G Minus One

Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, G Minus One follows a cowardly kamikaze pilot (Ryunosuke Kamiki’s Kôichi Shikishima) as he’s offered a chance for redemption after Godzilla begins wreaking deadly havoc on post-war Japan. Filmmaker Yamazaki, armed with his own screenplay, delivers a palpably overlong and decidedly rough-around-the-edges endeavor that nevertheless manages to sustain one’s interest throughout, as the picture, which kicks off with a relatively strong opening, does an effective job of balancing drama with over-the-top monster action – although, by that same token, it’s impossible to deny the decidedly overwrought bent of the central character’s less-than-subtle exploits. (It’s a vibe that’s certainly echoed in Kamiki’s competent yet far-from-commanding performance.) And while the copious instances of computer-generated special effects dulls the impact of certain high-octane moments, G Minus One builds towards a legitimately exciting final stretch that does, despite the inclusion of an eye-rollingly upbeat finish, ensure that the picture lives up to its initial promise – which ultimately confirms the picture’s place as a top-tier installment within the notoriously rocky Godzilla franchise.

**1/2 out of ****