In 1954, Japanese director Ishirō Honda created a character that would change the world of cinema forever: Godzilla. He first appeared as a giant prehistoric creature, unleashing chaotic destruction across the nation. But now, more than 60 years later, Godzilla has returned—and he’s cuter than ever.
There could be a variety of reasons for the transformation of Godzilla’s appearance. While the original movie was a serious examination of the effects of nuclear weapons on humankind, modern audiences would likely find a monster of such regulation to be quite dull. The new take on the franchise seems to have injected Godzilla with a more comical presence, making him more appealing and easier to swallow for the younger generation.
Godzilla’s new look is certainly more friendly, but that is not to say that its destructive nature has been lost. On the contrary, Godzilla is as powerful as ever—if not more so. Every scene featuring the King of the Monsters is awash with majestic imagery. The quick action scenes and epic fight scenes remain, just with a lighter tone.
It is the light-hearted take on the franchise that really sets Godzilla apart from the average blockbuster. There is still a focus on hazard and consequences, yet the filmmakers manage to present it in an entertaining and endearing manner, without taking away the viewer’s suspension of disbelief.
By moving away from its classical roots and embracing modern trends, Godzilla has not only managed to shed its weighty image, but has also reaffirmed its status as one of the greatest timeless movie icons. After all, there is nothing quite like a Kaiju film to bring the family together. And who wouldn’t love a monster that’s cuter than ever?
