Title: Godzilla vs. Monster Zero
aka Kaijû daisenso
aka Battle of the Astros
aka The Great Monster War
aka Invasion of Astro-Monster
aka Invasion of Planet X
aka Invasion of the Astro-Monsters
aka Monster Zero
Director: Ishirô Honda
Year: 1965
Cast: A bunch of B-grade Japanese actors.
Plot synopsis: The devious residents of Planet X trick the good people of Earth into lending them Godzilla and Rodan for the weekend to combat the terrible three-headed space monster King Ghidrah. In fact, they plan to use Earth's own monsters against them in a devilish double cross.
Genre: Science fiction/Comedy (not deliberately)
Comment: The early Godzilla movies are the ultimate in Z-grade cinema and this is no exception. The plot is hilariously ridiculous and frequently relies on illogical leaps of faith to retain any kind of continuity. The men from Planet X are an absolute masterpiece and possess 'nuclear skills not known on your planet' which allow them to pack Godzilla into a glowing sphere for transport to Planet X (hmmm... an inspiration for Pokemon perhaps?). The monsters themselves are needless to say very obviously men in costumes, but this only adds to the charm of this movie. If you want serious and believable drama then this is not the movie for you, but if you want to drink a six pack and laugh you head off then rent it today! This ranks alongside the original Gamera as one of the best Japanese monster movies ever. Interestingly, this is considerably more entertaining than the recent Hollywood remake of Godzilla.