All in Science Fiction

Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All Out Attack

Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All Out Attack

Dennis D. McDonald
Japanese, Science Fiction, Kaiju
This 2001 movie is wonderfully entertaining. Classic Japanese monster movie elements have been updated to a quality level unknown to Toho and Inoshiro Honda’s early output such as The Mysterians. The basic story is simple: 50 years after his initial rampage, Godzilla returns to stomp Japan, but this time he is opposed by a trio of mythical monsters who awaken from their eons-old slumber just in time.
Mamoru Oshii's GHOST IN THE SHELL 2: INNOCENCE

Mamoru Oshii's GHOST IN THE SHELL 2: INNOCENCE

Dennis D. McDonald
Animated, Japanese, Oshii, Robots, Science Fiction, Anime
Mamoru Oshii (Avalon) does it again, this time with a sequel to Ghost in the Shell. Some of the same characters continue. The world of the future is even more detailed and incredible than in the original. There are more philosophical musings about the nature of humanity and technology. Plus, this may be the most incredible piece of animation I have ever seen. But it is not a favorite film of mine, for a couple of reasons.
SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW

SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW

Dennis D. McDonald
One of a Kind, Action, Aircraft, Robots, Science Fiction
The most interesting extra on this DVD is the long documentary that tracks the production of the film. It documents with great detail and enthusiasm what I think is the main message of this film, that people “outside the mainstream” who have a vision can produce blockbuster entertainment that depends heavily on modern technology managed and used in a tightly controlled temporary business environment.