Common Sense Media Review
Violent updated classic could be too intense for young kids.
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Godzilla
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Based on 42 kid reviews
Kids say this movie offers a mix of entertainment and disappointment, with some enjoying its action and special effects, while others criticize it for being a weak adaptation that strays from the original character's essence. Themes of violence and lack of fidelity to the classic franchise are common points of contention, leading to a mixed reception that suggests it may not satisfy dedicated fans.
- mixed reception
- special effects
- violence issues
- weak adaptation
- not for fans
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Nuclear testing has resulted in the mutation of a fish-loving lizard who seeks out Manhattan as an ideal place to lay eggs (he is a self-reproducing hermaphrodite). While GODZILLA roars around knocking down buildings, bespectacled scientist Nick Tatapolous (Matthew Broderick) works with the U.S. Army and a mysterious group of Frenchmen to try to stop him, and Audrey (Maria Petillo), the girl who broke Nick's heart in college, tries to break into the broadcast reporting big leagues by getting the inside story.
Is It Any Good?
The classic Japanese monster film has been updated by the team that produced and directed Stargate and Independence Day, and what we get is basically Jurassic Park with one very, very big dinosaur.
On the scariness scale, Godzilla fits in at around the Jurassic Park level, with a few jump-out-at-you surprises and some tense moments. The special effects are state-of-the art, but not particularly innovative. There are some striking visuals and a few clever plot turns. But the movie sorely misses the quirky charm of Independence Day's Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum, and the story never captures the heart. The real special effect in this movie is making it appear that Manhattan was evacuated almost instantaneously.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this 1998 version differs from the original 1956 Godzilla movie. What's most compelling, the story or the nonstop action?
If you're used to seeing Matthew Broderick in romantic comedies and quirky dramas, what do you think of him in an action movie loaded with special effects?
Why do you think so many movies have been made about the disastrous effects of nuclear testing?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 20, 1998
- On DVD or streaming : November 3, 1998
- Cast : Harry Shearer , Jean Reno , Matthew Broderick
- Director : Roland Emmerich
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Animals ( Ocean Creatures ) , STEM
- Run time : 139 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sci-fi monster action/violence
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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