Another Entry for the Sequel Hall of Fame

This is the Empire Strikes Back in terms of being a sequel that meets and surpasses the expectations of the first film. This was probably my most anticipated film of the year and the anticipation was worth it. I felt rewarded for seeing this film and having faith in it from the moment it was announced.

This movie accomplishes everything that a Western Godzilla movie has been trying to do for the last decade. From the moment the first note of the first score played in the film's beginning, I was immediately dialed in. The film starts strong. VERY strong. While there are some slower parts in the second act (but does not lose steam), the film holds its strength throughout the entire 135 minute runtime and I was impressed. Also seeing this film in IMAX was an EXPERIENCE. It was loud in the best possible way and the visuals were awe capturing.

This movie also doesn't pull any punches in terms of violence and the actual horrors of a natural disaster and the aftermath of WW2 and I am glad it didn't decide to cut those parts out in exchange for a PG-13 rating. This movie left me in genuine moments of shock and jaw drop.

Every character is also deep and fleshed out. No character feels like a throw away character to fill some plot point for the sake of filling it. Each character has a role and each actor delivers a fantastic performance for that role. I cared deeply for the characters in this film and the ending almost brought me to full tears.

This movie is a phenomenal film and I still am unable to decide if I put this movie over its predecessor. All I know is that this movie stands among the likes of Terminator 2, Aliens, The Godfather Part II and more.