"Godzilla"

Toho Studios finest is back, and bigger than ever.

The most famous lizard ever to walk the cinema screen has returned.
Japan 1999, and at a dig site a most remarkable find, a truly huge set of bones have been uncovered. What could they possibly belong to?  But startling is that something is found and it is far from extinct, and making its way to the main land. Also there are tremors being felt within the grounds of a nuclear power plant. Concern is being raised by Scientist Joe Brody. His protestations go unheard, and it causes him much pain when he suffers personal loss during the quake. The area is evacuated, and many questions are left unanswered as the Powers that be try to cover what is really going on.

We then jump forward to the present day. Things have quietened down, or have they?  Scientist Brody is still getting into trouble with the Authorities, as he still is desperate to find out what happened all those years ago. In order to try and instill some sanity in him, his Son is sent for, who is currently serving with the Army as an Explosives expert. Son Ford tries to get his Dad to see that his efforts are futile and a waste of time, but somehow Brody manages to get both he and his Son back to the site of the Nuclear plant, where they do some investigating. They are promptly arrested for trespassing and taken to a secret area, wherever the full picture of what is happening is revealed. And this happens just as those pesky earth tremors reoccur. Is history about to repeat itself?

Within this compound is a creature, one that feeds on nuclear energy, and is very destructive. Its intentions are unclear, but it is not the only large creature walking the Earth. A large lizard from a time gone by is lurking within the waters, and its size is tremendous, and likewise its intentions are unknown. It is greatly feared but has been given a name appropriate for its legend and size, that of Godzilla.
The nuclear feeding creature is making its way to Nevada, and the full picture becomes clear, in that it is not alone, there is another one of its kind, and its intention is to breed. Fortunately for mankind, Godzilla is aware of this, and this is why he is walking the planet to save humanity from possible death and destruction.

I had the great pleasure of seeing the film on the IMAX screen, and whilst the 3D aspect is not that enthralling, the overall film and sound quality were really enhanced.
As a lover of 70's disaster movies, it is like a dream of a movie. I grew up watching both the old Godzilla movies, and yes I also watched the cartoon series. So to see this new imagining of the legendary creature is a real delight. There are many great action sequences, plus lots of disaster based  scenarios.
There are varying results from ther cast. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is ok as the Army Bomb expert, but his character is one of the very few minor weak points of the film. The more mature members of the cast really shine, the likes of Juliette Binoche and Bryan Cranston are doing sterling work. But one shines above all others. And he is the remarkable Japanese actor Ken Wattanabe, who turns out high quality performances which each film he does. He gives the film some real gravitas, and an air of class.

Gareth Edwards wonderfully fills the Directors chair with air of confidence of someone who has been directing for many years, let alone the few films that he has made.
Key to the success of the film is the visual aspect, the effects are universally top notch, and a delight to see. Both the creatures and the destruction they create are wonderfully realised. These images coupled with thunderous sound and a great score make for a fun two hours at the cinema.

Godzilla IS back, and those dreadful memories of 1998 are long forgotten.....9 out of 10

"Blue Jasmine"

This years offering from Writer and Director Woody Allen is a rags to riches tale, only in reverse.
We meet Janette, now calling herself Jasmine as she arrives at her Sisters house, where she will be staying for a while. Things are not exactly going well for Jasmine, as she struggles to pick up the pieces of her life following something of a personal disaster.

With the aid of flashbacks we are able to see what life was like for Jasmine, when her husband was successful, and they were very wealthy and lived a life that so many could only dream of, including her own family, who she keeps very much at arms length, even when paying a small visit. Jasmine has more than money problems, she is dillusional, and strikes up a conversation with herself. She has aspirations of getting back on top, but achieving this may not be easy.
Ginger, her sister, is happy to have her sister with her, despite all that Jasmine and her husband have cost, money and ultimately her marriage. In fact her current relationship with grease monkey Chilli is in jeopardy thanks to Jasmine, and trying to inspire Ginger that she can do so much better.

The class story told between the two sisters is brilliantly done. Jasmine acting so high and mighty when she has the money, and more or less disowning her Sister and husband. But then when the fortune has gone, she has to lower her standards, trrying her best to bounce back, finding a menial job working in a Dentist, hoping to find a new man for her new life.

As ever the Direction and Writing from Allen are great, and he makes the most of his first class cast. Cannavale is great as Chilli, desperate to show Ginger that she does not need to better herself, and that she is fine just the way she is.
Sally Hawkins gives another great performance as Ginger, and Alec Baldwin, who is almost becoming an Allen regular, excels as the slimy husband of Jasmine.
But undoubtedly the star of the film is Cate Blanchett who gives some of her best work as Jasmine, whether loving the life of luxury or on the edge of a breakdown as she talks at length with herself or sees her relationship drift away, she really is on top form. It has already been suggested that she is a certainty for an Oscar nomination, and I would go along with that too.

Anyone expecting a full on comedy like "Bullets Over Broadway" "Manhatten Murder Mystery" or "Small Time Crooks" may be disappointed, as it is light on laughs, but the exploration of the characters is what makes this another highly rated Allen film.

Allen can still cut the mustard.....7 out of 10