GMK changed gears from the mediocre predecessors that were Godzilla 2000 (1999) and GvM (2000). But thankfully, Toho didn't allow for there to be just one great G movie in the Millennium series, so they launched the Mechagodzilla pair of films, this being the first. Remaking a classic monster can be tricky. Toho decided not to revamp the origins of Mechagodzilla this time. The plot is much like 1993's Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla II in that Japan built the giant mech to defend themselves against Godzilla.
Actually, I'm sorry I even brought the 1993 film up. This one is so much better. Unlike the Heisei series Godzilla, the Millennium Godzilla (and his foes) can actually physically fight and some fun scenes are carried out here. Godzilla looks good, his menace toned down just a tad from his previous Millennium suits. They also returned Godzilla's atomic ray back to a blue color, whereas Godzilla 2000 and GvM had deviated from the rest of the movies by giving him an orange-ish atomic ray. Mechagodzilla looks good, far more sleek, agile, and athletic than the 1993 version and more like the 1974-1975 MG. Special effects work is also great.
There are a few minuses in the film, however. Character development was rather lacking and followed Godzilla vs Megaguirus too closely. One strange piece to the film, and I don't know if it applies only to the region one release, is Mechagodzilla's name. They start out calling it Mechagodzilla but quickly begin calling it Kiryu and keep that name for the duration of the film (and in its direct sequel, 2003's Tokyo SOS, they go back to calling it Mechagodzilla or Mecha-G). Why they started referring to it as Kiryu is never explained and is a little odd.
Nevertheless, this is a good film, even without the human character strength that was a bit better in GMK that came before it. It's easy to see why Toho decided to keep this universe going with a sequel as opposed to just starting over again like all of the other Millennium series Godzilla films. I rate it 7/10.
Actually, I'm sorry I even brought the 1993 film up. This one is so much better. Unlike the Heisei series Godzilla, the Millennium Godzilla (and his foes) can actually physically fight and some fun scenes are carried out here. Godzilla looks good, his menace toned down just a tad from his previous Millennium suits. They also returned Godzilla's atomic ray back to a blue color, whereas Godzilla 2000 and GvM had deviated from the rest of the movies by giving him an orange-ish atomic ray. Mechagodzilla looks good, far more sleek, agile, and athletic than the 1993 version and more like the 1974-1975 MG. Special effects work is also great.
There are a few minuses in the film, however. Character development was rather lacking and followed Godzilla vs Megaguirus too closely. One strange piece to the film, and I don't know if it applies only to the region one release, is Mechagodzilla's name. They start out calling it Mechagodzilla but quickly begin calling it Kiryu and keep that name for the duration of the film (and in its direct sequel, 2003's Tokyo SOS, they go back to calling it Mechagodzilla or Mecha-G). Why they started referring to it as Kiryu is never explained and is a little odd.
Nevertheless, this is a good film, even without the human character strength that was a bit better in GMK that came before it. It's easy to see why Toho decided to keep this universe going with a sequel as opposed to just starting over again like all of the other Millennium series Godzilla films. I rate it 7/10.