The new Godzilla movie is genuinely entertaining and worth seeing, provided you don’t expect too much. The standard wasn't particularly high to begin with, especially considering Roland Emmerich's version from 1998, which was amusing at best. With today’s budget and special effects, it really didn't have a chance of being terrible. However, based on the trailer, I anticipated something better. The beginning is quite good, featuring solid story development and character introductions – where things are, what's happening; everything is clearly established. The storyline involving the main characters is dramatic from the start: family tragedy, trauma leading to a quest for truth about the circumstances. Bryan Cranston delivers an impressive performance as the father and scientist who senses something’s amiss concerning this enormous creature and won’t stop investigating until he understands it – if he gets the opportunity. About a third of the way through, something significant happens that marks a crucial shift in the narrative. I recognized its importance immediately, and later realized I had been correct. Following this point, the story takes a backseat to non-stop action—an almost overwhelming barrage of destruction. It's not necessarily bad, but it’s less engaging than it could have been. The issue is that instead of just one giant monster, there are three. There’s Godzilla and two huge insect-like creatures simply labeled MUTO (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Object). Couldn't they have come up with a better name? Furthermore, Godzilla isn’t portrayed as the primary threat to humanity; it’s these MUTO that are. In fact, Godzilla turns out to be on our side because he’s the only one capable of defeating them. This plot element is a key reason why the movie falls short of its potential. Another factor is that these creatures all consume nuclear energy rather than something more imaginative. Consequently, their real danger lies in the widespread devastation they cause in cities—and the inevitable loss of human life. Because they don’t actively hunt or target humans, there's never a genuine sense of peril. They simply want nuclear power and breeding grounds. What’s even worse is that these MUTO steal screen time and attention from the monster who should be the main antagonist and title character! It would have been just as fitting to call it "Big Creepy Insects" instead of “Godzilla.” Ultimately, we're left with billions of dollars in property damage and a massive creature who’s essentially a good guy. It’s kind of strange. Despite this, the movie isn’t bad. Aaron Taylor-Johnson does his best to appear serious and mature since his Kick-Ass days, although it’s likely one of his less memorable roles. The problem is that after that initial third of the film, his character becomes predictable and stereotypical. Our hero even has a sentimental moment of eye contact with Godzilla at the very end... How sweet.

Source on TMDB