Godzilla 2000: Millennium (1999)

Kick starting the Millennium era of the Godzilla franchise, Godzilla 2000 (or Godzilla 2000: Millennium) offers a very solid experience! Time has aged some of its computer effects but the same cannot be said for the practical Tokusatu kaiju suits! The film brings a well-acted cast into the spotlight cementing them as one of the better written human Godzilla characters. This description also suits Hiroshi Abe's performance as Mitsuo Katagiri very well, a highlight of the film as an antagonist! Well-acted as he is well written! The Introduction of the films plot is crafted really well introducing the characters, setting, and Godzilla himself. Many viewers may find the middle to be dull depending on whether the human cast interests them, however the brief action makes up for it. The final sequence/climax however, towers above both the second and first acts of the movie. It presents an amazing final battle, practical effects, creative villain, and a well-sent message that reinforces the thesis of the Godzilla franchise.

Godzilla 2000 will always remain a personal favorite of mine. The cast of characters while on sure the surface simple, have deeper feelings and motivations regarding the conflict(s) around them. The main examples being Yuji Shinoda, Mitsuo Katagiri, and Shiro Miyasaka. Io Shinoda & Yuki Ichinose offer both humourus banter and heart-felt emotions the film.

Godzilla 2000: B+