Wow! I expected something along the lines of GODZILLA'S REVENGE, what I got instead was a pretty exciting giant monster film. Sure Minya does make for a few cutesy moments but I didn't feel these were overdone as badly as they could have been. Plus I thought the ending embrace was quite moving..of course it does work to take some of the hard edge off of Godzilla so some may hate it for that. I'd recommend this one mostly to older kids who love science fiction adventure stories and who won't be frightened by all the cool-looking giant insect critters. Too bad Minya and Godzilla look so thoroughly silly and goofy in comparison.
73 Reviews
Kaijûtô no kessen: Gojira no musuko (1967)
SnakesOnAnAfricanPlain26 December 2011
Easy to laugh at it, but if you give yourself over to the experience you might feel some real emotion from this oddity. Godzilla is back and he's traveling to an island. On this island are a team of scientists, a reporter, a plan to stop world hunger, and giant insects. Godzilla's here to find his son. Like the previous effort, this is set on an island. Not my favorite setting for the city stomper, but this time it didn't detract from my enjoyment. Your enjoyment will all depend on how willing you are to see the ferocious monster as a dad. He's a reluctant father at first. A protector to his heir, but not all playful and loving. As the film progresses, he teachers his son the ways of atomic breath and even rubs him on the head to congratulate him. The film is aimed as a much younger audience, with Minilla being a constant source of slapstick humor. A tail in the face here, tumbling down there etc. The big insect monsters are pretty darn decent if unimaginative. The final scenes in the snow are really sweet, and as long as I'm still entertained, I'm willing to see a more human Godzilla.
Weaker entry
ericstevenson9 September 2017
This movie features Godzilla's son, which is exactly what you'd expect to see. I believe the son is referred to as Minya. The main problem with this film is that it seems disorganized. While most Godzilla movies have the flaw of focusing too much on the humans, I'm thinking this one had the problem of focusing too much on the monsters. Minya is pretty annoying and doesn't even look much like a baby Godzilla. This features them fighting giant praying mantises on an island. That's more or less the whole plot of the movie.
I suppose the special effects aren't any worse than any of the other movies. This was just weird because it was too cutesy. It really does make me think back to the classic Godzilla film and realize how low the series has gotten. I guess it is nice to see more emphasis being placed on the actual monsters, but it's not very rewarding. I think Leonard Maltin summed it up best when he asked where Mrs. Godzilla was when you really needed her. Did Godzilla reproduce asexually? **
I suppose the special effects aren't any worse than any of the other movies. This was just weird because it was too cutesy. It really does make me think back to the classic Godzilla film and realize how low the series has gotten. I guess it is nice to see more emphasis being placed on the actual monsters, but it's not very rewarding. I think Leonard Maltin summed it up best when he asked where Mrs. Godzilla was when you really needed her. Did Godzilla reproduce asexually? **
neat, neat
rumpole1620 May 2004
Son of Godzilla is one of those weird movies which inspire strange feelings. The story is unique, no Godzilla doing his typical destruction. The story centers on the very human relationship between Godzilla and his son, Minya. This movie really touched me on this level. Some scenes really stick in my mind. The great scene with Godzilla teaching Minya how to shoot radioactive fire comes to mind. There is a real bond that comes out. When Minya is confronted with a monster, i.e. a bully, Godzilla makes Minya fight his own battle but is always there to back up his son.
Godzilla protects Minya and teaches him lessons; and in one of the climactic scenes, the son fights for his father's life; this is poignant. The scene at the end of the film in which father and son embrace to huddle from the cold is touching. If you divorce this from the typical Godzilla movie, what you are left with is a movie about a very close bond between father and son. I think I'm probably the only one who appreciates this movie on this deep a level.
One question: What Hollywood movie has a positive view of a father and son relationship?--- This movie made me very emotional, go figure. In short, if you want to see a typical camp Godzilla, look elsewhere. If you want to see something with emotional content; see this movie
8++++++/10
Godzilla protects Minya and teaches him lessons; and in one of the climactic scenes, the son fights for his father's life; this is poignant. The scene at the end of the film in which father and son embrace to huddle from the cold is touching. If you divorce this from the typical Godzilla movie, what you are left with is a movie about a very close bond between father and son. I think I'm probably the only one who appreciates this movie on this deep a level.
One question: What Hollywood movie has a positive view of a father and son relationship?--- This movie made me very emotional, go figure. In short, if you want to see a typical camp Godzilla, look elsewhere. If you want to see something with emotional content; see this movie
8++++++/10
Lots of fun
BandSAboutMovies31 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Toho's A-list was all working on King Kong Escapes while Godzilla got what was left behind, just like what happened with Ebirah, Horror of the Deep. It's the first movie where Godzilla's son Minilla appears, a character created not for kids but for young Japanese women on dates who adore kawaii - or cute - versions of characters.
Minilla is discovered within his egg buried deep in the Earth, his crying disrupting a weather control system - well, that seems like a bad idea - that scientists are setting up on Monster Island, of all places. Some giant bugs called Kamacuras (Gimantis in America) try to eat the egg and Godzilla shows up to save the child and decimate those annoying insects.
Minila grows to half our hero's size and while he can only blow smoke rings, he's still willing to fight a giant spider named Kumonga to save some humans, who respond to this kindness by freezing the island so that they can escape. Godzilla says, "Screw this," and goes to sleep.
When this was released in Italy, it was titled Il Ritorno di Gorgo (The Return of Gorgo), which is an absolute slap to to the green face of Godzilla, seeing as how Gorgo is an absolute ripoff of the original film.
Minilla is discovered within his egg buried deep in the Earth, his crying disrupting a weather control system - well, that seems like a bad idea - that scientists are setting up on Monster Island, of all places. Some giant bugs called Kamacuras (Gimantis in America) try to eat the egg and Godzilla shows up to save the child and decimate those annoying insects.
Minila grows to half our hero's size and while he can only blow smoke rings, he's still willing to fight a giant spider named Kumonga to save some humans, who respond to this kindness by freezing the island so that they can escape. Godzilla says, "Screw this," and goes to sleep.
When this was released in Italy, it was titled Il Ritorno di Gorgo (The Return of Gorgo), which is an absolute slap to to the green face of Godzilla, seeing as how Gorgo is an absolute ripoff of the original film.
Godzilla on a budget...but still King of giant monster movies!
bassplace886 June 2012
This direct to TV, budget conscious, effort still packs in the fun, albeit, of a different nature. No Cities getting stomped, no human death and very little modeling. Drama, suspense, humor, vibrant color, a great cast and monsters, fill the void. It is my least favorite Godzilla costume due to his goofy large eyes and tail that pinched inwards at the base. Minilla's silly looks, actually add to the good comedic acting. The story is neat and puts you into the suspense as a human trying to stay off the menu. The Akira Ifukube-less soundtrack is slightly dated due to its jazzy 60's vibe, but most of it was surprisingly good. After watching a host of other monster flicks of this era, like Yog, Daimajin, and Monster from a Prehistoric Planet, this effort seems to rise to the top.
FUN!
BaronBl00d7 November 2000
To look at the other reviews, one can see that many don't appreciate this film. It is understandable why someone may not like it. No one dies. No cities are destroyed. It has a hopeful ending. Baby Godzilla is overly cute and cuddly. The list can go on, but I feel that these attributes as well as the setting, the story about scientists on an island trying to change weather patterns, and the overgrown monsters of a spider and several praying mantis, along of course with Godzilla enhance the film and make it one of my favourites of the series. Not one of the best, however. Baby Godzilla is a real hoot to watch, and seeing Godzilla practice fatherly ways with him is fun to watch. We get to see a human side to a killing machine. Don't get me wrong, the film is hokey - but for me it brings back memories of my childhood when on many a summer day I would be camped in front of the television watching a Godzilla film.
"Son of my father...Changing, rearranging into someone new!"
Coventry26 January 2006
This eighth "Godzilla" film is hardly comparable with the sublime original of 1954; THE essential monster film that pretty much set the standards for all later films that wanted to mean something. "Son of Godzilla" is boring and cheaply made rubbish to be honest, and yet, you somehow can't really bring yourself to put it down completely and this simply because Junior is such an engaging creation! His old man killed thousands of people and destroyed a numberless amount of buildings with his radioactive breath whereas baby Godzilla simply blows smoky circles and toys with daddy's tail. Godzilla's cute offspring is discovered on a remote island where a group of scientists (and one hugely irritating reporter) run tests on how to influence the weather, and the largest part of the film just shows how father Godzilla protects his boy from giant wasps and a spider. I guess this film has a nostalgic value for many people but it's really quite pointless. Director Jun Fukuda never attempts to bring tension or atmosphere and the annoying carnival-music doesn't really helps, neither.
Son of Godzilla (1967) ***
JoeKarlosi19 February 2005
Yes, this is a juvenile Godzilla film in many ways. Yes, the baby Godzilla is goofy. But you know what? I like this monster movie! It's entertaining, fun, and also very heartwarming whenever we get to see Godzilla taking the little guy Minya under his wing (Godzilla's always been more of a "surrogate" dad rather than an organic one in my view).
A group of scientists are conducting intense weather experiments on a remote island that just so happens to be inhabited by giant praying mantises, a giant spider that spins deadly webs, and a large egg that hatches to produce a "little Godzilla". The Big G gets to teach Minya all about breathing fire, stomping enemies, and also some quality father and son bonding (awww).
Those who don't like Godzilla movies very much are advised to stay away; even some die-hard fans don't care for the sentiment expressed in this entry. There is still a lot of steady monster action on hand, a good pairing between a young visiting reporter and a pretty island girl, and a truly touching ending that nearly brings a tear to my eye every time I see it. *** out of ****
A group of scientists are conducting intense weather experiments on a remote island that just so happens to be inhabited by giant praying mantises, a giant spider that spins deadly webs, and a large egg that hatches to produce a "little Godzilla". The Big G gets to teach Minya all about breathing fire, stomping enemies, and also some quality father and son bonding (awww).
Those who don't like Godzilla movies very much are advised to stay away; even some die-hard fans don't care for the sentiment expressed in this entry. There is still a lot of steady monster action on hand, a good pairing between a young visiting reporter and a pretty island girl, and a truly touching ending that nearly brings a tear to my eye every time I see it. *** out of ****
A Sillier Godzilla
gavin694212 May 2014
Scientists experimenting with changes in weather on a tropical island get more than they bargained for when Godzilla shows up to battle humongous insects and protect his newborn child.
This chapter of the ongoing Godzilla saga is clearly meant to be silly, playful and for children. Not only is Godzilla's menacing look toned own a great deal, but even the music over the opening credits suggests we are in for a fun, joyful romp.
The Columbia TriStar DVD is a bit of a disappointment. While proudly announcing it is the "50th Anniversary" edition, it only really has one feature to offer: the ability to watch in either Japanese or English. So many of the other films in the series have informative commentary from Steve Ryfle or David Kalat, I would have liked to get the same treatment here.
This film also features some of the worst English dubbing in the series, not even trying to match actors' lips or voices. At least they kept the same conversations, so far as I know.
This chapter of the ongoing Godzilla saga is clearly meant to be silly, playful and for children. Not only is Godzilla's menacing look toned own a great deal, but even the music over the opening credits suggests we are in for a fun, joyful romp.
The Columbia TriStar DVD is a bit of a disappointment. While proudly announcing it is the "50th Anniversary" edition, it only really has one feature to offer: the ability to watch in either Japanese or English. So many of the other films in the series have informative commentary from Steve Ryfle or David Kalat, I would have liked to get the same treatment here.
This film also features some of the worst English dubbing in the series, not even trying to match actors' lips or voices. At least they kept the same conversations, so far as I know.
Meet Godzilla, Jr.
joshdownham4 April 2011
Despite being enjoyable films, the last two Godzilla installments had not matched the success of Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster (1964) and had fallen below expectations at the box office. In an effort to boost audience attendance, Toho Studios made the decision to soften the king of the monsters and give him a cute baby son. The first Godzilla film to be geared directly towards children, Son of Godzilla (1967) is harmless fun and sweet - the cinematic equivalent of a gum drop. Alas, the film proved to be the most poorly attended Godzilla film yet. Either Toho's kiddie approach had backfired or the film just couldn't compete with the rising popularity of television.
Son of Godzilla (1967) shouldn't be the first Godzilla movie you see, or even the second or third. With the Godzilla suit from Invasion of the Astro Monster (1965) torn and frayed, a new one was constructed. Unfortunately, it is one of the most poorly designed suits in the series - bulky legs, large doll-like eyes, and a toad's head. However, it is arguably better than the one audiences would behold six years later in Godzilla vs. Megalon. If you have small children and want to introduce them to kaiju films, I recommend Son of Godzilla.
Son of Godzilla (1967) shouldn't be the first Godzilla movie you see, or even the second or third. With the Godzilla suit from Invasion of the Astro Monster (1965) torn and frayed, a new one was constructed. Unfortunately, it is one of the most poorly designed suits in the series - bulky legs, large doll-like eyes, and a toad's head. However, it is arguably better than the one audiences would behold six years later in Godzilla vs. Megalon. If you have small children and want to introduce them to kaiju films, I recommend Son of Godzilla.
I can't say this is a "good" movie but it is a very entertaining one
kevin_robbins1 February 2022
Son of Godzilla (1967) is a movie I recently rewatched on Tubi. The storyline follows Godzilla marching across the sea and arriving on an island where a strange egg has recently hatched. A baby Godzilla emerges but he will face dangers all around him - from large hungry praying Mantis to humans and everything in between. Godzilla will stop at nothing to protect his son.
This movie is directed by Jun Fukuda (Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla) and stars Masaaki Daimon (Lady Snowblood), Reiko Tajima (Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla), Akihiko Hirata (Godzilla, 1954) and Masao Imafuku (Kill!).
Not a huge fan of this particular depiction of Godzilla but his emergence and observations from the plane were fun. The science laboratories and sets are always well done in these pictures. The praying mantis are awesome. I always enjoy the glowing eyes of the monsters in these pictures. I always felt the baby Godzilla in this looked like a turd, and it's funny seeing how even Godzilla gets annoyed taking care of kids sometimes. The training scenes, spiders and ending battle were really good.
Overall I can't say this is a "good" movie but it is a very entertaining one. I'd score this a 6/10 and strongly recommend it.
This movie is directed by Jun Fukuda (Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla) and stars Masaaki Daimon (Lady Snowblood), Reiko Tajima (Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla), Akihiko Hirata (Godzilla, 1954) and Masao Imafuku (Kill!).
Not a huge fan of this particular depiction of Godzilla but his emergence and observations from the plane were fun. The science laboratories and sets are always well done in these pictures. The praying mantis are awesome. I always enjoy the glowing eyes of the monsters in these pictures. I always felt the baby Godzilla in this looked like a turd, and it's funny seeing how even Godzilla gets annoyed taking care of kids sometimes. The training scenes, spiders and ending battle were really good.
Overall I can't say this is a "good" movie but it is a very entertaining one. I'd score this a 6/10 and strongly recommend it.
A sad day in Godzilla history.
13Funbags25 April 2017
This is where Godzilla jumps the shark.The special effects are really good but the story is silly and full of holes. It's about scientists on an island trying to control the weather with exploding balloons and yellow gas. A reporter parachutes out of the sky and lands in the ocean and they let him live with them.The reporter quickly meets a native woman and the story becomes about them. The native woman has lived alone on the island since she was a child yet has a brand new floral print dress. She quickly adapts to wearing men's clothes, that fit her perfectly. A giant egg is unearthed and cracked open by gimantis'.They witness the birth and the reporter immediately says it's a little Godzilla.If i hadn't been watching a movie called "Son Of Godzilla", I would have never guessed he had anything to do with Godzilla. How did Godzilla have a kid?Is he a she?Do males of his species lay eggs? What the heck is going on? Everything that happens makes no sense. This movie is a mess. The one redeeming quality is that they finally figured out how to make Godzilla look big, even though he more than ever looks like a guy in a suit. If you have seen the first 6, you should see this just to see how badly it can be done.Otherwise avoid this.
WAAAAAAGWAAAAAAA!!!!
Horror Fan15 February 1999
On an island, a scientific team's experiment goes totally wrong, it mutates mantises into deadly mantises and they unearth an egg and out hatches a slimy, talking, peice of crap that keeps saying this word, WAAAAAGWAAAAAA!!!. Then we find out it's supposed to be Godzilla's son and sure enough Godzilla comes to save it and he sure kicks the deadly mantises' asses. Father and son have many more adventures together. The creature, Minya grows into this toddler Godzilla that looks much more like a human than Godzilla and puffs smoke Os, but when Godzilla steps on his tail he breathes fire. Then a huge mechanical spider named Spiega attacks Godzilla and son while the scientists' experiment causes it to snow on the island (this is the first and only Godzilla movie that shows the big G in snow). This is really silly, but a lot of fun to watch. It's not only silly, but also funny, and with an effective playful score by Masaru Satoh. I recommend this is mostly recommended to kids though.
1 star as a movie, 10 Stars for the laughs!
duanedfox6 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
So bad it's almost good. MST 3000 fans will love this show! Just with my family we were making our own loud comments and ROTFL during almost every scene.
The reviews about this being a good movie or the touching human side of Godzilla are just plain wrong. The real review is pay no attention to any sort of story line and watch how stupid every monster looks in this show. This is straight up slapstick comedy with some scenes just so dumb you can't help but die laughing.
Special effects just add to the hilarity. Don't expect anything other than to be astounded that this movie ISN'T made by teenagers with a camcorder. I promise you'll never have more fun watching a Godzilla movie than this one.
The reviews about this being a good movie or the touching human side of Godzilla are just plain wrong. The real review is pay no attention to any sort of story line and watch how stupid every monster looks in this show. This is straight up slapstick comedy with some scenes just so dumb you can't help but die laughing.
Special effects just add to the hilarity. Don't expect anything other than to be astounded that this movie ISN'T made by teenagers with a camcorder. I promise you'll never have more fun watching a Godzilla movie than this one.
Great for the Kiddies
vtcavuoto5 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Although Godzilla movies by now were geared directly toward the kiddie market, there are still some cool elements. I especially liked the equipment and set designs(check out how the word "sound" is spelled outside one of the equipment buildings!). Just looking at the bulky electronic equipment brings back a sense of nostalgia. The experiment that the UN scientists conduct is unique as well. The script is OK, the dubbing iffy in spots and acting passable. The island setting is beautiful along with the actress playing the island woman.The film does get a bit corny but kids will love it and it's a good introduction into the Godzilla series. Besides,it will keep them occupied and quiet for 90 minutes.
Godzilla gets silly
zebediahrain19 May 2020
Story: 6/10
Scientists conduct experiments on a long forgotten island but struggle to cope with the dangerous wildlife. Hardly gripping but for a Godzilla film it felt more structured.
Visuals: 6/10
Godzilla films are pretty ugly by todays standards but here they're above par for the time and the monsters look the part.
Cast: 4/10
The usual array of over acting and terrible dubs are on display as are familiar faces from previous movies confusingly in different roles.
Audio: 4/10
Terrible dub, questionable monster sound effects and recycled music.
X-Factor: 4/10
The Spyger was great and Beverly Maeda is just distractedly stunning!
The Verdict: 1/10
Sure it's even goofier than usual and the comedy is more than slightly silly but as far as Godzilla films are concerned I'd still consider this one of the better ones.
Scientists conduct experiments on a long forgotten island but struggle to cope with the dangerous wildlife. Hardly gripping but for a Godzilla film it felt more structured.
Visuals: 6/10
Godzilla films are pretty ugly by todays standards but here they're above par for the time and the monsters look the part.
Cast: 4/10
The usual array of over acting and terrible dubs are on display as are familiar faces from previous movies confusingly in different roles.
Audio: 4/10
Terrible dub, questionable monster sound effects and recycled music.
X-Factor: 4/10
The Spyger was great and Beverly Maeda is just distractedly stunning!
The Verdict: 1/10
Sure it's even goofier than usual and the comedy is more than slightly silly but as far as Godzilla films are concerned I'd still consider this one of the better ones.
Better than the critics say
Khrollo7 July 2018
The movie give us more of godzilla and his adventures but is only decent, the effects are better than te previous movies, show us a godzilla with more personality of a animal, doing a better job than show us only a fighthing monster, the plot of the humans is interesting but characters are meh not really special and have more serious history than the scenes of godzilla is like a frankestein monster with familiar and serious things.
The Terror of Baby Godzilla
MooCowMo5 April 1999
Even by kiddie standards, Son of Godzilla is a boring, hopeless pile of lizard turds. A group of scientists conducting "experiments" on a hot, deserted island witness giant mantises, a giant spider, and, worst of all, a Godzilla hatchling. Now, some of the earlier Godzilla moovies are quite fun; when our favorite thunder lizard gets going, he chomps and stomps like nobody's business. The last thing we need is a cutsie baby Godzilla, a misshapen lump of lizard goo who coos and gurgles and shrieks just like (yikes!) a human baby. It's really kind of sad to see the Big Guy degraded like this - what's next, make him drive a mini-van? Oh together they fight a couple of cheesy-looking giant mantises & a massively salivating spider, but it just isn't the same. Fortunately, you have to wait until the even stupider Revenge of Godzilla before you get to hear Godzuki talk. Most of the time, this movie is plain boring. We almost miss the annoying little Japanese kid who wears the creepy shorts & can talk to Mothra. MooCow says watch it only if yer a masochist, and then keep yer hooves on the fast forward button. :=8)
Who will save the day on this island of nuclear boo-boos?
mark.waltz27 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Playground bully preying mantises that like to play soccer with big boulders. Giant spiders who shoot New Year's confetti. And then of course, there's Godzilla and the little baby that he adopts and trains to take care of himself in this island of horrors. There's the urge to go "ah!" Every time that the baby lizard is in Peril, pick John by the giant mantises who keeps throwing rocks at its head, causing it to fall down in awkward ways. But out of the blue comes Godzilla, not its real parent, but conveniently woken up by an explosion that scientist create on this island.
This is by far the most humorous of the Godzilla movies, but the mantises certainly are scary looking and the spider is very imposing, not at all laughable like the one in "Cat Women of the Moon" or its near identical remake, "Missile to the Moon". The special effects are pretty good, although close-ups of Godzilla and the baby do indicate a cheapness in leather for the lizard's costumes. It is impressively filmed in tropical blue waters and the scenery is breathtaking. Even then, those aspects of it are easy to forgive because it is just so darned adorable.
This is by far the most humorous of the Godzilla movies, but the mantises certainly are scary looking and the spider is very imposing, not at all laughable like the one in "Cat Women of the Moon" or its near identical remake, "Missile to the Moon". The special effects are pretty good, although close-ups of Godzilla and the baby do indicate a cheapness in leather for the lizard's costumes. It is impressively filmed in tropical blue waters and the scenery is breathtaking. Even then, those aspects of it are easy to forgive because it is just so darned adorable.
Oh, this was a dark moment in the "Godzilla" franchise...
paul_haakonsen16 January 2020
I have watched most of the "Godzilla" movies, but it wasn't before 2020 that I was given the chance to sit down and watch the 1967 "Son of Godzilla" (aka "Kaijûtô no kessen: Gojira no musuko"). Needless to say that I jumped at the chance.
Whereas most of the older "Godzilla" movies have been following the same blueprint in terms of script and storyline, "Son of Godzilla" deviates from this. A bit too much perhaps, and they opted to adapt a comedy element to the movie which was much bigger than what it had been in previous movies. But this was a feedback effect, because it didn't really work in favor of the movie.
The comedy elements to the movie were just atrocious actually, and I didn't enjoy watching this movie. First of all, watching Godzilla and Baby Godzilla play rock football with giant mantis creatures wasn't really great storytelling. And also the fact that Baby Godzilla looked like something you wouldn't believe didn't really help to improve much on the overall enjoyment of the movie.
I managed to endure about an hour of the ordeal that is "Son of Godzilla", then I simply had enough and I turned it off. And I can honestly say that this is not a classic moment in the "Godzilla" franchise. I suppose in a way, it is that drunken uncle that we all have but don't want to acknowledge.
My rating of "Son of Godzilla" lands on a mere three out of ten stars, because this was not an enjoyable or entertaining movie. And it just deviated way too much from the core essentials that is the "Godzilla" franchise.
Whereas most of the older "Godzilla" movies have been following the same blueprint in terms of script and storyline, "Son of Godzilla" deviates from this. A bit too much perhaps, and they opted to adapt a comedy element to the movie which was much bigger than what it had been in previous movies. But this was a feedback effect, because it didn't really work in favor of the movie.
The comedy elements to the movie were just atrocious actually, and I didn't enjoy watching this movie. First of all, watching Godzilla and Baby Godzilla play rock football with giant mantis creatures wasn't really great storytelling. And also the fact that Baby Godzilla looked like something you wouldn't believe didn't really help to improve much on the overall enjoyment of the movie.
I managed to endure about an hour of the ordeal that is "Son of Godzilla", then I simply had enough and I turned it off. And I can honestly say that this is not a classic moment in the "Godzilla" franchise. I suppose in a way, it is that drunken uncle that we all have but don't want to acknowledge.
My rating of "Son of Godzilla" lands on a mere three out of ten stars, because this was not an enjoyable or entertaining movie. And it just deviated way too much from the core essentials that is the "Godzilla" franchise.
Some Son for Godzilla.
OllieSuave-00719 June 2001
This kaiju movie is associated with a more youthful audience. Like the previous film, this movie was set on an island, where scientists test weather experiments. When one of the experiments goes wrong, it mutates life on the island, including three giant praying mantises. The bugs discover a monster egg and out hatches a slimy, buff, sickly- looking monster that is supposed to be the son of Godzilla. But, this monster is in no way close enough on resembling the Big G. Its eyes are huge, head and face are round and mostly spits radioactive smoke rings. He makes these annoying babyish sounds (wagwagwagwag!) and has behavior problems similar to that of a little kid (isn't he supposed to be a monster?). He should be the son of Barney. If you would like to see a better-looking Son of Godzilla, catch the young Godzilla of the Heisei Series.
But, the good stuff we get to see in this movie is Masaru Sato's likable and comforting music score and Shinichi Sekizawa's adventurous and positive story. The special effects are pretty good, handled by Teisho Arikawa, and good directing by Jun Fukuda. A lot of recognizable Toho actors appear in this film, including Tadao Takashima, Akira Kubo, Akihiko Hirata, Yoshio Tsuchiya and Kenji Sahara. The monster battles are great; I especially like the the mantises and the huge spider sequences - effectively executed. Not much of a plot though, but a nice movie nonetheless with plenty of monster action.
Grade B
But, the good stuff we get to see in this movie is Masaru Sato's likable and comforting music score and Shinichi Sekizawa's adventurous and positive story. The special effects are pretty good, handled by Teisho Arikawa, and good directing by Jun Fukuda. A lot of recognizable Toho actors appear in this film, including Tadao Takashima, Akira Kubo, Akihiko Hirata, Yoshio Tsuchiya and Kenji Sahara. The monster battles are great; I especially like the the mantises and the huge spider sequences - effectively executed. Not much of a plot though, but a nice movie nonetheless with plenty of monster action.
Grade B
Watch for the Godzilla
overacker14 August 2021
It's no 'Son of Kong' but as a kid I aways loved seeing this film. Now as a filmmaker, I admire the amount of effort that went into the practical special effect (don't match todays standards) that were great for their day. As an adult the story is not the best but obviously made for a young audience at the time. Not some a classic but fun in my view and a must see if you are a fan of the other Godzilla films prior to this.
Another Childhood Love of Mine
NerdBat5 July 2018
This film, along with "Godzilla Vs. The Sea Monster" were commonly shown back to back on late night television in the 1990's. I've seen it multiple times, and while it's not really practical in the way of Godzilla films, it's still got some pretty neat aspects. Instead of a single giant monster, we have a race of giant Mantises, as well as a single massive spider that lives on the island. Why Godzilla is there is a bit of a mystery, nor where the egg that Minya hatches from is ever really revealed. We don't even know for sure if it is truly the "son of Godzilla". Nevertheless, this is one of the best Godzilla films for children in my opinion, you see many scenes of Godzilla training his adopted son how to fight for himself and be independent. It's a pretty good film. It's not on my top 10 by any means, but it's not the worst, that's for sure.
See also
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