#Zillathon2025 Gaiden: Atragon (1963)
This solid sci-fi-fantasy film boasts grand spectacle, an engaging plot, salient commentary on nationalism, and of course the impossibly cool Gotengo... but the pacing could be tighter, and the spectacular finale is let down by Manda the squiggly little puppet.
This solid sci-fi-fantasy film boasts grand spectacle, an engaging plot, salient commentary on nationalism, and of course the impossibly cool Gotengo... but the pacing could be tighter, and the spectacular finale is let down by Manda the squiggly little puppet.
December 5, 2025 at 8:38 PM
#Zillathon2025 Gaiden: Atragon (1963)
This solid sci-fi-fantasy film boasts grand spectacle, an engaging plot, salient commentary on nationalism, and of course the impossibly cool Gotengo... but the pacing could be tighter, and the spectacular finale is let down by Manda the squiggly little puppet.
This solid sci-fi-fantasy film boasts grand spectacle, an engaging plot, salient commentary on nationalism, and of course the impossibly cool Gotengo... but the pacing could be tighter, and the spectacular finale is let down by Manda the squiggly little puppet.
#Zillathon2025 3: King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)
This enjoyably meta entry paved the way for future instalments. The buildup to the final battle is long and both monsters have seen better days, but the campy tone and absurd spectacle of their climactic confrontation make it all worth the wait.
This enjoyably meta entry paved the way for future instalments. The buildup to the final battle is long and both monsters have seen better days, but the campy tone and absurd spectacle of their climactic confrontation make it all worth the wait.
November 27, 2025 at 8:07 PM
#Zillathon2025 3: King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)
This enjoyably meta entry paved the way for future instalments. The buildup to the final battle is long and both monsters have seen better days, but the campy tone and absurd spectacle of their climactic confrontation make it all worth the wait.
This enjoyably meta entry paved the way for future instalments. The buildup to the final battle is long and both monsters have seen better days, but the campy tone and absurd spectacle of their climactic confrontation make it all worth the wait.
#Zillathon2025 Gaiden: Mothra (1961)
This more offbeat kaiju film has a few pacing issues and the effects suddenly take a downturn at the climax, but a refreshing tone, plenty of charm, and an entertaining villain ensure it doesn't lose your attention.
Oh and Mothra's in it so that's also a plus
This more offbeat kaiju film has a few pacing issues and the effects suddenly take a downturn at the climax, but a refreshing tone, plenty of charm, and an entertaining villain ensure it doesn't lose your attention.
Oh and Mothra's in it so that's also a plus
November 16, 2025 at 8:47 AM
#Zillathon2025 Gaiden: Mothra (1961)
This more offbeat kaiju film has a few pacing issues and the effects suddenly take a downturn at the climax, but a refreshing tone, plenty of charm, and an entertaining villain ensure it doesn't lose your attention.
Oh and Mothra's in it so that's also a plus
This more offbeat kaiju film has a few pacing issues and the effects suddenly take a downturn at the climax, but a refreshing tone, plenty of charm, and an entertaining villain ensure it doesn't lose your attention.
Oh and Mothra's in it so that's also a plus
#Zillathon2025 Gaiden: Varan (1958)
This listless, dull-witted production was intended for TV, and it shows. The effects aren't up to par, our favourite actors are barely in it, and the plot is a mind-numbing connect-the-dots slog. The only one bringing their A-game is composer Akira Ifukube!
This listless, dull-witted production was intended for TV, and it shows. The effects aren't up to par, our favourite actors are barely in it, and the plot is a mind-numbing connect-the-dots slog. The only one bringing their A-game is composer Akira Ifukube!
November 7, 2025 at 9:30 PM
#Zillathon2025 Gaiden: Varan (1958)
This listless, dull-witted production was intended for TV, and it shows. The effects aren't up to par, our favourite actors are barely in it, and the plot is a mind-numbing connect-the-dots slog. The only one bringing their A-game is composer Akira Ifukube!
This listless, dull-witted production was intended for TV, and it shows. The effects aren't up to par, our favourite actors are barely in it, and the plot is a mind-numbing connect-the-dots slog. The only one bringing their A-game is composer Akira Ifukube!
#Zillathon2025 Gaiden: The Mysterians (1957)
Toho blend corny 50s sci-fi charm with their signature tokusatsu craft. The result is an action-packed spectacle, but the story (and monster) leave something to be desired. It's a bit silly, but not an unenjoyable watch if you're in the mood for it.
Toho blend corny 50s sci-fi charm with their signature tokusatsu craft. The result is an action-packed spectacle, but the story (and monster) leave something to be desired. It's a bit silly, but not an unenjoyable watch if you're in the mood for it.
October 23, 2025 at 7:18 PM
#Zillathon2025 Gaiden: The Mysterians (1957)
Toho blend corny 50s sci-fi charm with their signature tokusatsu craft. The result is an action-packed spectacle, but the story (and monster) leave something to be desired. It's a bit silly, but not an unenjoyable watch if you're in the mood for it.
Toho blend corny 50s sci-fi charm with their signature tokusatsu craft. The result is an action-packed spectacle, but the story (and monster) leave something to be desired. It's a bit silly, but not an unenjoyable watch if you're in the mood for it.
#Zillathon2025 Gaiden: Rodan (1956)
Toho spread their wings (ha) with a brand-new monster. Rodan is a great addition to the lineup, but unfortunately his film suffers from rather uneven pacing. After a strong opener, it's a long wait until the action-packed finale and surprisingly emotional ending.
Toho spread their wings (ha) with a brand-new monster. Rodan is a great addition to the lineup, but unfortunately his film suffers from rather uneven pacing. After a strong opener, it's a long wait until the action-packed finale and surprisingly emotional ending.
October 17, 2025 at 7:30 PM
#Zillathon2025 Gaiden: Rodan (1956)
Toho spread their wings (ha) with a brand-new monster. Rodan is a great addition to the lineup, but unfortunately his film suffers from rather uneven pacing. After a strong opener, it's a long wait until the action-packed finale and surprisingly emotional ending.
Toho spread their wings (ha) with a brand-new monster. Rodan is a great addition to the lineup, but unfortunately his film suffers from rather uneven pacing. After a strong opener, it's a long wait until the action-packed finale and surprisingly emotional ending.
#Zillathon2025 2. Godzilla Raids Again (1955)
This sloppy cashgrab sequel is an insult to the original. It's painfully boring, and even the action scenes have almost nothing going for them. The only impressive feat here is how much filler they managed to fit into just 80 minutes.
This sloppy cashgrab sequel is an insult to the original. It's painfully boring, and even the action scenes have almost nothing going for them. The only impressive feat here is how much filler they managed to fit into just 80 minutes.
October 2, 2025 at 9:31 PM
#Zillathon2025 2. Godzilla Raids Again (1955)
This sloppy cashgrab sequel is an insult to the original. It's painfully boring, and even the action scenes have almost nothing going for them. The only impressive feat here is how much filler they managed to fit into just 80 minutes.
This sloppy cashgrab sequel is an insult to the original. It's painfully boring, and even the action scenes have almost nothing going for them. The only impressive feat here is how much filler they managed to fit into just 80 minutes.
#Zillathon2025 1. Godzilla (1954)
70 years later, the original has lost none of its power. The wounds from the atomic bomb were still raw, and no sequel can ever recapture the authentic dread and anguish of this film. Throw in legendary music and some surprisingly good effects, and it's a must-see.
70 years later, the original has lost none of its power. The wounds from the atomic bomb were still raw, and no sequel can ever recapture the authentic dread and anguish of this film. Throw in legendary music and some surprisingly good effects, and it's a must-see.
October 2, 2025 at 9:19 PM
#Zillathon2025 1. Godzilla (1954)
70 years later, the original has lost none of its power. The wounds from the atomic bomb were still raw, and no sequel can ever recapture the authentic dread and anguish of this film. Throw in legendary music and some surprisingly good effects, and it's a must-see.
70 years later, the original has lost none of its power. The wounds from the atomic bomb were still raw, and no sequel can ever recapture the authentic dread and anguish of this film. Throw in legendary music and some surprisingly good effects, and it's a must-see.