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Archive for the tag “Mechagodzilla”

18 Mar 2013

Know Your Monster: 18

Mechagodzilla

Just when the Godzilla franchise was running out of steam, Toho Studios devised an ingenious ruse to pump some fresh blood into the series. In 1974’s Godzilla Vs. Mechagodzilla, the Big G battles himself. Actually, this clone is a mechanical robot made up to masquerade as Godzilla by an alien race of apes (the Simians) intent upon conquering the world.

As the film opens, the residents of Japan are in shock as their protector, Godzilla, appears to have turned against them, once again demolishing the country. Little do they realize their nemesis isn’t Godzilla but his Outer Space doppelganger. They get a true sense of horror, though, when Anguirus arises to defend them, and gets his lower jaw broken. After the real Godzilla joins the fray, confusion mounts until it becomes clear he’s tangling with an impostor. As the Mechagodzilla’s flesh gets ripped and his true self emerges, he is exposed as a metallic killing machine.

He can fire missiles from every one of his appendages, even from his toes and knee caps. He shoots a high-powered laser from his eyes and can twist his head around 360 degrees to decimate enemies approaching him from behind. Also, if he spins his head fast enough, he generates a force field. Mechagodzilla uses rocket propulsion to fly. His fully armored body, made from an alloy called Space Titanium, deflects most attacks. While Mechagodzilla appears to be an invincible fortress, he has met his match in the resourceful Godzilla.

Here’s a funny review of the picture from Cinemassacre. There’s some salty language, so skip it if you’re easily offended by cuss words.

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Tomorrow’s featured monster: Megalon

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01 Mar 2013

Know Your Monster: 1

ANGUIRUS

Welcome to Know Your Monster. Every day through the month of March, we’ll introduce a different movie monster, mostly from Japan, although we’ve added a couple of ringers from Denmark and South Korea just to give the series a little more international breadth. The Japanese call these monsters “Kaiju,” which translates into English as “strange beasts.” Follow this series daily through March, and by the end of the month, you’ll be well on your way toward becoming a Kaiju expert. At the minimum, you’ll be able to recognize these creatures, and know the difference between Guilala and, say, Gyaos.

First up out the chutes, by virtue of coming first in alphabetical order: Anguirus. Here are the Anguirus vitals.

Looks: Mutant Ankylosaur, essentially a spiked turtle but also embodying features from the rhinoceros and crocodile.
Distinguishing characteristics: Originally an arch-enemy of Godzilla, later an ally. Bleating roar to express anger. Uses spikes and horns as primary weapons, and also has a nasty bite. Boasts a good “fake” move, hurling himself backwards against his foes.
Origins: First appeared in the second Godzilla movie, Godzilla Raids Again (1955), released in the US four years later as Gigantis, the Fire Monster. Anguirus has returned many times not only to battle Godzilla, but also Mechagodzilla, King Ghidorah and other Kaiju.

Here’s Anguirus’ distinct roar.

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Now, let’s watch the big guy in action, pairing with Godzilla in a tag-team match against Gigan and King Ghidorah. This Battle Royale is from Godzilla Vs. Gigan (1972).

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Tomorrow: Meet Atragon

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01 Mar 2013

Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla

Later today, we’ll be launching a new, month-long series — Know Your Monster — celebrating Japan’s fantastic movie monsters. Each day through March, we’ll present a clip introducing a new monster wreaking havoc and destruction, often upon Tokyo, but sometimes on a global scale. To kick off this series in style, today’s Trillion Dollar Movie revolves around the granddaddy of all Japanese movie monsters, Godzilla or Gojira. Our feature is Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla, the 14th movie in the Godzilla franchise, released in Japan in 1974 and three years later in the United States. It’s one of the better Godzilla sequels, popular enough that it spun off its own sequel (The Terror of Mechagodzilla) and a couple of remakes.

Stateside, it was originally called Godzilla Vs. the Bionic Monster to capitalize on the popularity at that time of The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman.  But when the producers of those TV shows objected, the Bionic Monster was rechristened Mechagodzilla. He’s a titanium robot fascimile of the real Godzilla, under the power of mysterious space aliens intent on conquering the Earth. Just where do they originate? Their commander spills the beans, declaring he’s from “the Third Planet of the Black Hole.” They look humanoid, but kill them and they turn into monkeys, a ruse no doubt inspired by Planet of the Apes.

In a bit of a plot twist for the series, Godzilla isn’t a holy terror but rather the Earth’s savior, called upon to whip Mecha’s butt. Godzilla has a bizarre ally, a giant Pekinese dog named King Seesar. There’s also a fetching lady archaeologist who wears short skirts and go-go boots on the job. Now, that a fashion maven! While the dialogue is silly and the dubbing hilariously weird, the action is fast-paced and often spectacular, especially the final grudge-match between Godzilla and his nemesis from outer space. Enjoy, and do return again next Friday for another Trillion $ Movie.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This one is no longer available free online so we bring you a good clip collection of Mechagodzilla.)

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