GODZILLA VS MONSTER ZERO (1965)
(Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure) [G]
We have a tiger at the front door and a wolf at the back.
This movie is also known as INVASION OF THE ASTRO-MONSTER or just MONSTER ZERO in case you are looking for it and can’t find it under the name it came out under on VHS. It is the 6th film in the Godzilla franchise. In this one aliens from Planet X are discovered by astronauts Glen and Fuji on the dark side of Jupiter. The aliens ask humanity to rid them of what they call “Monster Zero” who is “Ghidorah” to the humans. The idea is that the aliens will borrow Godzilla and Rodan from earth to fight the menace. It is soon discovered that the aliens can control all 3 monsters and try to take over the earth for their own. I guess water shortages can drive you to do crazy things.
Oh man, the aliens in this thing are freakin nuts looking. They basically look like they were taken out of an 80’s new wave video and launched into space. Some of the set designs are pretty rad, but a lot of them are really hokey. I love the models in this thing and the weapons the humans have. The destruction sequences are fantastic for this era, but if I am being honest, I could have done without the famous Godzilla “victory dance” based on the “she” gag pose from the character Iyami from the manga "Osomatsu-kun". Being a huge Godzilla fan, I kind of love that these nutty things happened but in this case would rather it hadn’t. This was one of the more serious Godzilla flicks aside from that and it feels a bit out of place. We do see some budget constraints in the design of the space ships (which is terrifyingly bad) and wiring here and there. Mothra was also supposed to be in this film but was cut due to budget issues, ultimately I feel like its fine without her.
The performances are pretty great. Akira Takarada really stands out in this one and Nick Adams is also amazing. What isn’t amazing by today’s standards and even back then is the dialog. I have seen some things called sexist that are not at all in film, but holy crap…this thing is burdened with zingers aimed at Fuji's sister. This is the second film where Godzilla takes more of a reluctant hero role in the movie. Even the suit design looks more “friendly” than in past versions.
Where this movie fails for me is the wonky “love” story between Glen and one of the aliens. Something happens to her and he barely even seems upset by the end of the movie. Maybe that’s because he’s going back to Planet X and all the women there look the same? I have no idea. The ending is pretty lackluster as well. We get a decent fight, but the ending is a “what the heck” situation much like the ending of KING KONG VS GODZILLA.
Overall I have to give this thing a 5 out of 7. It’s definitely not as bad as some of the other movies in the series and I do enjoy this one quite a bit. Don’t expect anything mind-blowing and you will probably have a great time watching this bonkers flick as well.
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