I really wanted to hate this movie but, alas, I just couldn't do it!

Prior to viewing GODZILLA I made the mistake of watching 2 movie critics on Canadian TV bash the production with wild abandon. First, they claimed that the American remake of the classic Japanese monster flick was too slick and too Hollywoodish. Because you couldn't see the zipper on the lizard suit or the wires suspending the jet fighters in the air- these artsy-farts waxed idiotically- this somehow detracted from the film's ultimate value. Bullshit! What director, Japanese or American, would forgo the opportunity to use the latest special effects? Only an idiot would! By the way, all through their TV segment the reviewers were clutching plastic Godzilla dolls like 2 kitsch-hungry geeks at a Star Trek convention! Unbelievable!!! I'm shaking my head in disgust as I write this.

OK, I obviously didn't buy their first point. Their second criticism-as I found out much later-was based on a severe misrepresentation of the film's premise. This misrepresentation caused me to shun GODZILLA for many, many months. These 2 self-proclaimed cinematic gurus EMPHATICALLY stated that the movie was a blatant manifestation of American imperialism and that the French were cast in the role of "heavies". Now I really hate it when blatant propaganda (from any side) is inserted into the fine medium of moving pictures. I go to the movies for pure escapism, not indoctrination!

Despite my initial misgivings, I eventually I broke down and decided to review the movie. Not long after I tossed the tape into the VCR and settled down to watch, I came to a stark and disturbing realization: I had been bamboozled royally by 2 moronic Canucks! Far from being a tool of US propaganda, GODZILLA actually turned out to be a delightful little film. A gem, really. You have sharply drawn characters: the distracted scientist, the gruff military man, brassy New York dames, a semi-insane photojournalist called Animal, a sleazy TV anchorman, a vacillating city mayor, a colorful French agent and, of course, The Green One himself (or is it herself?). Then you have exotic locales: the South Pacific, Central America, the Big Apple.

And finally you have a well-written plot: French nuclear tests on a Pacific atoll turns a fairly large lizard into a freakin' huge lizard. Leaving behind a wide trail of destruction the lizard makes his way to the bright lights of New York City. A bungling US military enlists the aid of a brilliant scientist (played by Matthew Broderick) to help take out the beast. Parallel to this, and unbeknownst to the Yanks, a French secret service team infiltrates NYC to clean up the mess. The Frenchies actually turn out to be the heroes of the piece, contrary to what the clueless Canadians had to say!

In short, I loved this movie. Watch it, cherish it, love it! I have one small complaint however: throughout the film Broderick was wearing this stupid hat vaguely reminiscent of the Lewinsky beret. In your next role, Matthew, please dump the ridiculous headgear!

BUY THE VIDEO! (VHS) BUY THE VIDEO! (DVD) BUY THE SOUNDTRACK! (CD) BUY THE BOOK!