Godzilla Raids Again

I think this film is actually quite good. It has it's flaws here and there but it's still really enjoyable

I saw it right after watching Gojira and also Godzilla: King of the Monsters!, and the major thing I noticed was that in the original, they slowed down the monster by 3X, but in GRA, they left the speed alone, so the monster action seemed really fast in comparison. I felt it was a serious take on "what would happen if there were two monsters fighting" like the new Godzilla tries to be. This movie was really the turning point from serious to campy in my opinion.

I thought it was ok not the best but way better than revenge 

I actually think Godzilla Raids Again as probably one of the most underrated Godzilla films. The fight between Godzilla and Anguirus is probably my favorite fight sequence in the series. There are times when it comes off as cheap like the fact they needed to make a head puppet for any atomic breath or roars since the suit couldnt really open it's mouth, but looking aside those things(something that shoudln't be a big deal to fans since a lot of godzilla movies cut corners when it comes to those types of things) it's a really enjoyable and surprisingly dark movie. Afterwards with King Kong vs Godzilla the series took a much lighter approach, but this is a very good Godzilla movies unfortunately some of the characters and their traits are kind of just thrown in. 

It's a good addition to include the monsters are attracted to light, something that is never really addressed again and it's a very well done scene for the blackout along with seeing the ruined Osaka.

I think the first and second act is outstanding for what they are. Yeah, some of the scenes feel rushed; the prisoner escape is too long and coincidental. The fact that Tsuburaya's crew forgot to shoot some of the monster fight at a higher frame rate is jarring. The editing is all over the place. But the first two acts manage to overcome these flubs with an atmospherically grim tone and likeable characters.

After Godzilla defeats Anguirus, however, the movie has nowhere else to go. The third act's only story motivation for the characters isn't put in motion until the tail end when Godzilla is spotted on the island. Suddenly it's revealed (shoehorned) that Kobayoshi had feelings for Setsuko to make it more tragic when he dies-- Something the third act had plenty of time to explore, but really should've been introduced earlier. I also don't like how the characters act so casual post-Osaka's destruction. Gone are the moments of melancholy in the wake of a leveled city. You would think they had already defeated Godzilla with the way they act and it's pure coincidence that Godzilla tends to show up near the locations they're constantly hopping anyway.

Although the movie has plenty of positive merit to it, I think the last third shoots most of its efforts down. I'm rather apathetic toward the movie in that I don't feel passionate about it either way. That's a sign it's not exactly working all the way through. Ultimately, I think Godzilla Raids Again is a fine example of why "dark" doesn't equal "better". There tend to be plenty of light hearted/family Godzilla films that are far more consistant.

I loved reading the responses regarding Godzilla Raids Again.

On further thought, it does seem like really two very distinct movies. First, there’s the Invasion and Giant Monster Fight in Osaka, which I loved. For whatever reason, by design or cameraman error, the fight between Godzilla and Anguirus, parts of it, at least, are too fast. So visually, it’s surreal, like a dream. It can’t really be happening. Look at it: giant monsters, these incredibly large creatures shouldn’t be able to move like this. Then, there are instances where Godzilla and Anguirus move as one would expect, especially when they’re circling each other, before reengaging in their fight to the finish. And it has a finish, a definitive conclusion. No tumbling into the sea. No comeback for one of them.

Then, there’s the Soap Opera.

The narrative involving the human characters doesn’t really serve as a bridge to the next set of SPFX scenes and the eventual confrontation with Godzilla, the concluding great attempt to defeat him. But, it was kind of nice sitting with them. They could have seemed a little more nonplussed by what had happened in Osaka. I mean, giant monsters leveling large sections of the city in spectacle that could only be described as nightmarish. Their reaction: well, life goes on, in Hokkaido. Some evidence of traumatization would have lent some credibility, some believability (I know I’m asking a lot) to the story. The film was meant to be taken seriously. So it’s not camp. So we’re asked to believe and follow the story as if it’s really happening.

But, still a very watchable entry in the series.

Hey jamaal, http://www.godzilla-movies.com/community/forums/topic/38656