Godzilla, as we all know, is one of the largest of pop culture icons (no pun intended), and in my eyes the sole reason is the kitsch factor involved. From comedians imitating the Japanese army ("Godzira is attacking the city") to the guy in the rubber suit battling other guys in rubber suits. The multitude of films looked and played out in such a fashion that you knew it was bad but couldn't help enjoy it.
Now enter writers Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich (also Producer and Director, respectively), those genious creators behind Stargate and Independence Day (neither of which I enjoyed). They manage to clear this Godzilla by the character's Japanese owners (which, after seeing the film, I seriously wonder how) and proceed to pump more money and effort into the special effects rather than working on the script to at least make it entertaining.
The basic plot is like that of the original Japanese version, where big freakin' lizard emerges out of the water and destroys large city - in this case it's New York instead of Tokio - then the military comes in to try and destroy it. If you got credit for trying, Devlin and Emmerich would have a few points added for at least trying to plausibly explain Godzilla's appearance - the French, had done dozens of nuclear tests in the South Pacific causing the mutation of lizards. When Godzilla finally emerges, it's not long before US crisis control shows up, bringing along with them biologist Nick Totopolis who specializes in nuclear mutations (played by Matthew Broderick). Of course we also follow Nick's love life as he arrives in New York and meets his news reporter wannabe ex-girlfriend amongst all the havock. Then there's the French Secret Service (headed by Jean Reno) who are on cleanup detail (because, afterall, it is all their fault). And there's the usual assorted riff-raff, including a scummy news guy (played by Harry Shearer of the Simpsons), Mayor Ebert (complete with white hair, excess pounds and a hankering for sweets) and his aide whom he calles "Gene" (a tall, skinny, bald guy with whom he argues a lot with), the daredevil cameraman (Hank Azaria), and the army seargent and wet-behind-the-ears cadet.
The typical scenereos arise, like the ex-girlfriend betrays Nick for her own gain, which backfires on her, Nick getting kicked out of the Godzilla inner circle only to be abducted by the French guys, every major character surviving to a happy outcome, and the inevitable sequel set up. The actors do what they can with what they're given, and they almost pull off making this a credible film... almost.
There were many other problems associated with the film though, a lot of them boiling down to complaints from Godzilla purists, such as the monster looking so Jurassic Park-ish, the fact that it doesn't breath fire, it's high pitched scream was changed, and there was no energy charges up it's spines. My problem with the film is it wasn't very exciting, there were few tense moments, and when the 200 baby Godzillas hatched, it was exactly like the velociraptors in Jurassic Park. It felt like it had been done before (and much better mind you).
I did enjoy little bits and peices every now and again, like all the characters having trouble with Nick's last name, and the Siskel and Ebert thing was great. But other than that, Godzilla is perfect film fodder for Tom Servo and the gang at Mystery Science Theatre 3000.