GIGANTIS THE FIRE MONSTER aka GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN

GIGANTIS THE FIRE MONSTER (1959). Director: Motoyoshi Oda.

This is the dubbed American version of Godzilla Raids Again (1955), the sequel to Godzilla. In this we learn that the Godzilla destroyed at the end of the first movie was not the only member of the "Gigantis" species alive in the world. A new Gigantis emerges from the sea to battle another prehistoric beastie, the Anguirus, who walks on all fours. Gigantis tears across Osaka, virtually destroying the city. The hero is a young officer Hiroshi, who hopes to prove his bravery by fighting the colossal creature. There is a dull love story between him and his girlfriend. Supposedly the original Japanese version of this film is a much better movie -- it would have to be as this idiotic "epic" of silly puppet monsters is a virtual snooze-fest with nothing to recommend it. Even the effects are fifth-rate.

Verdict: Terrible. *.