Mothra (1996)
Dir. Okihiro Yoneda
The cutting down of a forest to provide Japan with paper uncovers an ancient, hidden tomb, which holds an evil just waiting to be released, and not unlike the process that uncovered it it'll suck the life from the planet if it’s not stopped.
It's a children's adventure story with upfront and important messages about the value of a stable family unit and the need for conservation of the environment. If you somehow fail to pick up on the lessons, they're sledge-hammered home at the end.
The bickering mother and father aren't oblivious to the fact that their parenting methods are producing a bickering brother and sister, but they're too wrapped up in their own worries to correct it.
The transparent nature of the story doesn't weaken the magical spectacle of the action; it too is able to inspire a young mind: Mothra is colourful and furry in her imago form, and looks delicate, but she goes selflessly against a larger foe for the greater good and to protect what she loves.
Fighting alongside her are courageous youths and tiny women, showing that even little people can make a big difference when they work together - well, at the very least, against a cartoon villain on a tiny dragon and her quadrupedal Desghidorah (Death Ghidorah) bully friend.
Mothra 2: The Undersea Battle (1997)
Dir. Kunio Miyoshi
It's a more kid-friendly sequel that works the three youngsters into the plot a lot more successfully than the previous film did, but it's not as enjoyable overall. Their treasure hunting adventure had a slight Lucas and Spielberg influence that I really disliked.
Mothra (well, technically Mothra's son, Mothra Leo) is super-brave and keeps the excitement meter high every time he swoops in on his rainbow coloured wings. He has some powerful attacks that his mother lacked, which was eyebrow-raising and convenient.
Lessons for viewers this time include the importance of paying attention in school and, of course, recognising how precious and crucial the ocean is to our survival as a species. The second point is something adults should take special note of.
Mothra 3: King Ghidorah Attacks (1998)
Dir. Okihiro Yoneda
Lora, Moll and Belvera also return. I'm glad. Even though she's a villain I like Belvera; her characteristic kicking of Garu-Garu to spur him on is hilariously entertaining and she's a necessary counterpoint to the goodness of the Elias sisters. The trio play an important role in the outcome of the epic battle between Mothra and his terrible foe.
Part 3 has more CGI in it that Parts 1 and 2 combined, which is a shame because it cheapens what I consider to be the best of the trilogy simply because it has more emotional content than the others.
It pains me seeing Mothra getting stomped on, doubly so when it's by King Ghidorah. I'm not a fan of the three-headed dragon ordinarily, but there's no denying that he was well-presented and that his movements were excellent, making proper use during combat of his unusual architecture.
The story requires some sizeable acceptances of movie logic on the part of the viewer. It goes a bit crazy once or twice but retains a sense of fun, which acts as a kind of buffer against too much nit-picking. It also manages to deliver action while simultaneously expressing the notion that love in all its forms, both good and bad, can give the strength needed to overcome impossible odds. It sounds sickeningly twee when written down, but it works okay in context.
If all of that isn't enough by itself to win you over, Mothra gets a few new awesome forms!
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