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Klownzilla
11-02-2002, 07:37 PM
Before Shusuke Kankeo made the brilliant GMK: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack, he gave a 60's monster a brand-new look with a legion of new fans. The trilogy revolves around the giant turtle kaiju who protects humanity against monstrous threats.

The first film Gamera: Guardian of the Universe concerns a series of attacks of vicious bat-like monsters on various Japanese islands. These creatures are called Gyaos. Meanwhile, out in the ocean a HUGE rocky shell-like structure is floating around. The Japanese millitary learns of the Gyaos and sets up a trap at a stadium. The Gyaos take the bait, but flee before the troops can kill them. One of the little bastards flies towards the ocean, it is destroyed by Gamera who rises from the depths. Gamera has a small assault on Japan, but later goes after more of the Gyaos. The explosive finale involves a "Super Gyaos" who has a duel with Gamera. Good stuff indeed.
http://www.cathuria.com/bcd/Gamera95.jpg


In the second film Gamera 2: Advent of Legion, a strange meteor lands in Japan unleashing hundreds of insect-like creatures dubbed "Legion" which find their way into Tokyo. When the military fails to control the situation, Gamera shows up to deal with the alien SOBs. The little buggers seem like a nuissance, but they are nothing compared to the ultimate Legion who causes some trouble for our favorite giant turtle.
http://www.shusuke-kaneko.com/eng/images/gamera2a.jpg

The final film Gamera 3: Awakening of Iris deals with a schoolgirl named Ayana discovering a large egg in a cave that, according to legend, houses demons. The egg hatches into a small monster, which Ayana decides to raise and quickly develops as psychic bond with. The monster is named Iris after a cat Ayana once had. Meanwhile those darn Gyaos seem to be popping all over the world. Gamera shows up to deal with both menaces while the fate of the world is at stake. This film is hailed as the best Gamera film, mainly because of the plot, acting, and the special effects.
http://www.stomptokyo.com/img-m4/gamera3-a.jpg

http://www.marknagata.com/portf/06d/gamera.jpg

countchocula
11-03-2002, 03:03 PM
This is a little embarrassing, but I have yet to see a Gamera flick. Of course, they're pretty much right down my alley. How can I resist a film about a giant turtle? After I get ahold of the Daimajin trilogy (soon, I tell you), I'll probably go after this trilogy. How do they compare to the Gojira films?

Klownzilla
11-03-2002, 03:12 PM
These 3 Gamera flicks seem overpowering when compared to the Heisei(1990's) Godzilla movies. A lot of people are wowed when they see the Gamera trio and like it better than the Heisei G films. Kaneko made a completely new and fierce Gamera compared to the older campy Gamera who was "the friend to all children". But Kaneko's true masterpiece is GMK.

BTW, Countchocula, these 3 films are available on English subtitled DVDs at www.fareastflix.com
I have all 3 on VHS, but it would be nice to have them on DVD. :)

countchocula
11-03-2002, 04:08 PM
Well, the Heisei series isn't that tough to beat, in my opinion. Godzilla vs. Biollante is the only entry from that time period that bears much significance. Godzilla '85 was decent, but it was far too sluggish. I know you'll castrate me for typing that, but it's hard for me to get into that flick. Anyway, I could settle for VHS. Sometimes, films of this nature work best without polished visuals.

Klownzilla
11-03-2002, 05:48 PM
G'85 and G vs Biollante are two of the reasonable Heisei flicks that later evolve into outrageous mayhem such as the whole "time travel" deal in Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991) and Space Godzilla's origin. Space Godzilla shouldn't have even been created since the time travel thing would erase Biollante from the Heisei timeline. But Biollante was a great monster. The head reminded me of a mutated gator with razor fangs.

Kim_EZ
11-04-2002, 07:42 PM
I love the new Gamera series. It was soooo good.

Gamera: Daikaijuu Kuchu Kessen: I love this film. So simple but awesome. The remake of Gyaos as the opponent was great. I love the ending.

Gamera 2: Region Shurai: Legion reminded me of Destoroyah, but still was a neat monster. I was kind of bored through some slow parts, but this is still a good sequel.

Gamera 3: Iris Kakusei: Emotional movie with some good poignant moments. I really felt for Ayana and could understand (not agree with, howver) her motive for wanting revenge. Iris was a cheesy creation, but got better as the film progressed.

As for the Heisei series of Gojira, I enjoyed it on the most part. I didn't care for Gojira Tai Supesu Gojira though. Too long and boring. But Little Gojira is SOOOO adorable! I almost shed a tear in Gojira Tai Desutoria. The ending was sad.

Klownzilla
11-05-2002, 05:53 PM
Originally posted by Kim_EZ


As for the Heisei series of Gojira, I enjoyed it on the most part. I didn't care for Gojira Tai Supesu Gojira though. Too long and boring. But Little Gojira is SOOOO adorable! I almost shed a tear in Gojira Tai Desutoria. The ending was sad.

I too like Little Godzilla, but Junior Godzilla was a badass despite his youth. I felt sorry for him when he got messed up by Destroyah, but the ending made me feel better. But Big G's death was sad.

Kim_EZ
11-06-2002, 03:34 PM
Godzilla's death scene was executed beautifully. I was almost crying.

My only complaint with the Heisei series is probably that they made Godzilla seem like the enemy too much...

izombie
11-07-2002, 09:22 AM
Glad to see I'm not alone with liking the "guy in a rubber suit" movies.

I rented Gamera: Guardian of the Universe a few years ago and I kept thinking to myself as I walked to the counter, I'm renting Gamera, wtf, how sad is that, but once I popped that baby into the VCR I was extrmely pleased with what I was watching, I'm going to check out part 2 and 3 soon.

Romero&Juliet
11-07-2002, 10:13 AM
Gamera vs. Guiron was one of the FUNNIEST MST3K's I've ever seen! I'd say our favorite flying turtle has spawned about about sixty freaking sequals.. I've never been into these monster movies at all.. Not unless tom Servo's involved...

Klownzilla
11-07-2002, 05:58 PM
All of the original campy Gamera movies are:
Gamera, the Invincible
Gamera vs. Barugon
Gamera vs. Viras
Gamera vs. Jaiger
Gamera vs. Guirun
Gamera vs. Gyaos
Gamera vs. Zigra
Gamera: Supermonster