I went to see a monster movie and I ended up with...something that was much, much more. These characters were so well-developed that if the premise had been changed, but still featured these characters, viewers would still be equally riveted. Adding Godzilla to the mix was almost over-kill. I have often cheered evidence of the human spirit in the many foreign movies I've watched over the years--but when the flag waving took place in those very same movies, I admired/respected from a distance. Not this movie! Next time Gozilla raises up from the deep, I'm going to do everything in my power to compel my government to let the Japanese take the lead. Definitely my favorite Godzilla movie.