Archive: G-FEST XXII Movies

The G-FEST double double feature was back by popular demand. For those who couldn’t get enough big screen kaiju action, we once again sponsored a one day mini film festival at the Pickwick Theatre. Four movies (two double bills) were show on Thursday, July 9th, one pair in the afternoon and one pair in the evening, as well as our regular Friday and Saturday night features.

Them! Kaiju Eiga Film Fest - Big Bug Afternoon

Them!, released in 1954 was the first of the “giant bug” features from the 1950s. It paved the way for an onslaught of other monster films focusing on the fears of atomic power, radiation, and mutation. Menacing and suspenseful with taught direction and fine acting, Them! is generally considered one of the best science fiction films of the fifties. It received an Oscar nomination for special effects, and won a Golden Reel Award for best sound editing. Thursday afternoon, July 9th at 1:00 PM

The Deadly Mantis Kaiju Eiga Film Fest - Big Bug Afternoon

1957’s The Deadly Mantis was another in the long line of big bug thrillers originally started by the film Them!. It doesn't share the atomic radiation angle though, with the giant prehistoric mantis being released from icy hibernation due to a volcanic eruption. While not nearly as sophisticated as its giant ants forefather, The Deadly Mantis still has a certain charm inherent in the low budget creature features from that era. Thursday afternoon, July 9th at 3:00 PM

Gamera vs. Jiger Kaiju Eiga Film Fest - Gamera 50th Anniversary

Released in 1970, Gamera vs. Jiger was the sixth entry in the original Showa series. In this titanic battle, Gamera squares off against the dangerous Jiger, who emerges after the Devil’s Whistle idol is removed from its resting place. Seemingly overpowered, can Gamera find a way to defeat this deadly foe? Thursday evening, July 9th at 7:00 PM

Gamera: Guardian of the Universe Kaiju Eiga Film Fest - Gamera 50th Anniversary

After a fifteen year hiatus, Gamera roared back to life on the big screen in 1995’s Gamera: Guardian of the Universe. Smart, energetic direction by Shusuke Kaneko, incredible special effects by Shinji Higuchi, and a driving score from Kow Otani established this film as a landmark in the kaiju genre. Thursday evening, July 9th at 9:00 PM

Godzilla vs. Biollante The second of the Heisei Godzilla films released in 1989, Godzilla vs. Biollante remains one of the stronger entries in the series. Written and directed by Kazuki Omori, the film’s script was adapted from the winning story in a publicity contest proposed by producer Tomoyuki Tanaka. Special effects director, Koichi Kawakita brought renewed energy, innovation, and a level of realism beyond what had been seen before. Friday evening, July 10th at 10:45 PM

Godzilla X Megaguirus

The second Godzilla film in the Millennium series, Godzilla X Megaguirus saw the return of the infamous “super weapon,” the Dimension Tide, with hopes of finally defeating Godzilla. Directed by Masaaki Tezuka, his first of three Millennium entries, and a new powerful score by Michiru Oshima, providing possibly the best Godzilla theme since Ifukube’s original.

Saturday evening, July 11th at 10:30 PM