Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973)

Godzilla vs. Megalon (Gojira tai Megaro)
Directed by Jun Fukuda
Written by Jun Fukuda; story by Shinichi Sekizawa and Takeshi Kimura
1973/Japan
IMDb page
First viewing/Criterion Channel

Rokuro ‘Roku-chan’ Ibuki: It’s a pity we can’t send Jet Jaguar to go and get Godzilla!

I had fun watching this ridiculous movie.

Undersea nuclear tests have disturbed the peace of Seatopia, a lost continent that developed its own oxygen supply in the sea.  Seatopians decide the answer is to destroy the above-ground Earth by means of an all-metal giant flying lobster called Megalon.

Meanwhile on Earth, eager young scientists and an annoying kid brother are ready to roll out a new super-robot they have named Jet Jaguar.  The Seatopians override his control mechanism and use the robot to guide Megalon on his world destruction rounds, first stop Tokyo.  The scientists regain control over Jet Jaguar and send him to summon Godzilla from Monster Island.  The little boy is best friends with the monster of course. The Seatopians send in reinforcements in the form of giant aluminum lizard-chicken Gaigan.  The two sides will battle for the remainder of the film.  No points for guessing who wins.

The first part of this movie involves a lot of talking and driving around which takes mere minutes to become tedious.  But I must admit I kind of fell in love with Jet Jaguar.  So any scene with him in it and the entire battle between these incredibly strange monsters is golden.

I’m interested in how Godzilla has morphed over the years from terrifying symbol of nuclear holocaust to a friend to little children and defender of the human race.  It’s amazing to me.  This is clearly aimed at the pre-teen set of course. I  found some of the ridiculous antics these creatures are made to do laugh out loud funny.

Check out this awesome trailer!  LOL