MONSTER PARTY HAS A KAIJU QUERY?

JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD pose a question that speaks to monster kids of every generation! We just gotta know… ARE YOU GODZILLA-CURIOUS?

Since he first stomped onto the screen in 1954, Godzilla has had a lasting presence in pop culture. Over the decades, he has been portrayed in many different incarnations: embodiment of nuclear devastation, charismatic anti-hero, superhero to children, multi-form menace, and finally… Oscar winner!! And although Godzilla may not be everyone’s cup of sake, there are those chosen elite who see those distinctive back fins and hear that iconic roar, and think, “What makes that kaiju tick?”

In this episode, we’ll discuss Godzilla’s unique appeal, the effectiveness of his colorful enemies and allies (Varan, who may not want to listen to this part), and the constantly-changing stylistic choices that delight and enrage his fans. By breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of the various entries in Godzilla’s long filmography, we’ll attempt to shed light on why Godzilla has managed to maintain his worldwide grip on audiences.

Take your pick: from the grim symbolism of Gojira, the swinging ’60s space vibe of Invasion of the Astro Monster, the “Afterschool Special” lessons of All Monsters Attack, the mind-blowing weirdness of Godzilla vs. Hedorah, the “everything but the kitchen sink “splendor of Godzilla Vs. Biollante, the big-budget mainstreaming of the Legendary Godzilla series, the Dr. Strangelove satire of Shin Godzilla, or the grounded historical drama of Godzilla Minus One. Whatever your taste, Godzilla's got you covered.

Joining us for this audio visit to Monster Island are two very special guests making their MONSTER PARTY debut!

First up, we’ve got a celebrated Rotten Tomatoes-Approved film critic, a member of the Hollywood Creative Alliance and the African American Film Critics Association, and a super hardcore Godzilla fan! His work has been featured in VARIETY, WE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, WHY SO BLU, FIRSTSHOWING.NET, BATTLESHIP PRETENSION, SCREEN RANT, THE CODE IS ZEEK, and the podcast, OUT NOW WITH AARON AND ABE.

We also have an award-winning filmmaker, who is another Rotten Tomatoes-Approved film critic, a member of the Hollywood Critics Association and the African American Film Critics Association, and the owner of LeNoirAuteur.net! And would you believe, he’s very Godzilla-curious?

And fitting to the theme of this episode, our two guests happen to be the hosts of the always entertaining and informative podcast, TWO BLACK GUYS TALK GODZILLA! Please give an atomic breath-warmed welcome to… AARON NEUWIRTH and TERENCE JOHNSON!

DESTROY ALL ILL-CONCEIVED NOTIONS ABOUT GODZILLA! AND GO EASY ON VARAN.