G Watch: Godzilla Minus Zero (2026) - again

I love meeting a celebrity

Watched:  11/15/2026

Format:  Regal

Viewing:  Second

Director:  Takashi Yamazaki

I was pondering going to see Godzilla Minus Zero (2026) in 4DX, because I assume it will shorten my lifespan by ten years to do so, and I can finally get off of this rock in peace.  But Jamie did not want 4DX, so we grabbed seats at the nearby cinema for a regular ol' screening.

First, this movie moves at a million miles an hour - something I didn't quite process the first time.  But, holy smokes, does the movie cruise.  If you're not dodging Ghidorah heads, you're dealing with big character emotions and I found the 80 seconds needed to step out post Diet Pepsi only because knew what scene was coming.

Second, IMAX is better.  If we do a third screening, I'll need to do it fast because IMAX rocked my socks off but the slate of holiday movies is coming and I think Dune has all of those screens.  But in not-IMAX I was able to process the film's end a bit more and felt the emotions more as I wasn't putting molars back in my skull after the big battle.

I've seen a lot of takes in the past week, and they're all legit.  You do you.  I would not be surprised if those of us who are sitting in the stew of the Godzilla filmography have a different take-away than folks mostly familiar with the Legendary films that posit Godzilla a very American way or who haven't quite processed the many eras of Toho Godzilla and how this movie uses all of them in one way or another.

But after a week I think I can safely say this is still a top Godzilla movie for me.  Not *the* top, but I do love a lot about it.  I do think it suffers from some clunky translation, which may change by the time we get to disc.  There's also just not enough Ms. Sumiko.  When she's not on screen, I'm wondering "where is Sumiko?  What is Sumiko doing?"  

you know she'd give G such an earful

Also, I think the movie suggests that the Americans intentionally remade Godzilla, but I'm not sure.  That folder has some info in it, but it seems to just be an aerial shot - but is it the end of Minus One and they're just planning on Godzilla maybe returning, or did they get clever and drop a nuke on the death site?  I'm not sure.  But now seems like a very good time not to trust America, so I'll go with The Worst Possible Case.

Some folks are saying they don't want a third installment, and I imagine in 1980, those same folks would want to wrap it up after Lando and Chewie left to go looking for Han.  That's all the Star Wars they need, thanks!

Anyway, looking forward to whatever's next.  I'll take a Rodan and Mothra film, thanks.