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23 years ago today, Roland Emmerich's Godzilla hit theaters.

23 years ago today, Roland Emmerich's Godzilla hit theaters.

Scified2021-05-21 13:56:38https://www.scified.com/articles/23-years-ago-today-roland-emmerichs-godzilla-hit-theaters-46.jpg
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23 years ago today, on May 20th 1998 Roland Emmerich's Godzilla released in theaters. Sparking massive controversy amongst the Godzilla fan community, this film often gets a lot of hate simply for being called Godzilla. None of Godzilla's trademark characteristics were used and Tristar seemingly didn't care to honor the original source material and attempted to re-invent the iconic movie monster for a western audience.

Although it cleared about $370 million at the box office at the time, the film fell short on many levels. As an unrelated giant monster movie it was actually quite enjoyable, but as a Godzilla movie, it failed. The animated series which it spawned redeemed the Zilla marginally but ultimately didn't do the King of Monsters the justice he deserves.

After 23 years, have your opinions changed? Do you like the 1998 Godzilla more after all this time? Or do you still resent the title for its portrayal of Godzilla? Sound off below and let us know!

Personally, I'll watch the film and enjoy it for what it is - a Kaiju movie - but I still don't consider it a worthy or recognizable addition to the Godzilla cinematic legacy.

This article was front-paged from our Forums. Continue discussing this topic in our Forum here!

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This article was written By Chris and published on 2021-05-21 13:56:38

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11 Fan responses to 23 years ago today, Roland Emmerich's Godzilla hit theaters.

G. H. (Gman)

GiganAdmin4935 XPMay-21-2021 2:01 PM

Why are we making a big deal about this thing when we never do for, y'know, any other film (good movies) in the series?

Djdndnejwnwn

GiganMember3193 XPMay-21-2021 2:02 PM

I mean, people love to complain about things.

Godzilla316

AnguirusMember1077 XPMay-21-2021 2:03 PM

I agree with your assessment. Bad Godzilla movie, but a decent and enjoyable kaiju movie. Jean Reno's character, Philipe, was far and away the best character. 

Djdndnejwnwn

GiganMember3193 XPMay-21-2021 2:06 PM

Godzilla316

The mercanary? I haven’t seen the movie in a while so.. I don’t know how much I remember.

Monsterzero9

AnguirusMember1118 XPMay-21-2021 2:14 PM

this article should be called: 23 years ago today, roland emmerich tricked thousands into thinking he made a godzilla movie.

Djdndnejwnwn

GiganMember3193 XPMay-21-2021 2:16 PM

monsterzero9

I mean I don’t hate the film. But that made me laugh.

Monsterzero9

AnguirusMember1118 XPMay-21-2021 2:20 PM

wow. one of my jokes actually made someone laugh.                   

thats new.

The Realist

Mothra LarvaeMember89 XPMay-21-2021 6:45 PM

I really wanted to love this movie and lied to myself for a few years. Then Godzilla 2000 came out and the fog cleared. I think I subconsciously thought that 1998 might be the last ever Godzilla movie and I HAVE to like it.

The Realist

Mothra LarvaeMember89 XPMay-21-2021 6:45 PM

I really wanted to love this movie and lied to myself for a few years. Then Godzilla 2000 came out and the fog cleared. I think I subconsciously thought that 1998 might be the last ever Godzilla movie and I HAVE to like it.

Chris

SpaceGodzillaAdmin21927 XPMay-21-2021 6:47 PM

@Gman, I think we should start! Anniversaries of classic Toho films and fan reaction. Would be good to shed light on some of the lesser talked about films in the series.

Tiamatzilla

BaragonMember222 XPMay-24-2021 9:05 PM

My deepest apologies to Roland, Dean and all of Tristar. I really wanted to see Godzilla and was upset it was not the Lizard I knew but at least she was a big Lizard. Now days it's a new Godzilla every year and none of them are the one from 54. Godzilla 98 murderlizes shin and makes singular point look like crap. Didn't think Japan would ever **** the bed but without the core crew they just hire a new batch of no-Godzilla fans who knows not what to do. It's all money but they are making a living doing it and own the rights. I love the series and personally volunteer to direct sequels where she would be granted invincibility. To bad Godzilla 98 and Final wars Godzilla did not team up but I was part of the problem acting like a immature deviant that showed no appreciation for the sweet art or love for this beautiful God Iguana.  Such a pity. The past cannot change, the future is in motion. 

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