Heisenberg vs Godzilla
I confess that as a reward for my academic hardships this year, I am planning to take myself and Mdm. Padre to the new Godzilla movie. We both have a fondness for vintage movies about giant beasties snacking on cities, and we are both fans of Bryan Cranston (who appears in Godzilla shouting a lot and with a full head of hair), so this should be a win win.
My eagerness to see this film was stoked today by learning, via the US Navy Times, that the movie was made with the cooperation and support of the US Navy. Other science fiction films of late seem to have been US Mil sponsored, like the truly awful Battle Los Angeles (2011) was an extended recruiting commercial for the US Marine Corps, so I suppose the Navy felt that it needed equal time. According to the Navy Times article, the US D0D took pains to make sure that their portrayal in this movie about a 600 foot monster is as accurate and possible, reflecting both Navy technology and Navy values. Parts of the movie were shot on several USN ships, including the carriers Nimitz, Vinson and Reagan. Perhaps this time the Navy will pick up the ball they evidently dropped with Battleship, a film one reviewer described as “breathtaking in its stupidity”.
The advantage of a flattering portrayal, a Navy spokesman said, is that Godzilla might encourage a new generation of recruits. “Our hope is - the demographics for this audience are roughly 14-18 year old teenagers … they’re going to … say “You know, I never knew the Navy was such a sophisticated, professional organization; I really want to go explore it; they have some amazing UAV’s (unmanned aircraft) and technology and professionalism and honour and courage and valour; I never knew that, and maybe it’s something I want to do with my life."
Based on what I’ve already seen at a gaming convention this year, I predict that 2014 will be a big year for games and Kickstarters featuring giant monsters vs cities and humans. I won’t get on that bandwagon, but I do regret that I no longer have my copy of that old SPI classic board game, The Creature that Ate Sheboygan. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore … but they might start again.
MP+
This Godzilla movie has some promise. It will be interesting to see how good it will be. I look forward to your review.
ReplyDelete"Creature" is available on-line as a free download, should you so desire.
ReplyDeleteHowever... in my humble opinion, no Godzilla movie is complete without the Big G punting Japanese Self-Defense Force tanks and snacking of jet fighters. (Best buy Tamiya Models stock!)
Thank you John, I found a copy of Creature on BGG and have downloaded it. I look forward to playing it at some point.
DeleteGood tip.
Hmmm, 6mm human troops vs 28mm dinos....has potential :)
ReplyDeleteAt least 28mm ... maybe even 1/32 scale.
DeleteI thought Battle of Los Angeles was a doco!
ReplyDeleteI feel so confused now...
How about 'Pacific Rim'. That was fun ride, if you like. 'We are cancelling the Apocalypse!' Wotta line! Hohohohohohohohoho... with a side order of snigger, and extra laughs. I seem to recall the Godzilla in New York movie with Matthew Broderick, I believe. I was rooting for Godzilla in that one... Battleship I didn't follow (I think I zizzed out for a sizeable chunk of it), though taking off an alien's head with a sixteen inch shell armour piercing shall has still got to be thigh slapping stuff. H'n'yuk!
ReplyDeleteThe one admirable trait of the 90's Godzilla movie with Matthew Broderick is that the whole thing was the fault of the French. Anything where one can blame the French has some redeeming qualities.
ReplyDeleteGodzilla vs Walter White - now that's a battle!
I agree that 'Battle of LA' was dire, and that it seemed to be about recruiting for the marines. I don't get out to watch many films, but weren't there a couple that did the same for the SEALS (sadly without aliens)? I count myself blessed that I haven't seen 'Battleship' or 'Pacific Rim'...
ReplyDeleteI've got a soft spot for the 90s 'Godzilla' - but I'm of an age to be a Matthew Broderick fan and love anything with Jean Reno being comic. My Wife prefers the Japanese versions.
Giant monsters stomping on cities - superb!
ReplyDeleteAh interesting, I had no idea about that US Navy link. I'm a huge fan of Godzilla and kaiju movies in general and this one has shown a lot of promise from the start. Will be going to see it as soon as it's out here. By the way, I've nominated you for a Liebster Award sir!
ReplyDelete