Gamera Guardian of the Universe is an action-packed reboot of the Gamera series that does a lot of things right, but also stumbles in a few places.
Initially presenting us with a human cast that is actually quite engaging (which says a lot for this genre of film), the movie never really finds time to further develop these characters due to how many of them there are mixed in with the monster action. Thus, though swimming in potential, the cast falls flat, with the exception of both the female leads who do a great job conveying the stakes of the story.
As for the monsters the special effects are brilliant. As of writing this review, some of the suit-mation and miniatures are the most convincing I have seen in monster movies of this type, making for an immersive story that more aptly portrays the size and scale of these beasts. Scenes of city destruction, when Gamera and Gaus wreak havoc on the world, are the highlight of the film and never disapoint.
The same cannot be said for the action sequences, however. There are genuinely really exciting moments, such as the flying sequences in the final battle and whenever either monster uses their flaming breath. But when it comes to close combat the movie loses the illusion and you suddenly become all the more aware that you're watching men in suits. It detracts from the action whenever this happens and from the movie as a whole, which happens one too many times for me to give this a higher rating.
But the film as a whole has more good than bad and I would still recommend watching this movie as it has more than its fair share of memorable moments to offer.
Initially presenting us with a human cast that is actually quite engaging (which says a lot for this genre of film), the movie never really finds time to further develop these characters due to how many of them there are mixed in with the monster action. Thus, though swimming in potential, the cast falls flat, with the exception of both the female leads who do a great job conveying the stakes of the story.
As for the monsters the special effects are brilliant. As of writing this review, some of the suit-mation and miniatures are the most convincing I have seen in monster movies of this type, making for an immersive story that more aptly portrays the size and scale of these beasts. Scenes of city destruction, when Gamera and Gaus wreak havoc on the world, are the highlight of the film and never disapoint.
The same cannot be said for the action sequences, however. There are genuinely really exciting moments, such as the flying sequences in the final battle and whenever either monster uses their flaming breath. But when it comes to close combat the movie loses the illusion and you suddenly become all the more aware that you're watching men in suits. It detracts from the action whenever this happens and from the movie as a whole, which happens one too many times for me to give this a higher rating.
But the film as a whole has more good than bad and I would still recommend watching this movie as it has more than its fair share of memorable moments to offer.