This movie captures touching family moments, including the tragic death of someone very close to Joe Brody (Bryan Cranston). When a lockdown takes place in Japan to prevent a radiation leak, this person is running to Brody who has to close the door at a certain time or risk many lives being lost. Also, years later, the story shows how Brody’s son, Ford (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), deals with the suffering of his father due to this loss which affected him personally as well. The actors play out these emotions very nicely. In one eerie scene, a few towers collapse which might remind viewers of 9-11.

The movie features a lot of action and fantasy-like violence, due to two extraordinary monsters, male and female, wreaking havoc. The film focuses on the possibility of Godzilla taking them on as the military doesn’t seem up to it. The female is carrying eggs which would not bode well for a future generation. The movie could have worked better with a bit more editing. At just over two hours there were parts that felt long, especially when they are preparing for battle in some extended scenes. Godzilla does cut an impressive figure once he shows up and begins to breathe fire. One of the subplots features an adult Brody trying to get to his own son and wife (Elizabeth Olsen). However, due to a few strong utterances of language, we are prevented from awarding the movie our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal.