Godzilla – Power Up
Anticipation was high for this movie, especially considering that it was billed as something of a franchise reboot, and directed by Gareth Edwards of Monsters fame. The film ultimately divided audiences – with some bemoaning the slow pace and characterization – but as a whole, it builds to an incredible payoff. That payoff is the emotional connection with the creatures, which in turns makes us deeply invested in the final sequences of confrontation.
At this point, it almost certainly doesn’t warrant a spoiler alert to discuss the fact that Godzilla’s presence in the movie is for the purpose of battling other kaijus and, as a result, protect enormous cities. The rendering of these creatures is fantastic. They are imposing and intimidating and make the most incredible sounds. But the real triumph on the part of Edwards and his team is that these creatures emote.
As Godzilla faces off with two destructive kaijus, we find ourselves rooting for the scaly ancient predator, for reasons no more complicated than the fact that we have seen the other two kaijus cause death and destruction for an hour already, while Godzilla has been referred to in mythic tones – like some ancient lone ranger.
The battle is long and violent, and Godzilla seems to be decidedly out of his depth. As the kaijus land blow after blow, Godzilla repeatedly cries out in pain. It seems Godzilla has been bested, and our champion is beaten. There is a moment of devastating hopelessness; if Godzilla cannot beat them, what hope is there for the rest of us? But then, in the background – shrouded in darkness and draped in smoke – there is a pale blue light. Slowly, but purposefully, it spreads upwards to reveal the mighty Godzilla, with an illuminated spine – towering above the city and turning to face his enemy. It’s on.
Godzilla powers up, inhales and lets rip on the monstrous kaiju with the full force of his radioactive blast. It is a brilliant reveal of a power that many of today’s generation wouldn’t even know he had. It’s at once a beautiful homage to the source material and a fantastic movie moment that brings the audience together, rallied behind Godzilla – saviour of the city.
– Sarah Myles
