Up From The Depths Reviews | Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000)

[@ChrisPeteG]

I do feel that they really SHOULD have pursued a direct sequel to Godzilla 2000. Return of Godzilla wasn't the most hugely successful film, but they still continued it, and the Heisei series is a favorite of most people. I think continuing the G2K timeline and simply moving it into a different direction within the same continuity would have been preferable to another reboot....because it started a trend that I think ultimately holds the Millennium series back. Funny. The guys who created the US Version of Godzilla 2000 pursued the idea of making an American Sequel to that film at Sony. It would have been a $20M or so film. Joe Dante directing, set in Hawaii with a mix of American and Asian cast, Toho handling the physical monster effects, Sony handling Post-Production, they were aiming for folks like Bruce Campbell and Jamie Lee Curtis for the film, wanted a cameo from Steve Martin playing a Godzilla expert named Raymond Burr. It sounded so damn fun and apparently Toho was on board, but then the top brass at Sony pulled the plug. It would have been very compelling to get a US sequel to a Japanese Godzilla film.

[@RiainRamblez]

That sounds like the wackiest and also the most interesting cancelled project. I mean with effects done by the experts and starting Bruce Campbell, they really couldn't have gone wrong

[@GreaterGrievobeast55]

I’m conflicted, I think the whole several splitter continuity of the millennium era was one of its strengths as it gave us several interesting and unique portrayals of Godzilla and the world he lives in and various ways. But I certainly love godzilla 2000 and seeing a sequel like this would have been awesome!!

[@bernebelmont1857]

That sounds sexy

[@roeimakikiderikadragontwin9898]

(ChrisPeteG) That's sound like a brilliant idea how come they don't go with that idea it's sounds like it could never go wrong.

[@MrMortombachman]

I'm angry now that I know that could've been a thing.

[@jjproduction297]

Don't care, I love Godzilla vs. Megaguirus since I was a little kid.

[@Metallizombie]

More power to you. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that there are plenty of people who grew up with these films the same way I grew up watching showa films like Megalon and Gigan (which I still nostalgically love despite being awful)

[@DLRX]

One of my personal favorites as well, while not perfect it's never boring IMO. I like it more than 2000.

[@katiemaige4275]

Same the fight scene 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@andreabaker1334]

Totally underrated its the way i got in to godzilla by watching a music video with the fight scenes in this movie

[@SaurianStudios1207]

4:28 the most WTF Godzilla moment ever since Godzilla vs megalon

[@elementalgamer0732]

I've seen this scene, but on a different website.

[@clairewatters1304]

@@elementalgamer0732 😳😳😳😳

[@Nedziller]

This was the first Godzilla film I ever watched. It played in 2001 or 02 during a Godzilla marathon on TV along side several Showa films. I was around 4 at the time. To this day, I love this film, despite it's flaws

[@justler370]

The body slam almost saved this one!

[@NeilYoungHorne]

Lol that was so bad😅

[@iminavegetativestatestudio1730]

Megaguirus is like one of the creepiest monsters ever!

[@givemeanameiwillhate9525]

And one of the fastest

[@heystoopid74]

I think where this movie stands out is how much personality it gives both monsters. The swarm scene is a great example, with G dispatching of the Meganulon in a variety of ways - swatting them, atomic breath, slamming against the cliff, even using his tail to distract them. Really showed how smart he can be when needed. And then the final fight is genuinely one of the best, each monster constantly having to adapt to different attacks and outsmart the other instead of just using brute force. Megaguirus literally smirks at one point before dropping a roof section on Godzilla. So much attitude. I actually think this movie really stands out amongst others in the series, for the above reasons as well as the likeable characters and overall sense of scale and progression the whole flick has. The only real downside is that Megaguirus, whilst awesome, feels too reminiscent of Battra to really feel fresh. Strong 8/10, will go to my grave defending it

[@TheJboy88]

When I look at Megaguirus, I can't help but suspect that she was meant to be Battra in a past version of the script.

[@givemeanameiwillhate9525]

I thought it was a bee/wasp lmfao

[@Phinal_Flash]

I actually like this one. Consider it my guilty pleasure.

[@Irrelevant402]

I love Megaruirus and the fight was great but the movie is kinda lackluster. I mean it had neat ideas don't get me wrong. I dunno Tezuka has directed three of the Millenium Godzilla films and he seems like a genuine fan...but they're all kinda dry. Like I honestly thought he also directed 2000. GMK is my favorite of the Millenium and while Final Wars has A LOT OF FLAWS that I hate I can't say it isn't dry.

[@lukev9249]

That scene where the couple gets attacked gave me nightmares for weeks when I was a kid

[@Saltyaf38]

I always liked this movie but I always new it was pretty bad but to be honest I like all Godzilla movie besides godzillas revenge

[@carloisnt]

Sure, the plot points were recycled but Vs Megaguirus did Heisei better than Heisei! Humans finally think of launching Godzilla into outer space. Gamera series did it in the first movie!

[@Symbiotian]

One of my favorite films of the Millenium era series.

[@dragonstormx]

Something else that doesn't do this movie any favors is that is honestly makes Godzilla into a, as tvtropes would put it, designated villain. That might not seem possible to do with the King of the Monsters, but here me out. This is easily one of Godzilla's least violent incarnations. He hadn't attacked Japan in years it turns out the entire reason he did was because the leader of the G-Graspers has been experimenting with the very type of energy that was illegal because it attracts Godzilla. The result is that our anti-Godzilla is actually responsible for every problem in the movie. They caused Godzilla's attacks, and they are responsible for Megaguirus with the Dimension Tide. Despite the Dimension Tide failing to stop Godzilla the first time, and bringing Megaguirus, they try it again the second time. Rather than being a villain in this movie, Godzilla is just the consequence of our human characters mistakes who ironically has to clean up the mess started by trying to kill him.

[@johnhughes2653]

You're dead wrong on this one. One of my favourites!

[@iancassidy661]

I still like this movie, I wish this film is sequel to Godzilla 2000: Millennium, due to using same Godzilla design with slightly modified.

[@ingbaza555]

This was the only one I got to watch in the theater as a kid. So it has a special place in my heart.

[@Bastizilla]

My least favorite millennium movie, also in my top three least favorites in the series, but it's still enjoyable for me. Every g film has a place in my heart. Its just not my style, which also goes for the other 2 tezuka films. But of course it's always depending on personal taste when it comes to movies. This one is far from great, but I like that it took some risks. No one touched Godzilla before, always loved that scene in the water. I don't dislike the movie, I just love most of the others more.

[@d.s.archer5903]

Another great review: can’t wait for GMK! IMO, Godzilla vs. Megaguirus is in the same category as Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973), Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992), Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla (2002), etc.; it’s a Godzilla film we could have done without, though the score is a stand-out. Also, a minor point - more thought should have been given to the uniforms for the G-Grasphers: they look like they work for FedEx.

[@tychomonolith9998]

I loved the opening sequence to this movie with the inspired recreations of some of the classic scenes from the original 1954 movie, and the subsequent city battle setting up Kiriko's backstory, but after that the movie settles for middle of the road.

[@thatsnodildo1974]

I love this movie. The whole black hole weapon is so interesting and can open up a new time line of world ending monsters that humanity and godzilla have to fight their way through and have the final movie of them closing the black hole

[@MrAlumni72]

Gotta love the 'randomly placed' Bandai advertisements throughout the city, though.

[@LordVaderTyrannus]

This is one of my top 10 favorite Godzilla movies honestly, it's pretty underrated. I'd take it over 2000 Millennium, Final Wars, or Against Mechagodzilla any day.

[@tokendave80]

Michiru Oshima is the best Godzilla composer since Akira Ifukube. I honestly like this movie one of the most entertaining ones for me. That said tons of issues in this from a critical lense when you think about it. It also doesn't help that I am not a fan of Millennium Era as a whole. But you can't deny Megagirus' face when Godzilla does the frog splash is just gold!

[@phillyguy8541]

Wow! I guess the old adage, "there is no accounting for taste" really is true. This is my 2nd favorite G film after 1954.

[@drkaijureviews2438]

I personally like the film monster-wise, the return and updated design of the meganulon/meganula was cool, and I think that the characters are okay. But, this movie also shows that Godzilla can survive a friggin black hole.

[@iamthebaroness8148]

I love this movie I don't know why everyone hates it

[@Tyler-ky3wo]

You could imagine Megaguirus going toe to toe with Mothra, like how Ghidorah is a false king, Megaguirus would be a false queen

[@givemeanameiwillhate9525]

That is some cool concept, why didnt they add that lol

[@nexusshark]

This is another throwback to the ridiculousness from the showa era, which I enjoyed, but it does clash with the otherwise serious tone of the film. This is easily the weakest entry in the millenium era. This really should have been a sequel to G2000, especially because of the design. Also the titular Megaguirus doesn't get much focus in the film, which is kinda sad. I think I give this movie 2.5 out of 5 stars. It's not good, but it's not that bad either. Also Godzilla body slam.

[@garbodude4365]

This Goji design is my favorite

[@Extra47]

Maybe I am biased as this was one of my first Godzilla movies, but I do enjoy it. I can agree with most of the flaws listed, although I would say the final battle makes the rest of the movie worth it, like in Destroy all Monsters.

[@animatedink2529]

I gotta be honest, going into this film my expectations were extremely low with many Godzilla fans saying it was mediocre or sucked. But frankly, I think they blew it out of proportion. I unapologetically say that this movie is good. Tsujimori is a fine protagonist (though Akane in Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla is superior), the music is amazing, the black hole canon was an interesting concept, I LOVE Godzilla’s design, and the fight between him and Megagurius was incredible and a joy to watch. Many badass moments and even some hilarious moments. I dare say the movie is underrated

[@lukegulley1095]

I love this one I've loved Godzilla since I was a kid so it is very hard for me to dislike a Godzilla movie except for the 1998 movie

[@Godooable]

This movie is underrated. Idk what you're talking about

[@brycevo]

This was the one thing I hate about the Millennium era: constant reboots.

[@unityofvitality-5875]

that is good

[@KlldbyCuriosity]

I watched this too much as a kid and as such I can’t help but love it

[@tvtlim8]

I love this movie. Very underrated. Great fights . Body slam & all.

[@burstmortem6638]

This was actually the first godzilla I saw as a kid so it has a special place in my heart

[@Windwalker88]

Dude, i absolutly loved this movie. The final battle was awesome

[@scado5679]

This film suffers from the same problems that affected the rest of the Godzilla series, although they seem to be magnified here. The Meganulon and their queen, while a great callback to Rodan (1956), aren't explored to anywhere near their full potential. Aside from that, everything else involving Godzilla feels strangely weird. Probably my least favorite Millenium film, and it's sadly not hard to see why. Edit: Upon a recent rewatch, I find this film way more enjoyable than I did when I posted this comment.

[@ShinGodzilla1011]

Toho biggest problem is they don’t have no continuity they keep rebooting every film or making films that doesn’t really follow the previous films. This is why Godzilla against MechaGodzilla & Tokyo sos was so good cause they finally had a pretty good story & stuck to it

[@Maginum]

Someone should take this movie,re dub it and remove the edited 54 flashbacks to make it a prequel to 2000

[@sean-o-saurus2372]

My God, Megaguirus is so freaking awesome, the design is legit and godzilla's roar is the apple of my eyes!!!😍😎👍👌✊

[@thornestark4521]

I can't wait to see what you do for this years Godzilla movie

[@Videogamelover58]

This was a Godzilla film I tried so hard to like, but I couldn't. Shame, because I really like Megaguirus.

[@ringboysforlife]

I understand it has flaws but I honestly love this movie and think its underrated. Godzilla was never about making money, even if it was to Toho themselves, they were about entertaining the fans which 97% of them succeeded. Final Wars and Destroy All Monsters were two of his biggest flops and they're fan favorites. Minus 1954, and the monsterverse ones, Godzilla was always supposed to have so bad, they're good movies because that was the way they ran the franchise. Giant monsters fighting and cheesy comedy at some points in the movies.

[@ChrisPeteG]

This is the worst Millennium film for me. When the plot gets as ridiculous as "black hole gun"....it is hard to give the movie as a whole a passing grade. When the core plot is so inherently preposterous it is hard to take the entire thing all that seriously or 'buy in' to the rest of the film. I do like when G films have prolonged monster battles, and the final battle of this film is not a bad way to kill about 20 minutes.

[@Theguywith2thumbs]

How do you watch any Godzilla films lol

[@jroc3080]

watched this last night. Thought it was great

[@MaskedRiderChris]

Concurred; the Mire-Goji movies were a seriously mixed bag of mediocrity with some occasional shining moments here and there, to me. Tsutomu Kitagawa is a very, very nice fellow and did well as Gojira, but the movies themselves were wanting other than the scores--I *love* Oshima-san's Gozilla theme even more than I do the classic original theme. Which is saying something.

[@PatrickGalvan91]

I often wonder what this movie would've been like had it been given to a more experienced director. More than anything, it just seems to need faster, more focused direction than what I think Tezuka was able to provide at the time. That said, I still find considerably more to like and enjoy about this one than most fans seem to.

[@Attomicc076]

My problem with this movie is that the smaller the black hole the more powerful it is

[@BigBravesFan1331]

This is my favorite Godzilla films. I sometimes say GMK is my favorite but this is the first Japanese Godzilla film. So it has a special place in my heart. That’s why my username and picture are from Godzilla from GXMG. And the Godzilla, my gosh is it the best, It may be two star to you but, to me it’s five stars, to me it’s perfect.

[@SpScarletSpider]

I actually really liked this movie, but if there were some things I'd change, it would be these things: I'd have had the Dimension Tide actually *succeed* in sending Godzilla away at some point in the film, and have Megaguirus and the Meganula/Meganulons threaten and ravage Japan to the point where the G-Graspers would have to find a way to retrieve Godzilla back from the black hole he was sent to so they could get him to stop Megaguirus, and I'd have had a scene referencing Dr. Serizawa. In this movie's continuity, it seems like this is the original Godzilla from 1954, so it seems like the Oxygen Destroyer was never used or Serizawa was killed trying to activate it, or it never actually worked on Godzilla at all. I do realize that the idea of sending Godzilla away or getting rid of him was used already in Godzilla vs King Ghidorah, but IMO, it would have added a lot of suspense to the final act. But I generally think that Godzilla movies are shockingly short for what they are, so a lot of character development and such is tossed out in favor of getting to the point, which is cool.

[@N.G.S._01]

4:33 Sit down Careless Whisper!

[@VonWenk]

I enjoyed this movie. Tha attack on the couple sticks in my mind, as well as Godzilla being sucked up piece by piece by the black hole generator. And what previous movie had a tough woman commander? I'll take Godzilla 2000 or Godzilla vs. Megaguiras over any of the Godzilla movies I've seen from the '90s.

[@SwfanredLotr]

The concept of the black hole was used again on the Half-Century War comic book.

[@zachthezombie]

I liked this one more than Godzilla 2000

[@jakefine7234]

Out of all the obscure Kaiju they could’ve grabbed from the showa movies I don’t know why they went with the big bugs. We could’ve had Godzilla vs Varan, Baragon, hell they wanna do some kind of swarm, do Matango

[@tommysin194]

I would've loved the Millennium series even a lot more. If they kept Godzilla 2000 design for every movie!

[@gfan0673]

This was the first godzilla movie i ever saw

[@grandgojira8182]

I personally love the film I thought it was refreshing to see a new original monster as well as a new way to try and get rid of Godzilla and the fact that this movies Godzilla is technically the same one that attacked in 1954 was also a interesting change most of the time the original dies and a second Godzilla shows up

[@phillyguy8541]

This is my 3rd favorite G movie after 1954 and Destroyah. I think it is really well done, I love the score and the only bad scene is G's high jump.

[@fauzanindrashafwan3798]

This is actually the first godzilla movie I watched

[@wildneighborhood6817]

5:22 that's Godzilla against mechagodzilla theme.

[@TheLukeMonster]

While I mostly agree with your points, I actually really like the character of Lieutenant Kiriko Tsujimori because she's like a female Captain Ahab. Plus, the idea that her c.o. had to die saving her only because her zealousness compelled her to disobey his order to retreat means she probably blames and loathes herself as much as Godzilla. Her obsession does affect her judgement, as evidenced by the fight on the island where she orders Dimension Tide to be used even though the designers insist it's not ready, and when it misses due to the Meganulans' interference, she learns only then that it takes at least an hour to recharge and actually bickers with Hajime Kudo over it. Say what you will about the film as a whole, but the scene where she plants a tracker on Godzilla and screams, "You Goddamned lizard! You won't escape me this time!" is one of my favorite moments of the franchise. She carries this movie.

[@SpScarletSpider]

Yeah, I definitely agree on this. Tsujimori and Kudoh IMO really sold me on this film because they're the two most developed characters in the film, and had they did a proper sequel to this film, I think they could have replicated the fan reaction to Miki Saegusa by having Tsujimori and Kudoh show up as recurring characters. Their banter and chemistry was fun, and Tsujimori had a decent reason to be pissed at Godzilla.

[@kaiviru]

My only problem is she never learns from it. She never acknowlodges that her desire to kill Godzilla puts the mission at risk or at least apologize to Kudo for being so rude. After claiming the Dimension Tide not working is Kudo's fault she puts him in an arm hold and never says sorry, and when Kudo ends up in the hospital she doesn't even show worry, she just sasses him. It made it really difficult to like her at that point

[@darkwolf9253]

I enjoy this one, but yeah it has it's flaws. I really love that suit.

[@alesaenz]

I like a lot this movie. I enjoyed the experience while watching it.

[@yaboytroy357]

I don’t understand the argument of not liking the Millennium series because none of the movies tie in with each other. Because these same people will never use that complaint about the Showa era, which itself only had a couple sequels in the middle of stand-alone movies

[@SaurianStudios1207]

This is honestly the weakest entry in the millennium Godzilla era. The ideas regarding the dimension tide and the new kaiju, Megagurius were cool and the whole 3rd act was pretty satisfying, as well as the soundtrack are good, but the rest of the film is dull, lackluster and boring to sit thru. I give it a 4.6/10.

[@Videogamelover58]

Facts

[@FlyingFocs]

I would like to see Megaguirus make a return though. It's probably in no small part to this being one of the first Godzilla films I saw, but I feel like she and the Meganulon would make an interesting antagonist in a standalone Mothra film (because Battra sounds too boring and easy for that, and the idea of those in a Legendary film sounds interesting and terrifying)

[@Videogamelover58]

@@FlyingFocs I would love to see her come back

[@Assassin199410]

Nah, this movie is Underrated. Like extremely underrated. It doesn't deserve the "hate"

[@christianyttrie5764]

Megaguirus for me feels like a mothra villen then a Godzilla villen.

[@sconnor-pt4vt]

You could see the cables pulling mega-what's-her-name across the sky/camera shot.

[@unseenabyss2824]

I honestly really liked this one.

[@laural.enright4780]

I couldn't disagree more with this review. This is one of my favorite Godzilla movies. And the villain kaiju wasn't bland. The concept was quite creepy. And I think bringing back a giant bug from another dimension can qualify for playing around with the idea of the Dimension Tide and black holes.

[@NeilYoungHorne]

Really? I think that the design of the monsters were cool, but I thought the rest of the movie sucked so bad

[@laural.enright4780]

@@NeilYoungHorne Yeah, I don't know. It's possible I found the adversary so unique for a Godzilla film that that got me. I just really liked it. I can see if others might not have. It is a bit melodramatic in parts. :)

[@marklupo3441]

I liked the Godzilla 2000 suit design

[@refriedboogie]

Best Godzilla ever

[@SgtScorpious]

All Millenium saga movies are pretty Damn entertaining, some more than others but hey, that's how it is

[@THANATOS-PRIME]

While this is my least favorite movies in the millennium series I still really enjoy this one.

[@kronosaur417]

I liked it better than Godzilla 2000

[@xfinafire]

All Godzilla films are great to me, except for ‘98 which is a fun monster film but not a good Godzilla film by any means. This film is also really fun imo.

[@rickferrari9042]

Gamera has always been my favorite since I was 14 Gamera rules

[@plumberjoe6552]

that actually scared me at 2:19

[@GasterUser]

One word I could describe this film is weird. I watched this film right after Final Wars so the energy was low in comparison. The feeling of repetition never leaves in this film. The design of Megaguirus is alright and Godzilla suit isn't my favorite, but they get the job done. The music was the best thing in this film but the next movies used the score better. 5/10

[@ryanpowell2540]

I think this movie is 'just okay.' But, I do think it's the least talked-about Godzilla film of the entire franchise, and for that reason, it feels somewhat underrated. It's not bad, just okay.

[@SuperSirianRigel]

I knew that terrible rating was coming. lol.

[@FlyingFocs]

Although this is admittedly one of the more bland Godzilla (which I knew even as a kid) I do think it left something of an impression, at least in terms of Megaguirus. I would like to see her come back, though maybe not as an opponent to Godzilla. Personally, I think shed be a good antagonist if Legendary decided to make a stand-alone Mothra film. Also, Rodan was one of my favorites as a kid, so it was nice to see the Meganulon back (that attack scene scared me, though).

[@Fishinbasser]

I actually really enjoy this film

[@Godzilla00X]

The idea of an ultimate weapon having dangerous unforeseen consequences is a perfect concept for the franchise. Too bad it's pulled off so poorly in this film.

[@Son_Joe_Productions]

I have a question, is this the same Godzilla from 1954 or the same one from Godzilla 2000? Because I heard on one video that this Godzilla is the same one from 1954 due that in this universe, Godzilla was never killed by Dr. Serizawa from the oxygen destroyer.

[@yang6642]

It’s the 1954 version from an alternate universe

[@Fishinbasser]

It is the one from 1954. It is in an alternate universe where Godzilla was never killed

[@Son_Joe_Productions]

Thank you guys.

[@BTK710]

I love this film. I watch it over and over again. I like Magaguirus design too. She's a troll kaiju XD

[@xboxguy017]

This was scary as a kid

[@Hammockrider]

Come on it wasn;t all that bad. And weaponizing a black hole is a pretty cool idea, no matter how far fetched.

[@moonbeam_base]

This movie is always seen as a flop and I don't know why! It's in my top 5 G films! Sure some editing could have been tightened up, but there's so much creativity in the story and the charaters are great (especially the lead) and just ... there's a black hole gun!! Love this movie.

[@rheanonjasmyne]

I LOVE THIS MOVIE !

[@universalshifter7130]

Why are Godzilla’s eyes in the thumbnail blue? Idk why I noticed this, but now it bothers me lol

[@nerdicwarrior]

I swear the G-Grasper uniforms are reused from Ultraman Powered. That or they just look similar.

[@Kaiju-Driver]

I adored megaguirus

[@joshhernandez58]

Wow. Just saw this movie for the first time and -- controversial opinion -- I actually liked it. I thought the human characters were likable and interesting. The CGI was less distracting than Godzilla 2000 with its almost "clip art-y" keyframing. It's not a perfect movie. At times it felt like I was watching a Saturday morning kids show, but I wouldn't rank this as low as so many G-fans seem to rank it. It's decent.

[@richardii5989]

its frustrating to see such “solid” idea films undone because Toho has a strict schedule that really limits post production.. films really come together in post production, the visuals could have been cleaned up a bit.. Equally annoying is the half ass transfer and dub for the North American release.. the lighting on the transfer is so screwed up that the lighting is turned up and exposes the wires of the megaguirus puppet... that was the biggest disappointment for me given Michael Schlesinger had improved upon godzilla 2000. but yes the soundtrack is amazing specially the new Godzilla march

[@BathrobeKeck]

Apart from GMK and Godzilla's Revenge, Megaguirus is possibly my least favorite Godzilla movie. I personally found the effects to be lackluster and the plot was boring asf