Gareth Edwards' Themes and the Merits of a True Godzilla Film

(This article was originally posted on the Scified.com column, We All Wear Suits - Japanese Sci-Fi & Fantasy, here.) *Major Spoiler Alert*

Previously, I had written that, “Legendary's Godzilla will neither be the 'be all, end all' movie of the series, nor will it tarnish it,” but rather it would, “add to an already impressive legacy.” They were cautionary words for fans who misinterpreted the series as a 59 year practice round for this singular release. Indeed audiences were greeted with a film that carries much of the same charm, energy and weaknesses as the bulk of the series. Fans weren't given a movie that disrespectfully tried to apologize for the franchise, à la 1998-- They were given a Godzilla movie.

The Importance of Being Pacific Rim

A lot of people will assume it's easy for me to say there aren't enough movies like Pacific Rim. It's a giant monster movie. How could I not? And while the effects of enjoying a big-budget, Godzilla-esque film are not lost on me, it's also not exactly why I think we need more.

I think there is a lack of understanding for this movie. Both some fans and people who cry "terrible movie" don't seem to understand where this film is coming from and why. I don't expect my answers to change opinions, but I do hope it helps them look at it differently. And for those who have yet to see it, I hope you are motivated to do so. Pacific Rim is the most lovable blockbuster of many summers.

Minor spoilers after the jump.

More Steel Than Man? Or More Man Than Super?

I started this article thinking I was going to analyze it ala Iron Man 3. It's taken a couple of weeks for me to realize this will never get done if I treat it like that. It also revealed something very important about my opinion on Man of Steel-- I'm simply not very passionate it. Iron Man 3 kept me thinking and loving despite its slew of flaws. Man of Steel has moments that grasp me, but nothing sticks. As a blog dedicated to movies and series that reach out to my heart and mind, I've discovered it doesn't flutter to Man of Steel. I'm not alone, but it's not a universal agreement either. There's a reason for that.

Spoilers after the jump.

A Game of Write Offs and A Storm of Anger

I'm angry. It's the only way I can justify anything I write during this post. My insults to the Game of Thrones television series, and subsequently the book series, A Song of Ice and Fire, may be more difficult to digest than the last episode I watched-- but I doubt it. If it's any consolation to the fans, my opinions may be emotionally compromised. Last night Game of Thrones aired the ninth episode of its third season, based heavily on the third book A Storm of Swords. Those who have read it knew what was coming. Those of us who came into the series without any knowledge of the books were blindsided. I'm told many fans of the books found it difficult to continue after this part. Likewise, television fans might be remiss of furthering the story. Are we out of line?

Major spoilers and divisive discussion after the jump.

Spectacular Failures: The Hangover Part III

This is not a franchise I've spent a great deal of time thinking about. In fact it's a shock I'm writing about it at all. The Hangover had a funny premise for the less than subtle frat crowd, but I never bought in to the humor. Bradley Cooper was a leading man with no substance (Ha!) while the supporting cast got all the major laughs. The Hangover Part II, I felt, was an abysmal follow up for any franchise. It copies the original film's formula and jokes to a tee. These days sequels are built to make references to their predecessors, but The Hangover Part II was little more than a remake.

I didn't create this blog to simply throw movies I disliked under the bus, but more as a reflection of what I see in the films I watch. More often than not I see a lot in a spectacular failures than a simple bomb. Ironically, The Hangover Part III is lucky enough to be the former.

Spoilers after the jump.

Iron Man 3: The Anti-Superhero Motion Picture and Why That's Good

To admit that I'm baffled by Iron Man 3 would be an insult to bewildered children wondering why Tony Stark's Mark 42 isn't as cool as it looks. I'm perplexed for reasons that escape me as easily as I flee reality during the film. Iron Man 3 is home to some fairly concerning flaws, but they aren't enough to keep me away from it.

By now we've seen Stark take off in the Iron Man suit(s) three times. 2008's Iron Man launched the Marvel cinematic plan and is still the pinnacle of the studio's efforts. Iron Man 2 offered little more and was less compelling of an adventure. Much of the blame can be pointed to an intrusive sub-plot dedicated to advertising The Avengers. By the time the latter hit theaters audiences were thrilled with Stark's return to form as he interacted with other modern myths.

Enter Iron Man 3. Initially, I was put off by the film's many flaws and contradictions, but there's something oddly appealing about every move this film makes. Even its faults keep it interesting. Admittedly, it's not a good example of a superhero movie, but that's hardly a bad thing. Film critic James Kendrick properly sells the movie as, "providing a satisfying sense of escapism while reminding us that such pleasures don't have to be saturated with overkill and completely devoid of relevance." Nail-on-head. And there's a reason this is a good thing for both casual movie goers and comic book fans alike.

Massive spoilers after the jump.