Summer’s a-winding down. Know what that means? Less PG-13.

That’s right, folks—content rated for a mature audience.

Given the premise, you might assume this movie doesn’t suit a teenage crowd.

At its core, Godzilla plays like a horror story, right?

Genre-wise, it lands squarely in the ‘Giant Monster Movie’ category.

With that in mind, ranked from best to worst:

Top 6 Kaiju Films

• Pacific Rim (2013)
• Godzilla (2014)
• Cloverfield (2008)
• King Kong (2005)
• The Host (2006)
• Gojira (1954)

To be fair, those are the only six I’ve seen.

Like most people, I skipped 1998’s Godzilla starring Matthew Broderick for two key reasons.

First: It’s a unanimous flop.
Second: My only attempt at renting it went sideways.

About a decade ago, I biked three miles to Blockbuster—only to find out the disc had never been returned. And naturally, no one bothered taking down the cardboard insert. Because why would they?

So instead, I walked away with the subtitled original.

Let me just say—never watch Gojira. Ever. It doesn’t hold up.

Sure, it stands as a pop cultural touchstone—especially in Japan, where audiences originally received it as horror. But if you’re curious, just check Wikipedia. I don’t endorse ironic viewings.

That said, if you’re looking for an inoffensive weekend flick, rent this year’s Godzilla.

Godzilla review

I dragged my sister and brother-in-law to an IMAX 3D screening—and all of us walked away surprised. Both credited their enjoyment to low expectations going in.

If you plan to rent it when it hits digital (starting September 16), do yourself a favor: stream it on the biggest screen you’ve got. Crank the volume. Kill the lights. This is not ideal for airplane viewing.

What’s great is the sigh of relief—Zilla delivers on several levels.

For starters, the story avoids flat tropes. It’s surprisingly well thought-out and nuanced. Granted, it’s not perfect—but hitting the bulls-eye with a monster that eats missiles is a tall order.

Visually, it’s sharp—especially the CGI.

Now, let me say this: the trailer was the best I’ve ever seen. When it first appeared in theaters, it built tension masterfully. Sadly, the paratrooper sequence doesn’t quite live up to that hype.

And so, the search continues—for any redeeming quality in the general practice of watching trailers.

As for the cast, Sally Hawkins deserved better. While she delivers a more-than-capable performance, the role gives her nothing to work with. It’s the same issue she faced in The Double, released just a week earlier. Contrast that with her outstanding work in Blue Jasmine, which earned her an Oscar nom for Best Supporting Actress.

Hopefully, she lands meatier roles soon.

Outside of Bryan Cranston and Juliette Binoche, the acting’s mostly fine.

Elizabeth Olsen brings some weight.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson isn’t bad either—but charisma? Not a trace.

All things considered, Godzilla is great enough for what it is.

Looking ahead, I’m sure the sequel will at least tease King Kong.

So here’s my challenge to the filmmakers: Be bold. Give us an R-rated sequel.

Sure, maybe you won’t hit the same domestic numbers (though that’s debatable). But it’d be a much better movie. People would applaud the ambition.

More importantly, you could actually lean into the horror.

And honestly—who doesn’t love a good scare?

★★★★ ★★★★

Briefer takes at IMDb & Letterboxd.

For smaller 2014 horror check As Above/So Below.