Review of Colossal (2017) by Wes I — 02 Aug 2017

Can't remember any previous "monster movies" that were humorous and left me misty-eyed at the end. Colossal was a pleasant surprise, and I was already expecting to be (at the very least) entertained for a little while.

Hard to pin down as it runs across several genres. My biggest beef would be the jarring shifts in tone from time to time; the true nature of the male lead explains why Colossal turns dark when you least expect it to. Black comedy, adult drama, elements of fantasy, Godzilla-ish slap fights,,,it's all there.

Back in her hometown after being booted out of her boyfriend's flat (binge-drinking again) Gloria's at a cross-roads in her life. A chance meeting with childhood friend Oscar leads to a job at his (incomplete) bar and a quick association w/ his bar-fly friends, talkative Garth and handsome but shy Joel.

Gloria tries to begin life anew in her parents' empty house and Oscar is witty and respectful to her vulnerability. She makes goo-goo eyes for Joel; and that's where The Plot Thickens as they say.

It seems Oscar isn't all that he seems. Neither is Gloria. When they were kids an odd incident occurred in the woods as they walked to school, the result of which created mayhem for residents of Seoul, South Korea in the form of two giant creatures (a green monster and a robot) whenever either Gloria or Oscar stepped inside the boundaries of a nearby playground. Gloria didn't realize this phenomena as a kid, but catches on quickly to her "power" thanks to today's news-right-away culture, the Internet, and I-phones.

Sounds bizarre, doesn't it? And yet this nifty gem is quite accessible, touching, and near-epic at times. Colossal plays off Hathaway's rumpled effervescence and Sudeikis' serious but cavalier attitude, pitting the two against one another in stages that lead up to a final conflict that is soul-gratifying.

Tim Blake Nelson as Garth was quite the hoot; wish his character hadn't left in such a huff, following a nasty argument that signaled a turn for the dark-side soon after we learn the origin of the creatures' appearances. Dan Stevens sports an English accent to play Tim, Gloria's miffed ex. You'll want to smack him despite understanding his frustration w/ Gloria's behavior.

I was rather puzzled by Joel; a nice guy, but never seemed to step up in Gloria's defense. Didn't stop him from making out with her; his character seemed quite divided and needed more explanation.

I wasn't sure what to make of this before watching; I'd waiting some time for the opportunity but I'm glad it finally arrived. Despite the carnage that ensues in Korea (and the fact people die, albeit unwittingly) this film manages to illicit sympathy for those involved. It's an odd sort-of morality tale; one mean kid brings about an astonishing chain of events. Colossal doesn't waste time giving us pat answers or resolutions; it's a fairground ride that spins a yarn sprinkled with funny, tender, and cringe-worthy awkward moments.

8 of 10 easily for me. Surprises more than expected, and has a heart-beat you won't find in a hundred Godzilla clones.