Great effects can't save 'Godzilla'

The skies over the Pacific Ocean are inexplicably filled with a blinding light. A Japanese tanker is mysteriously sunk by a giant beast.

In Tahiti and the Panamian forest, dinosaur-like footprints are found, prompting worldwide interest. And New York City is about to witness its destruction.

Does this plot sound familiar? Perhaps a page out of "The Lost World?"

Actually, this is a rough synopsis of a remake of one of the greatest movie monsters of all time. "Godzilla" stomped its way into theaters almost one week ago today, creating much hype in its wake.

The movie is the brainchild of Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin. Those two names may sound familiar since they created the summer blockbuster "Independence Day," which transformed Will Smith into a movie star. One aspect of the film comparable to "In

Courtesy of TriStar Pictures Here Leezard, leezard, leezard. Here leezard, leezard, leezard. Hank Azaria gets ready to catch the giant lizard on tape in 'Godzilla.'

dependence Day" is the incredible special effects.

The '90s Godzilla is no longer a man in a body suit, but a product of computer graphics that looks like a cross between a T-Rex and a large iguana. Godzilla, though, is lovable and has a large chin jutting out of his face, almost resembling Jay Leno.

The plot revolves around Godzilla's desire to procreate. The asexual giant lizard spends the film searching for a place to lay his eggs.

Standing in Godzilla's way is mild-mannered Nick Tatapoulos, played by mild-mannered Matthew Broderick. Tatapoulos is a nuclear researcher studying the effects of growth on worms during the aftermath of Chernobyl when he is called away to stop Godzilla.

Broderick's meekness of character and occupation undoubtedly brings about one of the many questions in this film: Why him?

REVIEW
	Godzilla 2 stars At Briarwood and Showcase

Opposite Broderick is Phillipe Roache, played by accomplished French actor, Jean Reno. The mysterious Roache, a French secret agent masquerading as an insurance salesman, is one of the few highlights of the movie.

He pops bubble gum with his fellow men and enjoys impersonating Elvis Presley - two idiosyncrasies (more than the rest of the cast has) that make him a more believable character. Of the "Godzilla" cast, Reno takes top acting honors.

Other notables include "Spinal Tap" star Harry Shearer as Charles Caiman, a ruthless, arrogant senior reporter for the local television station, and Mary Patillo, who plays Caiman's assistant and Tatapoulos's former college sweetheart.

Of course, the real star of this movie is Godzilla itself. As the title character, it is extremely disappointing that amidst a slew of cardboard cutout performances and sloppy writing, Godzilla is not portrayed as the wild, unsympathetic beast it is supposed to be.

Godzilla is actually the one character the audience can identify with.

Because Godzilla is asexual, it must find a decent place to lay its eggs and take care of his babies. Through the rush hour of army helicopters and nuclear subs, Godzilla must also find food with which to feed its young.

Any mother can relate to that. Godzilla is presented in a way that allows viewers to feel emotionally attached to the monster. Godzilla is easy to relate to, and obviously has feelings and needs just like everyone else.

The old Japanese "Godzilla" films may have had cheesy special effects and hilarious costumes, but at least they were capable of portraying Godzilla as the the monster it was supposed to be. And the old films, completely lacking in technology, were exactly the way "Godzilla" was meant to be seen.

Unfortunately, in this day and age, good stories and plotlines are at best only a minor concern and at worst thrown out completely.

Catering to audiences who want to be dazzled for two and a half hours by impressive special effects has taken precedence.

But "Godzilla" does not dazzle, as special effects alone cannot carry the movie. There is only so much that can be done with "Godzilla."

The way this movie was presented, even Will Smith couldn't save "Godzilla" from being a disappointment.

05-26-98