This has what the recent US incarnations are missing: a point-of-view. Yeah, it lacks the polish and budget of those films, but it has something to say whilst being fun and respectful of Godzilla’s legacy in the process. Everything from bureaucracy to misuse of nuclear power to societal panic is packed into every humorous and melodramatic frame. There’s an anxious and busy energy that suitably engulfs the entire film. I also really enjoyed the homage to classic monster designs and effects. Godzilla towers over everyone radiating such a strong presence; further posturing himself as the King of Monsters. Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi know exactly how to frame the character. Studios should have the smarts to give those big budgets to creators with something to say.