Review: GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA (1974)

A few times each week, my eleven-year-old son and I watch one of several dozen kaiju/tokusatsu films from a big list I compiled (HERE) ... all in preparation for the new Godzilla movie.

Today's is Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla (1974).

I'll go first:

There's only two Godzilla films left in the Shōwa period and both of them are enjoyable.  This one is loaded with action and takes us away from the child-centric mood of the previous handful. 

An ancient statue is uncovered, along with a prophecy.  Godzilla shows up and begins attacking cities and even his "friend," Anguirus.  But then another Godzilla shows up and they fight.   

 

Soon after, one of them sheds the disguise and we see the mecha for the first time in its shiny glory.  Godzilla alone can't beat it, and as the prophecy pieces fall into place, an ancient Okinawan kaiju named King Caesar is awakened and they defeat the bionic intruder. 

Tidbits: The faux reporter, when he's introduced, reminds me of Anton Chigurh, Javier Bardem's creepy character from No Country for Old Men.  ...  The aliens controlling MechaG are nothing more than damn dirty apes in disguise!  (And likely inspired by the Planet of the Apes series.)  ...  I won "Spot Serizawa" this time.  ...  Lots of monster blood again with a real gusher on Godzilla's throat, and Anguirus' jaw cracking may be an homage to the original King Kong.  ...  The musical score is jazzy and offbeat.  I like it, but I don't really think it fits this movie.  ...  Anguirus' burrowing smells of Baragon and the woman's King Caesar song reminds me of Mothra.  Turns out, I'm not far off.  Both Baragon and Mothra featured in early story concepts.  ...  What's up with Godzilla's lightning/magnetic powers?  That's nice, I guess, but it looked like he was using the Force for a good five minutes there. 

Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla ... Good action and fun returns.  4 out of five atomic breath blasts.

Here's my son:

We had a MechaGodzilla marathon and watched this one and the next one. This one is about an old legend and Godzilla was a disguised alien robot that was stopped by Godzilla, and it also included a new Kaiju, King Caesar.  The gorilla aliens were creepy when they transformed but the battles were amazing!! 

So, rating wise, i'll say 3.99999 out of 5 Atomic Breaths of Awesomeness!!! 

Here's the trailer:



Next, the sequel, Terror of MechaGodzilla.