Godzilla 1985
by Koji Hashimoto, R.J. Kizer
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VHS Tape Cover Information
Actor: Keiju Kobayashi, Ken Tanaka, Shin Takuma, Yasuko Sawaguchi, Yosuke NatsukiDirector: Koji Hashimoto, R.J. Kizer
Edition: VHS Tape
Audio: English (Original Language), Analog
Format: Color, NTSC
Running Time: 91 minutes
Release Date: 1997-09-30
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Publisher: Starz / Anchor Bay
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
VHS Movie Reviews of Godzilla 1985
Movie Review: "When Mankind Falls Into Conflict With Nature Monsters Are Born."
Summary: 4 Stars
Thirty years later and it's still about radiation and models.
"Godzilla 1985" is a slightly updated version of the classic Godzilla movie: it's still a guy in a big rubber suit stomping around detailed models, and he's still embroiled in a plot with heavy-handed doses of the Japanese skepticism of radiation. (Given their history, I don't blame them.)
Here Godzilla once again emerges from the sea, and poses a peril to mankind. The Soviets defy the wishes of the Japanese government and launch a nuclear weapon at Godzilla despite the fact that he happens to be in Tokyo at the time. Collateral damage, anyone? The US military fortunately dispatches the Soviet missile with a missile of their own, while consulting with Raymond Burr who is reprising his role as Steve Martin. Burr advises that firepower is not the answer, and that a deeper understanding of Godzilla's motives are key to defeating him. With that in mind they immediately plan to lure Godzilla into a volcano.
Along the way we get to see some special effect typical of the genre. My personal favorite is the "Super-X" secret levitating craft, although Godzilla's encounters with the model boats, helicopters, planes, and buildings are still fun to watch. The best laugh of the movie comes from the drunk guy running from Godzilla after mistaking him for a restaurant waiter repeatedly. (I'm not making that up.) There is another customary device in this movie, namely, everyone in Japan seems to know everybody else. True to form, plot contrivances abound here.
The movie ends with Godzilla in the volcano, although we aren't totally sure whether or not lava can destroy him, as there is always another sequel right around the corner. Please note the sanctimonious voiceover work from Burr during the volcano-luring: it really wants to be deep, but it just doesn't work given the ridiculous onscreen image.
This is a great resurrection of the Godzilla franchise after a decade-long break. It is enjoyable if you like the giant-monster-attacks-models genre, which I do. For those fans I recommend the film wholeheartedly.
Summary of Godzilla 1985
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the original Godzilla film, the lizard king returned to the big screen after a decade of inactivity for this 16th Godzilla feature. Originally released in Japan in 1984 as The Return of Godzilla, this modern sequel sweeps away decades of sequels and even recaptures the awe and grandeur of the original film, while adding modern technology and increased military firepower. But let's not get too carried away: this is ultimately a classic Japanese monster movie, and the best moments are the Big G's rampages through Tokyo, knocking over buildings and crushing cars and trains underfoot. It's still a guy in a suit stomping through lovingly detailed miniatures, and by American standards it'll always have that delightfully cheesy camp element, but this painstakingly crafted affair is one of the easier such efforts to take seriously. And fear not, you can't keep Godzilla down for long: he returns in Godzilla vs. Biollante. American distributor New World Pictures dubbed and trimmed the Japanese version while adding new American scenes featuring Raymond Burr, who reprises his role as reporter Steven Martin from the original Godzilla. The videotape also features Marv Newland's goofy animated short spoof Bambi Meets Godzilla. --Sean AxmakerHorror VHS Video
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