Do you think Godzilla: Resurgence will suffer backlash from Western audiences?

CHRISPICARD - Oh, gosh! I certainly hope that Godzilla: Resurgence will not be subject to a great deal of criticism. I can certainly understand the basis upon which you have placed you concern; indeed, the general audiences could potentially be uncertain of the film's "place" amidst the Godzilla pantheon. However, if the film comes under a great deal of harsh scrutiny due to its art style and/or special effects, I believe such criticism will likely originate mostly from individuals whom have nothing better to do with their time than to complain about everything under the sun and moon - unless, of course, the film is truly bad. I, for one, welcome a new Godzilla based within the time-honored tradition of Tokusatsu! Combining such practical effects with CGI will undoubtedly provide an incredibly gritty and memorable experience! Sure, the special effects might not be exactly like those most western audiences enjoy, but they will certainly suffice to convey Godzilla's new beginning! :)

It will probably suffer it, if they are using a suit for Godzilla, western "GENERAL" audiences are so accustomed to cg fest or practical effects that are really good (jurassic park, the original) that they while be fazed by it. You even see them talk crap about their own western big budget movies cg (see jurassic world, warcraft movie, etc) so, the bar is set SUPER high. Western audiences just have a higher standard, i know alot of non attack om titan fans saw the live action one with me, they werent really fond on the "fake" effects. Again, the bar is set really high with that audience. We'll see how it turns out i guess...

I think it largely depends on how it's released and who it's released to. For the sake of confusion I don't see Godzilla Resurgance having a wide release, but something more contained with smaller arthouse theaters--Not unlike how FUNimation released the limited screenings of Attack on Titan or even how Rialto Pictures released Godzilla '54 in 2004 and last year. Whatever happens, Legendary is likely going to keep a low profile on it (assuming they have the rights) and the smart move would be to market it to the fans, torwards its niche. That way the criticism and confusion would be minimized.

As for general western audiences--Tokusatsu and Japanese effects come with a history and understanding that many westerners don't want to take the time to learn. Western effects are all about things "looking real" and even when that "realistic" CG looks terrible we still eat it up. (The irony here is that CG has gotten to the point where the human eye can tell it's fake just as easily as it can suitmation or puppetry.)

So why is even bad CG accepted, when tokusatsu is not? It's not so much about realism as many people think. To paraphrase Matt Frank, Western audiences just like their movies to look "expensive" that way they feel they're getting their money's worth. So even if the CG isn't polished, or the movie is sub-par, it largely won't matter as long as it looks like a lot of money was thrown at it.

As for Godzilla Resurgence, I'm sure it will get some backlash from devoted Legendary fans and casual westerners that can't see past CG. Yet, I also don't think it will have a high enough profile in North America and as a result general audiences won't get much of a chance to criticize it.

After reading so much bull spit reviews about Attack on Titan, I'm concerned with this a lot. If it isn't CGI, people won't like it. Those are also the same people who don't understand what tokusatsu filmmaking is all about. 

My hopes are that people will look past the combinations of both CGI and man in rubber suit and will enjoy it. It is after all a movie, one that could be a very, very serious movie. 

I don't see the film being released in theatres all across the country. Like G-Man said probably small arthouses if not directly to DVD in America, which is probably the best bet.

It will be put on Blu-Ray/DVD for sure, but after Attack on Titan broke into North American theaters I'm pretty sure Godzilla Resurgence will in some compacity as well. I expect Godzilla Resergence to be an easier sell for distributors than Attack on Titan in terms of quality, so I think it's very much within the realm of possibility that it gets a theatrical release of some extent. Just not a wide release.

In other words, it'll be just like 2004 with very few select theaters. Many, myself included, wish it would be released world wide. I really hope that Shin Godzilla will blow up Japan's box office next year as far as ticket sales go and that the movie is received well by all who watch it. 

titan had flaws..but it was a small budget movie. i believe resurgence will have a much larger budget.. and unlike edwards version.. which was'nt bad..i think the japs feel threatened in that thier icon has new competition in hollywood.. and they will not want to be outdone...imo.

If, Godzilla Resurgence is well made, featuring the best in tokusatsu effects, with its trademark stylistic flourishes, and a compelling narrative, it could, perhaps, attract an audience that goes beyond the niche that is the genre of kaiju eiga.

But everybody involved must bring their 'A' games. I believe that Shin Gojira cannot be made with the filmmakers looking over their shoulders. They should just make the best, true to the artform and tradition Godzilla they can, without trying to 'match' or 'surpass' what Legendary has produced.

God willing, I expect something remarkable, actually.