Godzilla Minus Zero

Godzilla Minus Zero is probably everything you’d expect in a sequel to Godzilla Minus One.

It retains the quality and the feeling, doubles the stakes with another kaiju and a poignant war allegory and offers an ending which leaves room open for a third film.

Of course, that means anyone not keen on the approach of the first film need not apply but it’s a welcome and consistent companion piece.

Unfortunately, that also means it suffers from the same foibles. It’s arguably too long with slightly long-winded dialogue passages and extraneous scenes that just feel unnecessary.

There’s a few sticky plot holes as well and some key sections could be better explained. As we approach the final battle, the sense of timing between two disparate groups of characters and their actions is way off and a key character death isn't as impactful as it should be because of the questions surrounding it.

The spectacle though, when it comes, is once again excellent.

The slightly less-than-pristine effects and creature designs are again brilliant, the shot choices and ways of showing the civilian panic throw you into the action and the set pieces are memorable.

Maybe there isn’t anything quite as iconic as the half-submerged Godzilla following the boat in the first film but an early plane/kaiju dogfight here is exhilarating.

As aforementioned, the allusions and links to the war add extra meaning as well with one side character’s storyline particularly impactful. And that ending may prove to be divisive, but is a real character development moment for the lead pair.

The slightly melodramatic tone grates slightly more here than in Godzilla Minus One but this is a strong sequel to a great take on this classic monster and another great kaiju film.

⭐️⭐️⭐️