King Kong vs. Godzilla (1963)

Sick Product of a Sick System

Expected more

Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Godzilla's third epic (and first in first colour) finds Japan's giant mutated dinosaur squaring off against America's immense ape*. Some liberties have been taken with Kong's size (the original beast would only been up to Godzilla's knee), and given that Godzilla has radioactive fire breath, the match would seem a bit one sided BUT, it turns out that Kong has some hitherto unsuspected powers, so the match is closer than the punters would expect. Not much more to say beyond the title about the rudimentary plot. The film itself is unimpressive and is the first of the series to slip into the camp silliness that many people outside Japan associate with the Godzilla films. A Japan/US co-production, the movie is interspersed with 'reports' from the UN (relayed through what had been the "Mysterians" (1957) space base) featuring a completely unconvincing 'reporter' and a droning 'scientist' expressing ridiculous observations and opinions about the goings on in Japan. The Godzilla suit is fine but King Kong, who looks like he has mange, has a rubbery, unexpressive face, long dangly arms (that shorten when necessary), and a distinct human posture. The miniatures are not up to the standards of the two previous outings and in many of the matt shots, the foreground humans are blue and indistinct. In a distinct departure from the first two entries into the canon, much of the film is played for laughs (especially Mr. Tako (comedian Ichiro Arishima) who is painful for anyone over the age of eight to watch), presumably targeting families with kids. Likely related to this, the story-line is light-hearted, the action almost slapstick, and the movie lacks any of the soberness of the original and first sequel: while cities are destroyed, there is no sense that anyone actually died. Billed as a battle between two iconic monsters, "King Kong vs Godzilla" is a step down for the nascent franchise and, although followed by the vastly superior "Mothra vs. Godzilla" (1964), represents the beginning of the long (albeit profitable) slide into child-friendly goofiness of the late '60s and '70s entries. *This review is for the American dubbed version. The original Japanese version, while suffering from same production limitations, is supposedly much better.

I admit it, Kong is a bit big for his own good in this one, but hey, I stand by my statement when I say this is one of the best Showa series Godzilla films there are. I love it! It's able to teeter both the monster battles and the story line perfectly, without having too much of one or the other. I like how they threw in the giant Octopus (some Godzilla fans have dubbed it "Oodaku") to give that sense that Faro Island (the Japanese version of skull island I suppose) is much like it's American counterpart, with prehistoric or unknown creatures living with Kong side by side. The effects are wonderful, and Kong's immaturity and feeble mindedness gives us all a sense of comedic relief. This will remain one of my favorite Godzilla movies of all time, and if you're a fan of Godzilla, it's definitely a must see!

King Kong vs Godzilla! The east vs the west! Japan vs The United States! This movie even today acts as one of the biggest and most successful Godzilla films of all time. For today's standards though, it is without a doubt considered flawed. First off is the fact that it's release state was so early in it's time. Considering it was only the 3rd for both franchises and made in the early 60s doesn't help at all. I remember when Syfy use to hold their annual Godzilla movie marathons and this premiered right after Godzilla vs. Gigan. I asked my father to Tivo it and when we watched it the next morning when we watched it the next morning and King Kong showed up, I laughed my ass off. He looked like a deformed Elvis. And after reality sunk in, I turned to my Dad and said "are they serious?" Second off, the aspect ratio of the two is miles apart. From what I understand, Kong is 50 feet tall in the original and Godzilla's about 50 METERS TALL! There's a size difference indeed. Now to be fair, this is probably an entirely different take on the monster altogether and by that I mean like in the Godzilla universe how there are multiple Gojiras running around, this is probably either a relative of the '33 Kong or just another one altogether. But when the fight begins, none of that matters because it's highly entertaining on the sheer factor it's just a fun watch. KKVG is a gem that stands it's ground being the original crossover from two different company icons. And despite it's flaws, it will forever be considered a classic.

This was a big leap for Kong and Godzilla: first, this movie was both their first in colour. Next, Godzilla was about 50 ft. taller than Kong, which meant Kong would've had to get bigger. 3rd, was getting the copyright for Kong to verse Godzilla. This movie was close to going in the Godzilla Garbage, just like 'Godzilla vs. Frankenstein'. But it ended up being made, and with big success at the time. The story tells of Godzilla attacking Tokyo once more, destroying everything in his path. One man, who owns his a television channel, is sick of Godzilla, and sends some men out to find a beast to take him on. The men return with King Kong, and all hell breaks lose. A great Friday Flick with some friends. It is an ultimate ******* star performance. So, if you like the 'King Kong' and 'Godzilla' series, then I recommend this movie to YOU!