Godzilla - 3 smiles

The most recent iteration of “Godzilla” honors not only the look and feel of the Big Green Lizard’s most famous outings but pays homage to his entire history. And that’s what makes this version the best of the remakes. It explicitly refers to the 1954 movie and calls the creature by his name. Godzilla is a force of nature and man is ineffectual against him. And Godzilla benefits from top caliber CGI, looking more real and less like a man in a suit. Although the movie is about Godzilla (and make no mistake, he is the hero), it’s not viewed from his perspective.

The movie takes its time with the reveal (which is too long), keeping Godzilla mostly hidden until about midway through the movie. The early scenes transpire 15 years in the past in Japan, where unexplained tremors are threatening the integrity of a nuclear power plant. The husband and wife team of Joe and Sandra Brody (Bryan Cranston and Juliette Binoche) are tasked with investigating the situation and preventing a disaster. Later, in the present day, Brodys’ now-adult son, Ford (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), finds himself in the same part of the world facing a similar situation. But this time, a huge insect-like creature, mutated by radiation, rises up and wreaks havoc before going in search of its mate. And an unknown creature, attracted by the activity, begins to make its way toward the action. Las Vegas, Hawaii and San Francisco end up as sites of destruction as Godzilla fights the creatures. “Godzilla” delivers everything expected of it, especially if you’re a fan of the original Godzilla movies. 5/16/14