As a fairly old film, this movie is interesting in setting up its own Universe with Godzilla and Rodan. I'm glad to have seen all of their original movies now. The original "Godzilla" film depicted the title character as just this monster that wanted to destroy. Mothra actually has a lot more depth, even though I will admit it's pretty awkward. The plot of this movie is that some tiny singing people (probably fairies) are taken from an island to perform. They use telepathy to get Mothra to free them. Now, I admit that sounds like a really dumb premise. It actually does make it a lot more interesting.We get a much greater sense of why Mothra is destroying everything. The effects aren't bad either. I will admit that when it became a pupa, it looked like a giant peanut. Well, I like peanuts anyway. Much of this is dialogue and that can be pretty distracting. It was kind of predictable too. I mean, Mothra first appears as a larvae, so it's pretty obvious by its name that it's going to turn into a moth later. Still a nice first entry. ***

**SPOILER** I'm giving this complete waste of time a 10. WHY? you must ask! Surely I must have gone insane to give this totally turkeyed mess a rating above 2. Why? I'll tell you. Despite the Japanese best efforts EVERY ONE of their monsters are cheezy and stupid next to Godzilla*. You read it right, and I don't have to justify it to anyone. I'll let the fat guy in the rubber suit do my talking for me.But, I digress. I get carried away when it comes to these ridiculous classics. I mean, even among monster films, they should have their own class, along with their own awards. Actually we owe then a great debt. because they lifted movies above the Harryhausen form of art (wonderful, but dated) gave us.By the way, for those of you who are deluded enough to believe that King Kong beat up Godzilla, I invite you to check the record. After he was done getting the landscape mopped up with his back, he NEVER EVER came back to Japan. The Japanese people, of course, idolize Godzilla; he's a boon to any city's construction industry. I'm sure he's got an honorary union card.I've gotta get back on track, here. The REAL reason is the deep dark secret that our generation wants to keep hidden from all the unsuspecting young movie goers of today from grasping. These are not actually movies. They are reasons to visit the local drive in theater with your girlfriend to explore the wonders of each other. That's right, and all of us know it. Relax, mom and dad are probably long gone by now, and the kiddies are grown up, so it can finally be said. These kept a lot of kids from the perils of sainthood by introducing them (US) to romance. Just for that this one deserves an Oscar.*Possible exceptions are the guy in monster from 20,000 fathoms. THERE was great looking monster; also, the big spider in Tarantula, he was pretty cool, too.

"Mothra" is another gem of a film from Toho Studios. This was their third big (no pun intended) star-Japan's answer to America's big three: Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolfman. A ship is stranded off an island ravaged by an atomic test. The survivors are radiation-free due to a juice given to them by the natives. An expedition led by a ruthless, greedy businessman goes to the island. They meet the twin fairies (played by the Peanuts-the Ito sisters). The girls are stolen by the businessman and exploited. With the help of a reporter and scientist, they call to Mothra for help. The monster costume in the larva and adult stages is spectacular. The acting is decent as is the dubbing (thanks to veteran voice actor Peter Fernandez). The miniature sets as usual are top-notch. The film has a crisp picture and is in color. The musical score enhances the action on-screen. A very good film to watch if yo're a fan of Japanese Sci-Fi films.

Having an honored place in Japanese monster film lore is Mothra a giant caterpillar/butterfly who's a Deity on the island of Beiru. A shipwreck strands several survivors on an island where atomic testing has taken place, but the natives are free of any radiation. Some native brew that the castaways are given keeps the atomic effects away from them too.Holding a special place in the affections of these natives are a pair of twin girls, barely a foot tall. An unscrupulous survivor kidnaps them, figuring they'll turn a good buck for him to exhibit as freaks.But not when you've got a giant caterpillar/butterfly on your case. He's the one these girls are continually chanting for and by telepathy Mothra's beating a path to them and it takes him to Japan where Tokyo once again undergoes monster urban renewal.I like Mothra because the monster really is the hero of the piece. And while the special effects of Mothra destroying Tokyo with the flapping of his giant wings, those paper mache, baling wire models that are a trademark of these film, still it's good fun. And of course Mothra came back several times, often in conjunction with other Japanese monster creations.Almost fifty years later Mothra's still a lot of fun.