Godzilla 2012: Post-Greenlight

*Taken From My New Blog*

Godzilla 2012: Outlook Post-Greenlight

Following the news of the confirmation of Godzilla 2012, courtesy of Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros Inc- and the exclusive interview with producer Brian Rogers- came the news of Dave Callaham drafting the motion picture targeted for release in 2012... and for me, and a few others, this brought up several concerns...


First issue of importance; Yoshimitsu Banno


It was confirmed that Yoshimitsu Banno and a few others had put forth a considerable effort to obtain the rights from Toho Co. Ltd. to produce the soon to be abandoned Imax project, "Godzilla: 3-D to the Max", (do we remember the hype around that?) Perhaps, this proved to be a bit of a blessing in disguise considering the advent of an adaptation to "Godzilla vs. Hedorah" (1972) that is, without a doubt, one of the most controversial Godzilla films of the franchise- save for "Godzilla: Final Wars" (2004), perhaps. In short, fans were left in an almost even split of those who adored this movie and those who abhorred it. (I personally group with the later, no offense intended).


As some of us may remember, original Godzilla creator and producer, Tomoyuki Tanaka, was outraged by Godzilla flying with his atomic breath. It was even alleged that Tanaka had said to Banno, "You ruined the Godzilla franchise".  Consequently, Banno was banno-ed from directing any Godzilla films up until Tanaka's death in 1997... only a year before Emerich's film was released.


Where is the problem, some of you might ask? The part that busts my chops a tad is the idea that Tanaka had banned Banno for a very specific reason. And yes, perhaps Banno is only there to see to it that it doesn't end up like another Sony fiasco, but it can be said that it may be a tad disrespectful to Tanaka's will to make such a precarious decision as to allow Banno's return. (NOTE: This, in no way, implies a repeat offense of any kind. This is simply an analysis based on retrospect).


There is no doubt in my mind that "Godzilla vs. Hedorah" had much potential to offer. It was the only film of the Showa Series (1954-1975) that made significance of human death since the original "Mothra vs. Godzilla" (1964). With that, the possibility of basing the film off of the development of 3-D to the Max could hold much potential as well- this is not confirmed or even rumored, but it could be possible. However, Banno's take on Godzilla as an overtly clownish character with and extremely juvenile and parody sort of display could also prove to be a bit disconcerting.


Brian Roger's Take on the Godzilla Franchise


Up until the interview with Rogers, I was extremely enthused about the project. As many of my YouTube followers might have noticed, I had disappeared for quite some time- (mainly due to technical deficiencies). When I finally came back a few months later, I had seen several comments and articles written in regards to Brian Rogers discussing the project. What I heard from Brian Rogers did disappoint me immensely...


I have every amount of respect for LP's aptness to "do justice for the character", as LP President Tom Tull had so graciously put it. And I also have every amount of respect for the industry's consideration for the fanbase, (even if a considerable chunk seem to disregard a bit beyond the advent of a monster battle), yet a lot of what he had to say did leave me a bit despondent, to be blunt.


The interview had revealed a few things about the film:
1) Godzilla will be a digital creature.
2) The film will most likely be in 3-D.
3) It will be a live action film.
4) Godzilla will do battle with one or more opponents in the film.


The idea of a digital Godzilla doesn't bother me much considering the "Always 2: Sunset on Third-Street" (2007) cameo. And assuming that the old rumor of WETA doing the CGI is confirmed, that could possibly work out fine. It is in my book, anyway. As long as Godzilla is still able to retain a character. Obviously, I'm relieved to know that it'd be a live action film. The idea that the film will be in 3-D... eh... well, I guess it'll bring crowds, despite what an over-used fad it has become. Then there was the idea of several opponents... my initial reaction to this was flashbacks to Final Wars and what an effects-driven juvenile film that it was, (again, no offense). Then again, I had thought about LP's track record and how they'd want to satisfy as many fans as possible after Emerich's film.


My fears had been momentarily put to rest. Then came Brian Roger's voiced belief that leaving out the monster fights had deluded the spirit in Emerich's film, which is about as far as it went. There was no mention of how Emerich's film failed as a cautionary tale, an embodiment of the a-bomb and nature's wrath and, of course, Godzilla as the once tragic and morally driven creature he was before. My first thought, "Well, way to dig deep, Rogers". Then again, I had to keep thinking of Emerich's film and try to keep calm.


Overall, the interview was rather disappointing with such a superficial view of Godzilla on Rogers' behalf, but what can you expect out of the film industry in 21st Century America. Maybe I'm just paranoid. Maybe it's too soon to say. I tried to remain positive. Then came the grand reveal of who was drafting it.....


Dave Callaham to Draft Godzilla


*Talking To Computer Screen* "Wait... what? REALLY? You can get brilliant writers for "Dark Knight" (2008), "Where the Wild Things Are" (2009) and "Inception" (2010) but that's who you pick for Godzilla? Are you serious?"


That was my reaction to the news of Dave Callaham drafting Godzilla. For those of you who don't know, Callaham was the writer for "Doom" (2005), "The Horseman" (2009) and "The Expendables" (2010). I won't lie to anyone reading this. I have only seen "Doom" out of these three. I was thoroughly unimpressed. Not quite special enough to hate or love; just typical. Mostly plot-driven rather than allowing proper story development, plenty of techie talk for the scifi fan of today and lots of violence. This formula is best left in the video game world- as Doom was originally a video game series- but honestly sucks in the world of film. But hey, every writer's got at least one shame, right..?


While I haven't had the time to watch the other two examples, I did have the time to at least research their reviews to see what the nation's critics had to say about the films and they were pretty much all the same; unengaging screenplays that would'a, could'a and should'a but just did not. They could have hit harder or were just under-developed. Honestly, how is the idea of all the great action heroes in one movie not a neon light that reads "PUBLICITY STUNT"? And that's all fine and dandy, I guess... then it becomes a part of Godzilla.... GODZILLA... *rubs circles over temples*


To recap: Banno, Multiple opponents, 3-D, A superficial overview on the Godzilla franchise and Dave Callaham... While any one of these would have been fine and even immensely kickass, you take into consideration that these are clashing with a writer such as Callaham... Does this not scare anyone else?


That's my take, but what say you? Is this film gonna rock or suck? I personally don't have my hopes up, but if you can be satisfied with it, then I commend you. I guess fans deserve to be happy where they can after Emerich's royal $#!t-sandwich of a film. Then again, 2012 is still a ways away. There's plenty of time for better news to come. I just hope I'm wrong.. I really do..




-DS13

LINKS:
Brian Rogers Interview:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm52Zl…

Always 2 Cameo
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEEXyd…

Why Banno Was Banned
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cjfJK…