Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla

THE FLICK: The “Godzilla” series is in a constant state of flux – from a mean-spirited monster-on-the-loose in the first film to a kid-friendly superhero in the 60s & 70s, the big green guy never feels (or looks) the same way twice. After director Shuseke Kaneko’s invigorating re-invention “All Out Giant Monster Attack,” it looked like the king of the “kaiju” genre (the Japanese word for “monster”) was back in a big way. But “Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla” (2003) is a bit of a momentum killer. Instead of taking the giant monster mythology in new directions, the film purposefully goes back to the standard formula for most of Godzilla’s reign in the 90’s. This time it’s the Japanese government who invests in Mechagodzilla (nicknamed Kiryu), constructing their superweapon from the skeletal DNA of the very first Godzilla that attacked Tokyo in 1954. Kiryu is armed with the latest firepower including an unstoppable freeze ray called “Absolute Zero.” But all those tax dollars go right down the tubes when the Godzilla double’s DNA kicks in and he turns traitor on those who created him, leaving a trail of mechanical destruction in his path. The ideas in “G against MG” are very clever. The design of Mechagodzilla (a mainstay in the series) from the bones of his doppelganger and the eventual rebellion triggered by hearing Godzilla’s familiar roar for the first time are standout scenes. But the film ignores any further potential inherent in the scenario of a DNA-enhanced Mechagodzilla. Instead it cuts right to more tedious human sub-plots that have been recycled since it seems the Jurassic period. The two big fight scenes (if you’re familiar with the series you can almost predict when the showdowns will hit to the second) are admittedly well staged. The effects seem to get better with every “G”-film, complementing the man-in-a-suit technology with CG and meticulous models. Mechagodzilla even moves with anime-style quickness this time, making for an interesting melding of Japanese pop culture. But the film lacks any original personality. “G” fans have come to expect (and even appreciate) more of the same. But after “All Out Attack” gave everyone at taste of what could be, “G against MG” seems like dressed up leftovers. THE FEATURES: Columbia comes through again with another anamorphic enhanced subtitled transfer! That’s right...no more hokey English dubbing. Unless you want it, that is. Mastered in high-def, these last three “Godzilla” releases have been superlative additions to everyone’s collection. No extras, but there are a few trailers for other imported Asian titles in the works. FINAL SCORE: Even though it’s disappointing to see the series take a step back creatively, you certainly can’t find fault with the execution. “Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla” is as slick and professional as the previous few outings, with one or two must see moments. But it lacks the innovation many might have been expecting. Still, “G” is back on DVD like he should be...subtitled and lookin’ fine!