Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972)

His appearance is a necessary part of the plan. We have to attract him here, and then we can kill him. For this, the 12th Godzilla film, a monster theme park worker learns that his new employers are actually aliens who plan to use Ghidorah and Gigan to destroy earth. Time for Godzilla and Anguirus to step forward to defend mankind! By the time the 1970s had arrived, Toho had decreed that Godzilla should be more family friendly. Gone was the once mighty atomic beast that stomped down on the human race, in his place was the mighty saviour of mankind. Godzilla would be pitched against - or turn up along side - various other beasties, the smack downs being the highlight of pretty lightweight plotting. Here we have a fun tag-team like scenario where Zilla teams up with Anguirus to stop the three headed might of Ghidorah and the new monster on the block, Gigan. Gigan is sure funny looking but with hooks for appendages and a buzzsaw blade in its belly, it's a quality foe and is sure to dish out some bloody damage. Plot is hopelessly weak, a rehash job yet again, and the use of stock footage becomes annoying. And yes! this is the series entry where Zilla and Anguirus have a brief conversation, which is quite surreal and something no series fan should have to endure. Thankfully the action is great fun, including a wonderful moment when Zilla bobs and weaves as a pugilist whilst fighting Ghidora. Anguirus, not for the first time, is more of a diversionary tactic ally than a bona fide fighting menace, but who cares as the big lizard sets about once again proving he's the king of the monsters. 6/10