Hello All,
So during my last ever trip to HMV (May it rest in peace), I noticed that a stack of eight movies that, in total, would only cost me twenty dollars. Those eight movies in question, were the Showa Era Japanese Kaiju Monster Franchise, known as The Gamera Series. So obviously I bought them, but I will admit I have run into this franchise before. For any fans of Mystery Science Theatre 3000 out there, you may know five of these films from various seasons of the show. For non MST3K fans, to put it simply, the show was a movie riffing show, making fun of mostly B Grade schlock, and low budget indie films. So it was naturally pretty cool to have the original Gamera films on DVD to check out for myself, and I figure I have no better place to talk about these films then right here on this blog.
Today’s outing will cover the first film, the above mentioned Super Monster. So how does his first outing fair? Let’s find out together shall we?
Plot Summary - When a jet carrying an A-Bomb crashes into the arctic, the explosion awakens a giant monster the local eskimos simply call Gamera.
Pros - If you’re a classic Kaiju movie fan, or even just a fan of B Grade films, then this is right up your alley. It’s basically a showcase of everything that makes the genre just pure fun: Classic 60’s effects, rubber monster costumes, downtown Tokyo being destroyed, even the ending is pure silliness, and it’s just revels in it.
Cons - Admittedly, the plot is super simplistic and full of convenience. There’s a lso a subplot involving a kid that early on in the film Gamera saves from doom that doesn’t really have much to do except propel the plot and bring along tension to slower scenes. It’s also a really short film at 78 minutes.
Final Score - 6/10
But it does get my Lower Score Seal of Approval. If you need a film to ease a new viewer into this genre, I’d say this or the original japanese godzilla would be your best bet.
Next in the Series: Gamera VS. Barugon - Next time, Gamera faces his first true foe. How will Gamera defeat the giant lizard Barugon?
Next Review: Going in Style or Suggestion Box Review - it all really depends on how well the day goes. Wish me luck, it’ll be a long one.
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Until next time, I’ll see you folks at the movies.
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