General Information

Director: Kensho Yamashita

Writer: Hiroshi Kashiwabara

Cast: Megumi Odaka, Jun Hashizume, Zenkichi Yoneyama, Akira Emoto, Towako Yoshikawa, Yosuke Saito, Kenji Sahara, Akira Nakao, Koichi Ueda, Hoka Kinoshita, Ronald Hoerr, Ed Sardy, Tom Duran, Keiko Imamura, Sayaka Osawa, Kunihiro Matsumura, Kenpachiro Satsuma, Ryo Hariya, Wataru Fukuda, and Little Frankie

Composer: Takayuki Hattori

Release Date: 12/10/1994

MPAA Rating: Not Rated

Overview

Transported to outer space by Mothra or Biollante, the cells of Godzilla enter a black hole and transform into a new monster. Upon arriving on Earth, “SpaceGodzilla” prepares to confront Godzilla, Godzilla Junior, and a G-Force mecha known as M.O.G.U.E.R.A (Mobile Operation Godzilla Universal Expert Robot Aero-type).

By partially recapturing the dark, moody atmosphere of the early Heisei films, Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla will appeal to kaiju fans of a serious nature. This offering should nevertheless be criticized for its drawn-out monster fights, convoluted story aspects, and questionable music selections.

Pros

SpaceGodzilla should be commended for his malevolent appearance, allowing the audience to accept him as a dangerous threat to Godzilla. Especially ominous are SpaceGodzilla’s fiery eyes, crystalline dorsal plates, and towering stature (even compared to Godzilla), resulting in the most frightening and powerful antagonist at this point in the Heisei series.

Cons

As opposed to his baby form in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, Godzilla Junior now resembles Minilla—a Barney-like creature with no similarity to a real-life dinosaur. Viewers may therefore struggle to take seriously the battle on Birth Island, wherein the antics of Little Godzilla offer unintentional comic relief.

Also problematic is the Fukuoka climax involving Godzilla, SpaceGodzilla, and M.O.G.U.E.R.A. (not to be confused with the Showa Moguera from The Mysterians). Specifically, the final act—though spectacular at times—is marred by an overlong execution, leaving little room for character development.

Analysis

By choosing to “forgive” Godzilla for killing Goro Gondo (a J.S.D.F. colonel from Godzilla vs. Biollante), Dr. Chinatsu Gondo (Towako Yoshikawa) and Major Akira Yuki (Akira Emoto)—Goro’s sister and best friend respectively—demonstrate that letting go of bitterness and anger, whether justified or not, can positively affect an individual’s perspective.

Concluding Comments

Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla is a poorly paced, repetitive entry in Toho’s kaiju eiga franchise. Creature feature buffs may, however, enjoy this film for its riveting monster battles and science fiction/fantasy-themed tropes—including many allusions to Star Trek and Star Wars.

Overall Quality: 6/10

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