Here, for your consideration, are capsule reviews for the Godzilla movies in the Millennium series, made between the years 1999 to 2004. Only minor spoilers are given, with only the barest of plots to preserve some of the joys of the films. Longer reviews will appear when warranted.
The reviews for the Heisei series begin here
The reviews for the Showa series begin here
With the exception of Gojira tai Mekagojira (2002) and Gojira tai Mosura tai Mekagojira: Tôkyô S.O.S. , none of the Millennium Series are connected. For that reason, I’ve stuck a review of the American Godzilla in here. Hey, it’s a Godzilla film (sort of) and there is no other place for it…
Director: Roland Emmerich
A mutant (Jira) created by nuclear testing appears. It heads with a purpose towards New York.
A “realistic” Godzilla, one that could be harmed by conventional weapons and followed the laws of physics and nature to a reasonable degree, would make a very interesting film. It also would be interesting to see what real world effects a Kaijû would have on the world, from the damage it would do to the surrounding landscape to the sociological effects its presence would have on civilization.
Unfortunately, this movie isn’t it. Hell, it doesn’t even meet most of the above criteria.
Between questionable situations (how many eggs did that lizard lay?), a horde of unnecessarily, borderline unlikable characters (pretty much all of the news related characters), an almost cowardly stance (blaming French nuclear testing instead of the usual homegrown accidents and experiments), and rather smug writing and directing, it’s not surprising that the film suffered so many harsh reviews. However, it does have its charms in places. Jira, while not quite Godzilla enough, is suitably impressive and all of his scenes are worth watching.
While a failure, it really isn’t that bad. Maybe a better over Gojira tai Hedorà, Chikyû kogeki meirei: Gojira tai Gaigan, and Gojira tai Megaro, but not that much better…
aka Godzilla 2000
Director: Takao Okawara
A recently discovered artifact proves to be some sort of living creature that is far too interested in mighty Godzilla.
In many ways, the best Godzilla movie since Gojira tai Biorante. The Kaijû Orga (which is never referred to by name) is very inventive, with a motive that makes him unique among all of the other foes Godzilla has faced. The special effects are more or less impressive, with only a few weak moments. The plot is a bit silly in places, but in the end most serviceable.
All in all, an excellent Godzilla Movie.
aka Godzilla vs. Megaguirus
Director: Masaaki Tezuka
An experiment in a new weapon to use against Godzilla unleashes a new threat upon the world.
While Megaguirus was a very interesting choice for a foe for Godzilla (the Kaijû first appeared in Sora no daikaijû Radon/Rodan ) the plot makes him and his kin superfluous. Speaking of plots, the weapon concept is phenomenally bad; it must be heard to be believed. And even then…
The effects in this movie are good, except for one scene where the wires supporting Megaguirus is clearly seen. In this day and age, such errors really shouldn’t be made.
Not a very good movie, it does have one saving grace: it does illustrate one of the benefits of little continuity…
(2001)
aka Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah:
Giant Monsters All-Out Attack
Director: Shusuke Kaneko
Once more the mighty Godzilla has risen from the sea to punish Japan for its sins. All that stands between the nation and utter destruction are the Guardian Monsters. And even they might not be enough…
One of the best Godzilla movies in years, period. And a very odd statement coming from a Showa fan, as Godzilla has never been as evil as he is in this movie.
Which is really the reason why this movie is so good. It is so unlike any of the movies that came before it or after it. Malicious and dark, Godzilla is clearly a threat that must be destroyed at all cost. The special effects are constantly excellent and while the story is questionable in places, it never becomes utterly ridiculous. (Well, maybe a bit at the end…)
If this isn’t the best of the Godzilla films, it’s damn close.
aka Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla
Director: Masaaki Tezuka
Using state-of-the-art technology, the Japanese Defense force builds a robot protector from the remains of the first Godzilla. It is successful in defending Japan from the threat of the second Godzilla, but proves to be just as big a threat to innocents.
A return to the usual, with a monster that’s been seen before, a hero with a personal grudge against Godzilla, and one of the most static battle scenes in the history of the character. By all rights, this should have been another low point. And yet, it is one of the best of the Millennium series.
Aka Godzilla, Mothra, Mechagodzilla:
Tokyo S.O.S.
Director: Masaaki Tezuka
The Moth Goddess Mothra warns Japan to abandon its experiments with Kiryu/Mechagodzilla or face her wrath. However, Kiryu is still needed as protection from a still marauding Godzilla.
Rather disappointing, after the fun Gojira tai Mekagojira (2002). Although it begins promisingly enough, it soon sinks back into the same old routines of Godzilla’s past. It might have been interesting to see Kiryu battle Godzilla and Mothra at the same time, or see Kiryu and Godzilla team up against Mothra. Instead, events unfold pretty much as one might expect.
Still, it is an entertaining film, worthy of a viewing.
(2004)
Godzilla: Final War
Director: Ryuhei Kitamura
A monster mash in the spirit of Kaijû sôshingeki (Destroy All Monsters)
Of all of the Godzilla movies talked about in these capsule reviews, this one is the most unique, the most inventive... and the most empty. Not that one notices while watching; while watching it's thrilling, exciting, and funny. It's only afterwards that a sort of empty feeling comes.
It's a very interesting experiment. I wish more of the Millenium series was as daring. I just wish that this, the last Godzilla for the forseeable future, had a bit more substance to it.
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