One thing you should know before going to see the latest incarnation of Godzilla is that it is completely joyless. At least the 1998 Roland Emmerich version had Jean Reno attempt an Elvis accent to get past security. But what this version has in spades is atmosphere. The effects have inevitably gone up a couple of gears, and the film is at its best when Godzilla is letting rip. Ok but here's the rub and this is where the film falls down for me.
PLOT HOLE
There is a scene where the bus driver wipes away the condensation on his window with the palm of his hand. It completely took me out of the movie. Wiping away condensation with the palm of your hand will only compound the issue as it will leave unsightly smudges once it dries and the grease applied from the skin of your palm will allow it to fog up quicker. You think that a Bus Driver of all people would know the simple science behind wiping condensation away from his window, resorting to his sleeve, a nearby rag or an OAP's handbag.
It would also be remiss of me if I didn't pay notice to how annoying the character Dr Ishiro something or other, played by Ken Watanabe is. He is the Japanese geezer from Inception and Batman Begins. You can't miss him in this as it's not a particularly nuanced performance from our Ken. His main role is to look away from the camera with an expression of surprised constipation. Considering he had been studying Godzilla for 15 years you think he'd be a little bit more insightful in a crisis like this. However when the proverbial fecal matter hits the fan, our Ken is about as useful as nipples on a mannequin.
Jean Reno doing a little funny
TOMATO METER 73% (critics)
TOMATO METER 75% (audience)
PETER METER 78%
Yes a timely review of My Cousin Vinny. I borrowed it off my mate Brendan who collects dead people. Joe Pesci really does have a bit of range doesn't he? He can do a bit of humour in this and the Lethal Weapon series, yet he can scare the bejeezus out of you in films like JFK and Casino. It's light on its feet, it has a couple of throw away gags and it completely comes off the rails at the end. But it was sweet, charming and Marisa Tomei provides some decent eye candy.
TOMATO METER 84% (critics)
TOMATO METER 47% (audience)
PETER METER 73%
VERDICT
Has anyone seen Before the Devil Knows You're Dead? I saw it once years ago and haven't heard anyone mention it since. I remember being completely gripped by it. Especially in the opening minute of the film when Marisa Tomei gets banged by Phillip Seymour Hoffman. I have included the clip for your viewing pleasure. And for mine. So WATCH Before the Devil Knows You're Dead and NOT Godzilla OR My Cousin Vinny.
Best opening to a film ever
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