells were released into space by either Mothra’s or Biollante’s spores. His cells would’ve been caught in a black hole, combine with crystalline organisms and was exposed to space radiation. From there, the cells were transformed into a replica of Godzilla. Instead of dorsal plates along its back, it had space crystals - two massive ones on its shoulders and a gold crystal on its head. The crystals is Spacegodzilla’s power source that shoots beams. It also had the ability to create crystal prisms from the earth that it used to imprison baby Godzilla.

M.O.G.U.E.R.A., Mobile Operations G-Force Universal Expert Robot: Aero-type, was made by the JSDF to defend Japan from Godzilla; it teamed up with him to fight and defeat Spacegodzilla.

Orga

Godzilla 2000 is my favorite Godzilla movie. Toho combined traditional suit acting in the monster fight, and CGI for the UFO. This was the first production that used CGI and it opened doors for future Godzilla movies to utilize this new tool.

Orga is an alien that crashed to earth at the bottom of the ocean millions of years ago where it remained until the 20th Century. During its dormancy, the UFO coral enveloped the entire vessel. A team of scientists discovered a power source underwater and traced it to the large object believed to be a meteorite. This was a treasure find for the team and nothing would be more gratifying than to raise it and examine it. During the raising attempt, the meteorite came to life when sunlight touched its surface; this startled the scientists as this was unexpected. The lead researcher determined it was an alien object that relies on sunlight for its mobility.

In the meantime, Godzilla has emerged and is destroying as many power source plants in the vicinity because he knew about the alien, but the humans did not. The JSDF utilizes all means to kill Godzilla until they realize the UFO’s intentions.

What made this movie great is it showed two sides of human behavior. One side wants to study Godzilla and learn to adapt to his existence, and one side wants to kill him. In the end, it’s realized that though Godzilla is destructive, he saves humanity from invasions meant to truly destroy them. Godzilla reminds the people that there is mutual respect between them and they must understand that, especially those determined to kill him.

Final word

All Godzilla movies are awesome, except for one: Tri-Star’s 1998 Godzilla starring Matthew Broderick - to be discussed later. These are my favorite nemesis, but there more great ones who’ve faced Godzilla in battle.

To truly enjoy these films, you must not watch them with criticism, but enjoy them for what they are - storyline and all. Keep in mind the timelines of release and that CGI wasn’t an option like it is today. I can only hope more Godzilla movies are made and they forever bring joy to all fans that love him as much as I.

Photo references: Getty Images

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Godzilla Raids Again, 1955

Godzilla returns with a vengeance, and this time he’s not alone.

With the success of Gorjira, Toho wanted to give new fans more, but how would they after Godzilla was killed? Executive producer Iwao Miri told Tomoyuki Tomaka to start production on another Godzilla movie. Miri wanted a reasonable explanation for a revival of the great monster, and Tomaka went to work immediately.

Ishiro Honda was pegged to direct the movie, but he was working on another film. Tomaka collected the creative team from the first movie to help and a new director, Motoyoshi Oda. After weeks, the creative team finished the screenplay and production started. Here is the magic they created:

Marine Fisheries KK in Osaka is a successful fish manufacturing company makes fish products. It’s success relies on two pilots searching for pockets of fish in the Pacific Ocean. Shoichi Tsukioka (Hiroshi Koizumi), and Koji Kobayashi (Minoru Chiaki), report their findings to the control operator who is the owner’s daughter, Hidemi Yajima (Setsuko Wakayama). Hidemi and Tsukioka are a couple madly in love.

On a routine flight one day, Kobayashi’s plane has engine problems and he makes an emergency landing on a nearby remote island, Iwato Island. He calls headquarters to report his situation; Hidemi informs Tsukioka who then flies to the island to rescue his friend. Kobayashi is spotted, and Tsukioka lands nearby. Just as they were leaving, strange noises from beyond a cliff caught their attention, so they go and check it out. They’re shocked to find two monsters fighting, one is recognized as Godzilla, but the other one isn’t familiar. The men watch in horror as the battle rages on. The mobsters fight so fiercely that they fall off the cliff and into the ocean. Tsukioka and Kobayashi escape unscathed and quickly return to Osaka and report this to authorities.

The JSDF, Japanese Self Defense Forces, and a team of scientists led by Dr. Yamane to discuss the mobsters on Iwato Island. Dr. Yamane confirmed the one monster is in fact Godzilla and the new one as Anguirus based on a report written by a Polish scientist. Great monsters do in fact exist. Godzilla and Anguirus had been dormant underground for centuries until they were disturbed by atomic blasts from nuclear testing performed by the American Navy in the Pacific. (Brilliant!)

This time, Osaka was the unfortunate location for Godzilla’s raid because it was closest to Iwato Island. The defense team reviewed footage from the last Godzilla attack in Tokyo a year ago. The monster was killed by the Oxygen Destroyer, and a powerful weapon like that doesn’t exist. How would Osaka defend itself? Dr. Yamane suggested that Godzilla was light sensitive, observed from the Tokyo footage, and a citywide blackout would be the best defense. They could use flares to lure it to Osaka and use their military weapons to defeat Godzilla.

The JASDF, Japanese Air Self Defense Force, sends planes to search for Godzilla and he’s spotted moving towards the Kii Channel between Wakayama Prefecture and Shikoku. Mr. Yamaji, Hidemi’s father, is concerned because Godzilla could destruct his valued fishing production that he couldn’t afford to lose. Godzilla then changes his course and is now heading towards Osaka Bay. Authorities order an evacuation and Tsukiaka and Koboyashi go to the cannery with Mr. Yamaji. Meanwhile, convicts are being escape from an evacuation transport. They lead the police in a chase and crash into an oil refinery. The explosion attracts Godzilla and he goes towards it.

Mr. Yamaji and everyone evacuate the cannery and unbeknownst to them, the escaped convicts enter the business to hide. But no sooner than later, the convicts are killed when the monsters destroy the business. Destroying everything in their path the battle ends for Anguirus when Godzilla kills him with his atomic breath. Godzilla returns the sea.

Later, Mr. Yamaji relocates his business to Hokkaido. Tsukioka is reunited with Tajima, a friend from college and the war; Tajima works for the JASDF. The friends join Yamaji and friends for dinner. It was there that Kobayashi tells Hidemi he’s fallen for a woman, but doesn’t say whom. She tries to persuade him to tell her, but he won’t. The dinner party falls silent when a news flash reports a ship was sunk by Godzilla.

Tsukioka volunteers and helps the JASDF search for Godzilla the morning after the sinking. He flies out to the location of the downed ship and spots Godzilla at Kamiko Island. Kobayashi joins Tsukioka who is trying to prevent Godzilla from leaving the island. Meanwhile, Hidemi finds Kobayashi’s diary and finds her picture is in it. She becomes emotional learning she’s the one he loves, but she is in love with Tsukioka. Kobayashi joins his friend circling Godzilla but is struck by an atomic blast and crashes into the mountain peak. The crash causes an avalanche that buries Godzilla and this is how the JASDF decides to use this method to stop Godzilla.

Everyone who knew Kobayashi is distraught, especially Hidemi. Tsukioka wants to aid the JASDF, but Tajima won’t allow him to because of Kobayashi. The JASDF flies to Kamiko Island and bombs the ground creating a wall of fire to prevent Godzilla from leaving while another group of planes shoots missiles into the mountaintop causing avalanches to subdue the great monster. Tsukioka flies out to the island to witness the attack and watches Godzilla fire one last blast before being completely buried by the downfall of snowy rubble. Knowing Godzilla is defeated, Tsukioka tells his best friend, Kobayashi, that they’ve won and he can rest in peace.

Wrap up

Godzilla Raids Again was released in Japan April 24, 1955 and an English-dubbed version was released by Warner Bros. in America May 21, 1959 under a different name: Gigantis, the Fire Monster.

The Japanese version was released in Japanese-American theaters prior to the new adaptation and the audiences reception wasn’t received with the same excitement as was the first movie, but it did draw a moderate amount of money compared to what the first one profited. Tanaka claimed that the creating team had very little time to make this movie and he didn’t much care for it personally.

Despite the moderate profit and less enthusiastic reception, the movie is credited for paving the road for other great Godzilla movies.

I did enjoy the movie. Despite the mad rush deadline to meet, I think Tanaka created a good enough story that allows a scientific reason for Godzilla’s existence.

I enjoyed how the original movie and this one had similar romance dilemmas. The first movie, Emiko and Ogata are in love, and Dr. Serizawa is a friend who likes Emiko. Serizawa dies to save Japan. This movie, Hidemi and Tsukiyaka are in love and their friend Kobiasha likes Hidemi. Kobiasha’s death inspired a defense tactic to defeat Godzilla. Actors in both movies were outstanding. They made us believe Godzilla was real, none more so than the extras recruited for evacuation scenes.

Cast and crew

Director: Motoyoshi Oda

Special effects: Eiji Tsuburaya

Screenplay: Takeo Murata and Shigeaki Hidaka

Story: Shigeru Kayama

Produced by: Tomoyuki Tanaka

Score: Masary Sato

Starring: Hiroshi Koizumi, Setsuko Wakayama, Minoru Chiaki, Takashi Shimura

Movie Grade: 0.0 to 4.0

Score: 3.7

Photo references: Getty Images

#godzilla #anguirus #godzilla resurgence #godzilla raids again #monster #monster movies #movie theater #movie release #movie review #japanese movie #movies #movie time #movie talk #movie recap #thriller movies #movie recommendation #movie reaction #movie classics #classic #movie characters #movie critic #movie critique #godzilla movies

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Godzilla, 1954

The most iconic and most recognized movie star in the world isn’t Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, or anyone else on the Hollywood A-list; it’s the one, the only: GODZILLA!

Godzilla is the most recognized movie star in the world and he is the most beloved character. From his Japanese debut in 1954, and introduction to American audiences in 1956, Godzilla struck a chord with newfound fans and his popularity continued to grow tremendously so much so that fans get antsy between releases. What will be his new nemesis? Will he have a makeover from the last movie? What? When? Ahhh!

The beginning

We owe Japanese filmmaker, Tomoyuki Tanaka, an honorable bow for bringing his imagination to life. Tormented by the destruction caused by the atom bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Tomoyuki conjured a symbol that reflected the fear of his country’s people - radiation. He imagined a giant monster appearing out of the ocean while on a plane. Looking down at the Pacific Ocean, Tanaka not only imagined a monster, but he thought about the trauma he and his people suffered and their struggles of rebuilding from the tragedy. The monster would be an enormous size and with radioactive powers.

“Japanese people back then had a great fear of radiation which is what gave Godzilla his enormous size. He always stood for nature’s retaliation against humanity.” - Tomoyuki Tanaka

Tanaka collaborated with Ishiro Honda and Eiji Tsuburaya to create Godzilla’s personality, a history if you will, where soon after, the idea for a monster took shape. The team wanted a significant menacing look for monster yet to be named. Tanaka remembered an American movie, The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, and the scary T-Rex which became the inspiration for Godzilla’s look.

Appearance

Akira Watinabe knew what to do. The monster needed to be amphibious and reptilian. He combined features of a T-Rex, an alligator, a stegosaurus, and an Iguanodon and designed a menacing being. The skin’s texture represented keloid scars from the survivors of the atom bomb. Three rows of serrated plates were placed along the back down to its powerful long tail and this feature allowed the monster to swim flawlessly in water.

Teizō Toshimitsu sculpted a prototype figure to give it life, a realistic concept and Tanaka couldn’t have been more satisfied. Now, what to call it.

A name

How Godzilla was named will always be debated. One tale claims Tonaka named the monster Gojira afrer learning of a Toho worker who was nicknamed that. Gojira is a combined word of “gorira - gorilla” and “kujira - whale.” The name suited the monster’s origin and it was perfect. Toho Studios confirmed this, however, Tonaka’s widow disputes this. No matter, the name was selected and couldn’t be more fitting.

Gojira was changed to Godzilla once American studios collaborated with Toho.

Abilities

It was important to Tanaka that radiation was a part of Godzilla. He would generate nuclear power from within with the idea of him using it as a weapon. The creating team wanted Godzilla to have atomic breath, a radioactive beam so powerful it could melt steel like wax. His skin couldn’t be pierced by any kind of man-made weapon; the idea was to give mankind a sense of hopelessness and doom.

Godzilla’s voice

Akira Ifkube created a chilling roar with pine tar resin on a glove that he rubbed on a contrabass. The recorded sound was played back, but to get it right, the recording was slowed down at various speeds until it was perfect.

The suit

The original monster suit was made of hard to find materials after WWII. Plastics, rubber, cotton, and silicone were these materials, and Toho used whatever they could get and they made it work, but at the expense for the actor. Wires and bamboo was used to shape Godzilla’s body and chicken wire held the shape together. For comfort, fabric was used to cushion the inside. The finished product weighed 100kg and was grueling for Haruo Nakajima. Lack of ventilation made it difficult to breathe and he’d sweat profusely as soon as the headpiece was put on. He was Godzilla for over a decade and in the duration of his time, the suit changed to latex materials which was lighter and easier to move in, but still with some challenges when filming.

Miniature scale locations, landscapes, and the ocean. Special effects artist, Eiji Tsuburaya was limited to resources for the filming of Gojira, he used wiring and support mechanisms when filming. Eiji’s bigger challenge was Godzilla in water. The material absorbed too much water and proved difficult for Haruo to walk; Eiji incorporated support beams and wires that attached to the suit.

Release

October 27, 1954, Gojira premiered in Nagoya, and then released in Japan November 3. Edmund Goldman of Jewell Enterprises heard about wanted the movie adapted for American audiences. He worked out an agreement with Toho studios in 1955 to remake the movie by adding Raymond Burr as an American journalist in Japan when Godzilla emerged. The movie was remade with English dubbing added and was released in America as Godzilla, King of the Monsters.

The movie was a sensation, except for one man who hated it. Ray Harryhausen made the claymation movie The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms and he accused Toho Studios of stealing his T-Rex and mimicking his movie. He believed that Japan mocked him and he remained bitter his entire life. Yes, Godzilla was inspired by the T-Rex, but they did not steal anything from the the movie. Rumors claimed Ray was angry, jealous, of Godzilla’s success.

Global impact

American critics of Japan accused them for exploiting the devastation they suffered from the atomic bomb in WWII and the Daigo Fukuryū Maru incident, a claim Japan denied.

"They called it grotesque junk, and said it looked like something you'd spit up. I felt sorry for my crew because they had worked so hard!" - Ishiro Honda, quoted in the Tokyo Journal.

The same critics said Godzilla’s atomic breath was strange, nothing alive would have such physical traits. But after the movie received great reviews, the critics began singing a different tune. Millions of fans loved everything about him.

From 1954 to today, millions of fans worldwide anticipate every movie release because of how he destructive he is, how the Japanese defend themselves, but mostly to see what new nemeses the king of monsters will battle. I will admit that it’s a grueling wait between movie releases. Godzilla is my all-time favorite movie star and I’ve seen every movie made multiple times with a fluttering heart and excitement like seeing them for a first time.

Cast and crew

1954 Gojira -

Actors: Akira Takarada, Momoko Kochi, Akihiko Hirata, Takashi Shimura

Directed by: Ishiro Honda

Produced by: Tomoyuki Tanaka

Story by: Shigeru Kayama

Special effects: Eiji Tsuburaya

Written by: Takeo Murata, Ishiro Honda

Score: Akira Ifukube

Cinematography: Masai Tamai

Edited by: Taichi Taira

Productions: Toho Co., Ltd.

Movie Grade: 0.0 to 4.0

Score: 4.0

Photo references: Getty Images

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[thebrikbox]

Watching movies is a pastime I enjoy, but I don’t watch them for pure enjoyment, I watch them as film critic. After a viewing, I write my opinions and then compare my POV to other critics and I often find myself disagreeing with many. But that’s the fun of being a critic because it allows movie goers an opportunity to see a movie themselves.

I watched a horror movie over the weekend and I’m always in the market for a good scare. I, myself, write horror books and have published one (sequel in the works as we speak) and sadly, I have yet to be scared from a good flick. The movie I recently watched gave me high hopes, but alas, I was disappointed.

2008 Mirrors, R-rated horror/thriller (Spoiler Alert!)

Kiefer Sutherland stars as Ben Carson, Paula Patton as Amy Carson, Cameron Boyce as Michael Carson, Erica Gluck as Daisy Carson, and Amy Smart as Angels Carson.

Mirrors is a psychological horror thriller that will scare you and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ben Carson is a suspended NYC detective who takes a job as a night security guard at department store, the Mayflower, destroyed by fire.

The movie begins with a petrified man running for his life in a subway station. He can’t find an escape, so he breaks into a locker room and sees a window to escape, but he can’t. In the room, the man sees his reflection peering at him angrily. The man pleads for his life, but the mirror cracks and a large shard falls to the ground on the reflection side. The man’s reflection picks up the shard and cuts his throat killing the man on the outside.

A great opening that set the tone of what to expect. Thumbs up.

The scene changes to an apartment where Ben is getting ready for the day. He wipes the mirror after a shower and stares at his reflection - a precede of what horror is yet to come.

Ben’s first night alone at Mayflower tears his psyche apart making him think he’s going insane. He sees handprints on the mirror, doors opening in the reflection of the room he’s standing in, and his own reflection come to life. Ben becomes more unstable and experienced strange things at home. After his sister is killed by her reflection, Ben tries to destroy the mirrors at Mayflower and after failed attempts, he demands to know what the mirror wants from him. It carves out a name: Esseker and thus begins the unraveling of the mirror’s origin.

Ben investigates and learns about a security guard accused of murdering his family and in the video confession, the guard claims the mirrors killed his family because he couldn’t find an Esseker. With aid from a former coworker, detective, Ben learns the Mayflower was built on the ground where a psychiatric hospital once stood and he ventures to a flooded basement and discovers a room of mirrors with a restraint chair in the center. He learns that Esseker was a girl and former patient believed dead is alive.

Ben tries to protect his own family and his wife doesn’t believe him until she witnesses her son talking to his reflection and it comes to life after her son leaves the room. She and the children are now being attacked. Ben desperately drives to Pennsylvania to find the girl. There, the girl’s father confessed his daughter was possessed and the psychiatrist cast the demon into the mirrors and she was transferred to a convent near her childhood home.

Ben goes to the convent and meets the girl who is an elder nun and he pleads for her to go with him to save his family, and she refuses. At the convent, Ben gets a call from his wife and he then persuades the nun to return with him at gun point. They return to Mayflower together and go down to the basement into the mirrored room. She makes Ben strap her in the chair and tells him to leave. The demon repossesses the nun and escapes the mirror room chasing Ben trying to kill him. After a lengthy fight, Ben kills the demon with a fiery explosion.

Outside, emergency vehicles and personnel were on scene. Ben pushes his way out of the rubble and goes outside and is happy to see everyone. He sees his fellow security guard and notices the name tag is backwards. Frantic, Ben looks at police cars and anything with writing and sees all is backwards. He runs away and is walking downtown when he sees a reflecting window. He sees everyone’s reflection but from the reflection side of the glass. He places his hand on the window and his hand print appears on the realty side as a frosted print. The end.

Mirrors is a remake of the Korean 2003 film Into the Mirror, directed by Alexandre Aja and released in theaters in 2008.

What should’ve been scary wasn’t for me. Things that happened in the reflection and not in reality didn’t chill me. I felt the pace of events that happened to Ben was too exaggerated. The pace of events that happened to his family was also exaggerated and almost cliche, especially after his sister was killed instantly.

If your tolerance for scary is low, this will definitely chill your spine, but if you have a moderate to high tolerance, you will have wanted more. For the most part, it was entertaining.

Cast

Kiefer Sutherland - Ben Carson

Paula Patton - Amy Carson

Cameron Boyce - Michael Carson

Arika Gluck - Daisy Carson

Amy Smart - Angela Carson

Mary Beth Peil - Anna Esseker

Movie Grade: 0.0 to 4.0

Score: 1.8

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&tag=1charlouise-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=5ad5a44ca0fc80e5eaa4d24259e1dea2&camp=1789&creative=9325&node=130">1Charlouise-20&lt;/a>

Photo references: Getty Images

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