Godzilla's second appearance, released way back in the mid '50s, is much more in line with a classic horror film than the kitschy dust-ups that would soon follow. It's ambitious without being overzealous, tries hard despite rudimentary technical capabilities and the human subplots actually aid the monsters' storyline, rather than distracting from it.

The necessity of shooting in black and white actually works to benefit the special effects. Concealed amidst a wash of inky shadow and evening murk, the tiny onslaught of toy tanks and rocket launchers seems more formidable, less obvious as a visual trick. Godzilla and his foe, the spiny reptile Anguirus, don't enjoy the same luxury. Although their battles are significantly faster in tempo and harder-hitting than in future installments, the old suits (particularly their heads) just don't hold up to close scrutiny. Looking back, the continuity is also problematic, but that's never been a strong suit for this franchise.

All in all, it's perfectly enjoyable as a rather basic, single-focus disaster movie that knows where its bread is buttered. Maybe not as bold and bombastic as later entries, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.