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  • WONDLA: SEASON ONE | Bitesize Breakdown

    WONDLA: SEASON ONE Starring: Jeanine Mason, Teri Hatcher, Brad Garrett, Gary Anthony Williams, Chiké Okonkwo, D.C. Douglas, and Alan Tudyk Creator: Bobs Gannaway AMARÚ It’s really cool that kids’ programming can be as intriguing and complex as WondLa . There’s plenty about it that is meant for children - the animation and tone of its voice-actors most heavily - but these surface-level aspects are vehicles to give younger audiences access to action and suspense that are often reserved for more mature sci-fi thrillers. There is a fast-paced balance of adolescent set-pieces, adult themes, and universal humor that makes WondLa a series that families can enjoy with their ever-curious children of every age. It also worked for this grown-ass child right here. QUENTIN Look, I’m a 43-year-old childless man. I know that WondLa isn’t made for me. Honestly, I only gave it a shot because Apple gave us a screener and it was there. That said, for what it is, it's…not terrible? It skews young – like verging on Paw Patrol -young at times – but there are occasional bursts of attractive animation, not to mention a Silo -style mystery, that kept me interested enough to watch the next episode until *poof* I had finished the season. I’m not exactly recommending it for childless adults, but if you have kids and want something to watch with them that isn’t mind-numbing, this fits the bill.

  • ECHO 3: SEASON ONE | Bitesize Breakdown

    ECHO 3: SEASON ONE Starring: Luke Evans, Michiel Huisman, Jessica Ann Collins, Bradley Whitford, and Martina Gusman Creator: Mark Boal QUENTIN Considering that Echo 3 boasts being “from the Academy Award winning writer of The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty ,” it’s no surprise that the propulsive and tense military action sequences are the only thing this series has going for it. Sadly, the story connecting those (too few) set pieces is a mess, often going in random directions that reach dead ends. Plus, it never makes you care about the kidnapping victim because she is essentially just an objective. The pieces are here for something, but series creator Mark Boal has made a show with the depth and intrigue of off-brand Call of Duty instead.

  • THE BLACKLIST: THE FINAL SEASON | Bitesize Breakdown

    THE BLACKLIST: THE FINAL SEASON Starring: James Spader, Diego Klattenhoff, Harry Lennix, Hisham Tawfiq, Anya Banerjee, Alex Brightman, Sami Bray, and Toby Leonard Moore Creator: Jon Bokenkamp NICK Going into Season Ten of The Blacklist , I knew it had already overstayed its welcome. What was once a great mystery surrounding the true identity of Raymond Reddington (James Spader) had become a repetitive and directionless effort, which is especially noticeable in this final season. A series that should have ended with the loss of Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone) continues to drop characters, with Aram Mojtabai (Amir Arison) the latest notable omission. It’s a shell of what it once was. Spader's Reddington is among the best characters in television history, and I’ll miss watching him; as for the series itself, this ending was long past due.

  • DEPT. Q: SEASON ONE | Bitesize Breakdown

    DEPT. Q: SEASON ONE Starring: Matthew Goode, Chloe Pirrie, Jamie Sives, Mark Bonnar, Alexej Manvelov, Leah Byrne, Kate Dickie, Shirley Henderson, Kelly Macdonald, and Alison Peebles Creators: Scott Frank and Chandni Lakhani QUENTIN In the world of moody crime dramas from across the pond, Dept. Q is a decent enough watch even if it’s not reinventing the wheel. With its ragtag group of cold case investigators, there is a certain air of Slow Horses , but there are a few too many subplots — not all of them super well developed — to keep the momentum going. It also doesn’t help that, in typical Scottish fashion, it’s a pretty slow burn. Still, if you are a fan of dry murder mysteries like The Fall and Broadchurch , you could probably find enough entertainment value with Dept. Q to justify a binge session.

  • THE PUNISHER: ONE LAST KILL | Bitesize Breakdown

    THE PUNISHER: ONE LAST KILL Starring: Jon Bernthal, Jason R. Moore, Andre Royo, John Douglas Thompson, Mila Jaymes, and Judith Light Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green AMARÚ The Punisher: One Last Kill is the glossiest looking thing I’ve ever seen Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle take part in. Which is crazy, because this special presentation is anything but. Never did I think that the most realistic look into Castle’s harrowing and traumatic psyche would be presented by Disney, but here we are in this fever dream of sorrow washed down by chaotic action littered with innocent bystanders. Director Reinaldo Marcus Green drops the audience into pandemonium with no prelude, no conclusion, just a brief glimpse into the pain Bernthal impressively uncovers with his emotionally tortured performance. Intense doesn’t begin to cover this. ROBERT Marvel Television has been, shall we say, flawed for most of its five-year Disney Plus run, but one facet that’s generally loved is the Special Presentations. Right on the heels of Daredevil: Born Again , we’re treated to a delightful romp from noticeable absentee, Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal), in The Punisher: One Last Kill . And by “delightful”, I mean harrowing. One half is dedicated to Frank’s tenuous grip on reality and its precipitous slide, and the other half to him finding comfort in brutality. While the story is light, the emotionality and weight give you the clearest picture of this character ever. Buckle up, Spidey! NICK As someone who considers Netflix's The Punisher to be on par with its Daredevil series, I was looking forward to the Disney Plus take. Although Jon Bernthal is once again great as Frank Castle, the story here feels incomplete. Despite its name, The Punisher: One Last Kill feels more like a prologue to something more, as beyond its setup, it offers little more than high-energy fight sequences. Sure, it can be entertaining, but more often than not this just feels like a lesser John Wick , and with all due respect, a Frank Castle story should be more layered than that.

  • JEFFREY WEISSMAN | Bitesize Breakdown

    Previous October 22, 2025 Next A BITESIZE CHAT WITH JEFFREY WEISSMAN This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Back to the Future , and with it being Back to the Future Day, Nick had a chance to chat with Jeffrey Weissman about this franchise milestone. Although he didn't appear in the first film, he took over for Crispin Glover as George McFly in Part II, and he details how that came to be, talks about working with Michael J. Fox, and even shares some unseen behind the scenes material from the second film. Make sure to check out all the 40th Anniversary events for Back to the Future , including a limited theatrical return. Interview conducted on October 7th, 2025 by Nick van Dinther.

  • THE CURSE: SEASON ONE | Bitesize Breakdown

    THE CURSE: SEASON ONE Starring: Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder, and Benny Safdie Creators: Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie ADRIANO After Nathan For You and The Rehearsal , Nathan Fielder is easily one of my favourite modern comedic auteurs, so I was excited about his collaboration with Benny Safdie, The Curse . While it doesn't reach the highs of his other shows, it's still fascinating. The pacing is wonky, but the show is successfully hilarious, awkward, and frustrating all at once, helping to create a thrillingly unsettling atmosphere that is elevated by excellent performances from Emma Stone and Fielder. The last episode is, in fact, peak TV. The Curse isn't an easy ride, but a ride I had a blast squirming at. QUENTIN This might be triggering, but… Look, I get that we all have different tastes and senses of humor, but – and I mean this with zero hyperbole – if you think The Curse is brilliant, hilarious, or sharp, I flat out DO NOT believe you. Frankly, I think those who say they enjoy it really just enjoy being able to tell people who don't enjoy it, “oh, you just don't get it. It's an acquired taste.” There is nothing resembling humor in this boringly uncomfortable, self-involved series that will have you pining for the sweet release of death. Get off your pretentious pedestals because “acquired taste,” my ass. KATIE I relished each and every excruciating moment of The Curse . Nathan Fielder’s deeply awkward, cringe-worthy meta-comedy meets Benny Safdie's talent for creating stress-inducing situations, resulting in a viscerally uncomfortable viewing experience that persistently tested my patience in the best way possible. It’s deliciously mean-spirited, forcing the viewer to marinate in almost unbearable awkwardness, with a sense of suffocating dread that permeates every scene and taints every character interaction. All of this is carried by formidable central performances, particularly Emma Stone’s mesmerizing turn as Whitney, which is possibly one of the strongest of her career.

  • BIOPICS | Bitesize Breakdown

    Previous Next With the upcoming release of Elvis, the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Biopics. Each writer ranks his or her top 15 films in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five. 5. MONEYBALL Moneyball is one of the greatest sports films of all time. The cast - anchored by an excellent performance from Brad Pitt - is stacked with the likes of Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Chris Pratt, while the story is just as much about things off the field as on it. It's a fantastic look behind the scenes of a team that changed major league sports forever. - Nick 4. THE SOCIAL NETWORK The Social Network is an absolute powerhouse of a film that might feature one of the best screenplays ever written. It masterfully takes the true story of Facebook, which could be perceived as boring, and makes it captivating and entertaining. With a compelling lead performance from Jesse Eisenberg and incredible direction from David Fincher, this film is genuinely one of a kind. - Adriano 3. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN Is there a more rewatchable, better acted, and more compelling Leonardo DiCaprio movie than Catch Me If You Can ? You could argue otherwise, but I don’t think he has another film that makes you genuinely smile, cry, and care as much as you do for the battle between Frank Abagnale Jr. (DiCaprio) and Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks). Add pitch perfect roles for Amy Adams, Martin Sheen, Jennifer Garner, and the incomparable Christopher Walken, and you get one of the greatest and most likable biopics of all time. - Amarú 2. GOODFELLAS “As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster” – That’s how GoodFellas starts before diving into the rise and fall of mobster-turned-informant Henry Hill (the late, great Ray Liotta). It’s the perfect opening line for a nearly flawless film that features arguably the best performances of Liotta’s, Robert De Niro’s, and Joe Pesci’s careers in what is almost unanimously the best film of director Martin Scorsese’s career. Forget Best Biopic, GoodFellas is one of the greatest movies ever made, which is, in fact, pretty damn gangster. - Quentin 1. THE WOLF OF WALL STREET The Wolf of Wall Street isn’t your usual biopic about a respectable person. No, this flick follows the true story of stockbroker Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), who represents the downward spiral and moral deterioration of American capitalism. It’s a rollercoaster ride through Belfort’s life, from being a nobody to becoming one of the wealthiest and sleaziest men alive. The film finds both star and director at their best, with DiCaprio giving a powerhouse performance in a true Martin Scorsese masterpiece that is a must watch for everyone. - Paige HONORABLE MENTIONS INTO THE WILD MALCOLM X I, TONYA ALI LORDS OF DOGTOWN Photo Credits: Photo 1 - Columbia Pictures; Photo 2 - Sony Pictures; Photo 3 - Dreamworks Pictures; Photo 4 - Warner Bros; Photo 5 - Paramount Pictures

  • THE BEAR: SEASON FOUR | Bitesize Breakdown

    THE BEAR: SEASON FOUR Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, Matty Matheson, Ricky Staffieri, Corey Hendrix, and Oliver Platt Creator: Christopher Storer QUENTIN After the disappointing third season, The Bear returns to form with a renewed focus and time-driven narrative that creates a greater feeling of cohesion. The performances are as awards-worthy as they ever were, but the exploration of family — chosen and otherwise — and the consequences of one’s choices, especially in the face of trauma, humanizes the characters in ways that were often attempted unsuccessfully last season. Despite a Season Five renewal, it feels as though this could be the beginning of the end for Carmy (Jeremy Allen White). Or maybe it’s a terrific reset for the character. Either way, welcome back to one of television’s best shows. AMARÚ It’s nice to be with family again. Season Three’s experiment was artistic, but unquestionably disappointing, so getting back to The Bear ’s basics is a refreshing return to greatness. This isn’t a retread though, aside from great actors continuing to act their asses off. While the first two seasons were absolute chaos for the viewer to witness, Season Four calms down the hectic cacophony, utilizing director Christopher Storer’s perfectly maneuvered close-ups and zoom-ins to bring us inside the train wreck. This season is more personal, with Ayo Edebiri’s Sydney benefiting the most, yet the entire ensemble shines because of this beautifully balanced and emotional 10 episodes. ROBERT While there was a quality dip, I never thought it was significant enough to consider Season Three of The Bear a failure. That being said, you can tell there was a recommitment in Season Four to get off the singular focus of restaurant success and keep the characters' relationships, as it relates to their shared workplace, as this season’s crux. I was particularly taken with the message that no matter our life experiences, we are connected and more alike than we would ever care to admit. The writing, the acting, the production design, and the heart of The Bear can never be replicated, as it’s as close to real therapy as we can get in superb entertainment. Check out our reviews for Season Three HERE .

  • THE BEAR: SEASON TWO | Bitesize Breakdown

    THE BEAR: SEASON TWO Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, Matty Matheson, Edwin Lee Gibson, Corey Hendrix, and Oliver Platt Creator: Christopher Storer QUENTIN In culinary terms, if Season One of The Bear was an unexpected amuse-bouche, Season Two is the signature entrée on which a restaurant makes its name. From the terrific performances to the rich storytelling to the kinetic direction, this season elevates everything that made last season so engrossing by expanding outside of The Original Beef of Chicagoland to show the characters learning to be better chefs, and more importantly, better people. Each character gets an episode to shine, none more than Cousin Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and the string of A-list guest stars give award-worthy supporting turns with zero ego. It’s the best show on television. AMARÚ The Bear’ s first season was beautifully chaotic. The second season saw that, took a deep breath, held it a bit, and evolved into something chaotically beautiful. Slowing down the anxiety-ridden mayhem by half a second this season allows for greater depth of character and more beautifully written episodes. Plus, the longer season gives the actors time to live in their roles more authentically, while the direction and score feel specifically crafted to hone in on the show’s intensity. This season is a step up in every category, giving extra care to every detail to make it as meticulously crafted as the plates the chefs create. JACOB As The Bear expands beyond the kitchen, it runs the risk of exposing weaknesses in the writing beyond the restaurant stress, yet it never loses a step. In fact, it gains a few. With a gangbuster lineup of guest stars and cameos, plus fantastic character work on the part of Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Ayo Edebiri, Season Two is an exceptionally calibrated mayhem of flavorful story melodies. Each episode is somehow more emotionally poignant and chaotic than the last (the Christmas episode in particular is an all-timer), and this is still the best pure Chicago story being told right now. Hats off! PAIGE Season Two of The Bear isn’t afraid to get messy in the kitchen, and that’s what makes it stand out from the pack. This fast-paced restaurant dramedy continues to grant its actors the opportunity to deliver top notch performances through its writing, especially Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the true stand out this season. But the way all these characters continue to develop and grow is exceptional. There is no sophomore slump here because Season Two serves us such a mesmerizing series of goods and chaos. I need another serving ASAP because I’m already hungry for Season Three!

  • MULLIGAN: SEASON ONE | Bitesize Breakdown

    MULLIGAN: SEASON ONE Starring: Nat Faxon, Chrissy Teigen, Tina Fey, Sam Richardson, Dana Carvey, and Phil LaMarr Creators: Robert Carlock and Sam Means QUENTIN Mulligan certainly isn’t the worst adult animation show I’ve seen (remember Hoops ?), but it’s also nothing to write home about. Essentially a different take on Idiocracy, there are enough jokes to make you giggle a bit and some clever observations about the American political system, but they can’t overcome the feeling that this is an old side project that creators Robert Carlock and Sam Means dusted off for some reason. Still, like modern day Family Guy or The Simpsons , it’s good enough if you have a quick 30 minutes to kill, or you need some background noise when going to bed.

  • A GATEWAY TO GOJIRA | Bitesize Breakdown

    Previous Next November 3, 2023 WRITTEN BY: CALEB Godzilla!!! It’s a name that has struck fear into the hearts of cinema lovers since 1954, making the colossal, radioactive lizard an icon for almost seventy years. Almost everyone on Earth can recognize the roar, the music, and the “guy in the suit;” however, not many people are too familiar with Godzilla’s extensive filmography. Despite his notoriety, most of the movies in the franchise are relatively unknown amongst western audiences. Still, the fact remains that Godzilla stands as one of the longest running film series of all time. There are now 38 Godzilla films, spanning sequels, reboots, and a multitude of perplexing continuities. To get a taste of just how intimidating the franchise can be, look no further than the years between 1998 and 2004, when the series was rebooted six different times! Needless to say, watching Godzilla can get pretty complicated, and navigating the franchise can be a nerve-wracking task. Luckily, I’ve got you covered. In honour of the 69th annual Godzilla Day (November 3rd), I, a ravenous Godzilla fan, will be doing my very best to recommend the entries that I believe serve as fitting introductions to the franchise. I’ll be prioritising accessible films that you can enjoy without extensive prior knowledge of the series or its lore, and recommending a range of entertaining, distinct Godzilla experiences to give you a well-rounded understanding of The King of the Monsters. Now, narrowing this extensive filmography down to its bare essentials was no easy feat, but I’m confident that if you watch these movies, you’ll get a good idea of what the franchise is all about. After all is said and done, if I’ve piqued your interest, I’d get a move on if I were you because with Godzilla: Minus One (2023), Apple TV+’s Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023), and Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire (2024) right around the corner, there has never been a better time to be a Godzilla fan. So, without further ado, let’s begin our kaiju-sized adventure by diving straight into some of the very best films the Godzilla franchise has to offer. Long live the king! THE ONE THAT STARTED IT ALL: GOJIRA (1954) “Godzilla was baptised in the fire of the H-bomb and survived. What could kill it now?” Director Ishirō Honda’s Gojira is a classic for a reason. The poignant film gave birth to Godzilla, using the titular kaiju as a metaphor for the horrors of nuclear war. Released nine years after the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Gojira challenged Japanese audiences with imagery that mirrored the destruction still vivid in the nation’s collective consciousness. The film features some truly haunting moments, far darker than anything the franchise would go on to do in subsequent entries, and nothing the film series has done since has left as profound an impact on me as the scene where a widow holds her children tight in a burning building, assuring them that they’ll be with their father soon. The anxiety around nuclear destruction permeates almost every frame, injecting the film with a palpable sense of dread and desperation. It’s been widely regarded as one of the greatest monster movies of all time, and it’s not hard to see why. If you are at all interested in delving into this franchise, then Gojira is essential viewing. I would certainly recommend starting here. THE BEST OF THE B-MOVIES: GODZILLA VS. MEGALON (1973) “Megalon! Megalon! Wake up, Megalon! Come on, rise up now, to the Earth’s surface! Destroy the Earth! Destroy our enemies!” Now, here’s the part where the hardcore Godzilla fans click away from the article, call me some sort of obscenity, and then proceed to throw their laptops out of a window. I get it… really, I do. Godzilla vs. Megalon is cheesy, and there’s no denying that. The plot revolves around a civilization from the hollow earth sending up a giant beetle to exterminate humanity because we make too much noise. Sounds a little extreme if you ask me, but I’ve never lived in a basement apartment, so I guess I can’t relate. In any case, this entry goes against pretty much everything the original film stood for, but it’s got one saving grace… it’s hilarious . I know that fans have a special reverence for the franchise, and they hate to admit it, but a big part of Godzilla ’s appeal is the cheesy, B-movie shlock of the 60s and 70s. This particular entry easily meets the criteria for being “so-bad-it’s-good,” and it showcases just how light-hearted and funny some of the best Godzilla films can be. Moreover, it provides a great introduction to some of the most creative and beloved kaiju of all time, including Megalon, Gigan, and the fan-favourite, Jet Jaguar. The film is a non-stop slugfest, featuring some of the most entertaining and ridiculous action sequences in the franchise. If you don’t believe me, Google “Godzilla tail slide,” and thank me later. While this film is technically a sequel, you don’t need any context to enjoy it. If you’re looking for a colourful, campy, and hilarious monster movie to watch with your friends, Godzilla vs. Megalon should be right up your alley. THE BEST MONSTER MASH: GODZILLA, MOTHRA, AND KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK (2001) “The sky was blood red and filled with smoke, and through it a devil appeared. Its face was twisted with rage and hatred.” Despite having one of the worst titles, Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack , or GMK for short (thank God for abbreviations), is one of the best entries in the franchise. Like a lot of the Godzilla reboots from the early 2000s, this film retcons every previous movie in the franchise except for Gojira , making it extremely accessible for beginners. This new Godzilla is pure evil, possessed by the vengeful spirits of the soldiers who died in the Second World War. When he emerges to seek his revenge on Japan, humanity’s only chance for survival comes in the form of three mystical Guardian Monsters: Baragon, Mothra, and King Ghidorah. The heroic kaiju confront Godzilla for an epic showdown that, in my opinion, is the most memorable monster brawl in the entire series. Director Shusuke Kaneko expertly employs suitmation, pushing the unique craft far past its perceived limitations. The practical, in-camera effects allow for a tangible sense of weight and scale that the more recent CGI Godzilla films just can't match. If you’re of the opinion that “a guy in a rubber suit” can’t look cool, then GMK will make you a believer. This film is a fantastic choice for beginners because it introduces you to Godzilla's most famous foes and gives you a great taste of the monster throwdowns that have become a hallmark of the franchise. A GREAT SCI-FI GODZILLA FILM: GODZILLA X MECHAGODZILLA (2002) “Kiryu has a life, too. Why must it fight Godzilla when they should be friends?” If you like Pacific Rim (2013) …or generally find any appeal in the idea of giant monsters fighting giant robots… then this one is for you. In Godzilla X Mechagodzilla , humanity creates Kiryu, a mechanised version of Godzilla built around the bones of the monster that attacked in Gojira . They use this monster to confront a new Godzilla specimen that emerges from the sea, hellbent on destroying Tokyo. The result is an action-packed thrill-ride, where humanity faces off against Godzilla in an epic kaiju-on-mech showdown. Similar to GMK , this film’s continuity only recognizes Gojira as canon, making it another easy watch for newcomers. The narrative revolves around Mechagodzilla’s pilots, so the human characters finally get a chance to be directly involved in the monster action. Unlike some other offerings, this film takes itself seriously, providing amazing action ses continuity only recognizes Gojira as canon, making it another easy watch for newcomers. The narrative revolves around Mechagodzilla’s pilots, so the human characters finally get a chance to be directly involved in the monster action. Unlike some other offerings, this film takes itself seriously, providing amazing action sequences, incredible practical effects, and some of the best music in the franchise. There’s also a direct sequel, so if you enjoy this movie, you can jump right into Godzilla: Tokyo SOS (2003) without missing a beat. If you’re a beginner looking for fun sci-fi action and a fantastic human story, then Godzilla X Mechagodzilla is a solid choice. THE BEST AMERICAN GODZILLA: GODZILLA (2014) “The arrogance of man is thinking nature is in our control and not the other way around.” This American reboot may not be universally loved amongst the fanbase, but I still think it’s a great entry point for anyone looking to get into the franchise. It’s got a faithful portrayal of the character, amazing cinematography, and a star-studded cast. It also has the benefit of being a western release, meaning you don’t have to read subtitles or listen to any bad dubbing (if that’s the kind of thing that bothers you). The film gives you a bit of the best parts of all the different Godzilla movies, calling back to 1954 by making Godzilla a critique of man's hubris while also giving him some of the heroic qualities that would feel at home in the films from the 60s and 70s. Plus, it’s got a great monster brawl and a whole lot of destruction. Godzilla also benefits from being the beginning of the modern MonsterVerse, meaning that if you enjoy this one, there’s a whole connected universe of western Godzilla films for you to dive into. A GODZILLA FOR HORROR FANS: SHIN GODZILLA (2017) “Man is more frightening than Gojira.” With Shin Godzilla , visionary director Hideaki Anno presented a horrific new take on the monster. This is easily the most terrifying Godzilla has ever looked, as he begins as a weird, buggy-eyed, tadpole-looking thing before evolving into a massive radioactive abomination covered in tumours, open wounds, and mutated flesh. Shin takes a disturbingly realistic approach to Godzilla, treating him more like a natural disaster than a monster. This reboot satirises the Japanese government and its handling of the Fukushima meltdown, criticising the endless bureaucratic red tape that prevented swift decision-making during the catastrophe. Combining topical political commentary with haunting images of destruction, Shin feels like the perfect spiritual successor to Gojira . This is one you can’t miss. THE HONOURABLE MENTION: THE RETURN OF GODZILLA (1984) While I would love to properly include The Return of Godzilla , I feel as though I can’t. I’ve decided to add it as an honourable mention because while the film is accessible (an easy watch for new audiences), it isn’t actually accessible (easily available to stream or purchase). It’s definitely worth mentioning Return , though, because it would be criminal to discuss Godzilla without touching on his run in the eighties. Back in ‘84, this film began what is now referred to as Godzilla’s Heisei Era. It was a smash hit that went on to spawn six great sequels, plenty of which are becoming exceedingly difficult to get your hands on. If you can manage to find somewhere to watch this one, I’d recommend it.

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