Sony’s ‘Godzilla’ Felled by Its Own Tale

To the “Sony insider” who admits that “maybe we were too aggressive in promoting” “Godzilla,” but says defensively that “that still doesn’t explain the constant and mean-spirited attention that’s been directed at the movie” (“Sony Is Finding Out That Size of Prediction Matters,” by Richard Natale, June 1):

In spite of all the attention lavished on “expected grosses,” I don’t see anything mean-spirited about criticizing poor filmmaking, and this was a lousy movie. All the neatest effects in the world do not a movie make. Story, story, story was always lesson No. 1, and this one failed on all counts.

I understand the need for “spin” at a time like this, but maybe in the long run, a lesson will be learned. The public wants meat on their monster bones!

MIKE CHAMBERS, Santa Monica

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It was a great idea to make a movie about Godzilla. The problem is that the movie is terrible. The acting is appalling and the story line is ridiculous. You ripped us off, Sony. Your advertising campaign made a promise that your talent couldn’t live up to.

HEATHER BRADSHAW, Los Angeles

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When the first “Godzilla” trailers started appearing a year ago I said that if the movie was half as good as the trailers, Sony would have the No. 1 movie in the summer. The trailers were very cleverly done and certainly created enthusiasm for the movie.

Instead of blaming over-promotion, the executives should put the blame right where it belongs. The movie is a (size does matter) stinker.

LARRY NOLTE, Seal Beach

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I would like to thank Kevin Thomas for his review of this great movie. I loved it. But I seem to stand alone with my opinion.

I went into the theater expecting to see a giant lizard run amok in New York and that’s what I got.

MIKE YBARRA, Gardena

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Forget “Godzilla.” If you want to see a really great monster movie in which the creature comes to New York and lays its eggs in a famous landmark, then rent a video of Larry Cohen’s 1982 “Q--The Winged Serpent.” It even ends with the very same sequence, shot for shot, as “Godzilla.”

JILL GATSBY, Los Angeles