Shin Godzilla (Shin Gojira)

"The Original Gangsta Lizard gets a largely satisfying reboot in "Shin Godzilla," a surprisingly clever monster mash best described as the "Batman Begins" of Zilla Thrillers."

"The film is at its best when it's in parody mode, though it keeps that card too close to the vest for much of its two-hour length."

"It's silliness (or its subtitles) won't be for everyone, but after so many serious sci-fi movies it's nice to see a bit of fun put back into the genre."

"Anno & Higuchi's vision of the character is thoughtful and clever without straying too far from the Godzilla formula established in films like the original 1954 Gojira."

"The mother of all allegorical monsters takes on new meaning in a talky, vaguely nationalistic reboot that slips on like a comfortable sweater, even if it's a sweater with some holes in it."

"...a conga line of baffling choices..."

"It's a welcome return for the studio who originated the iconic creature creation, but unfortunately, it never lives up to the drama of the 1954 original, or the bananas fun of all the B-Movie schlock that followed."