The_Phantom_Projectionist If you want a kaiju movie, GAMERA 2: ATTACK OF LEGION is your ticket. It is also your ticket if you wish to see spectacular visuals and moving action. If you want a movie that does not shy away from blood and violence and yet maintains the uplifting integrity of monomythic media like STAR WARS or THE LORD OF THE RINGS, this film is still a great escape for you. The second of Daiei's GAMERA trilogy is a fantastic feature for all of these reasons, and while I cannot say with any certainty that it is one of the best kaiju films ever made, it is definitely the best Gamera movies ever made. Other installments had done better or would improve on separate aspects, but as an all-around package that pays homage to the turtle monster's legacy while embracing technical innovation, this one is the total presentation.The story: A meteorite brings a deadly race of insectoids called the Legion to Earth. When the life forms respond violently to human technology and threaten the planet's devastation, humanity's last hope lies in the returning Gamera to repel an innumerably immense threat.The technical aspects of the film impress me more than anything, and they contribute to its great look. While GUARDIAN OF THE UNIVERSE had some fairly unconvincing special effects and REVENGE OF IRIS would go overboard with CGI, ATTACK OF LEGION achieves an almost perfect balance of traditional effects and animated/computer-generated insertions. The Legion drones are cool and Gamera looks fantastic, but I was blown away by the ambitiousness of the Mother Legion's colossal form; I don't know how many puppeteers were stuffed into the costume to accommodate its sheer size and operate its many appendages, but the resulting sight of it can be breathtaking. The battles are filled with perfectly-integrated CG enhancements, creating a spectacular effect and making me think that this is the kind of kaiju film Guillermo del Toro would have made 20 years ago.Gamera's heroic persona - established in the previous film - is elevated even further in ATTACK OF LEGION. The biblical implication of the alien monsters is made thoroughly clear, and by fighting them on behalf of humanity, Gamera transcends heroism and becomes Christlike, (SPOILER) especially when you regard his impalement as an allusion to crucifixion and note his blatant death-and-resurrection. This representation may seem excessive, and certainly did so to Japan's sci-fi aficionados when the film won the 17th Japan Science-Fiction Grand Award, but I feel it accomplishes exactly what the filmmakers of the new trilogy were going for and makes Gamera infinitely more accessible to new fans. The modest amount of gore in the movie should not make it unpalatable to but the most prudent viewers, and thus, if you plan to watch only a single GAMERA flick in your life, there's no reason why it should not be this one.What makes my rating slightly less enthusiastic is the movie's boring initial half-hour, which highlights the more mundane human-driven segments and makes it clear that most of the budget has been poured into the creatures and explosions. Additionally, it's disappointing that the importance of Ayako Fujitani's returning character has been considerably reduced, resulting in a dearth of human personas that are more than moderately interesting. Luckily, this does not drastically diminish how interesting the movie is or how readily I recommend it. If you like giant monsters, this movie will almost certainly constitute a highlight for you.

gigan-92 Sooner than I expected, GAMERA Trilogy COMPLETE! I bought a box set containing all three films so now I have a double of "Gamera 3: Revenge of Irys", but I'm sure f.y.e. will take it, getting a buck or two in return. Both films are fantastic, Kaneko really proving himself here. His work just puts other monster films, like the Mothra trilogy and albeit a few of the Millennium Godzilla films, to shame. "Gamera 2: Advent of Legion" is my favorite of the two-new be's, the third still just on a whole nother level.The stunning sequel, "Gamera 2: Advent of Legion" is one hell of a ride. Gamera looks even better than last time, especially when the giant turtle flys. The fold out 'wings' looked great. And the action is superb. The battle at the helicopter runway is one of my favorites, full of the bloody action we all love so much. The special effects soar in this film, already taking advantage of CGI from time to time, nice. The story is nice and dark, but chuck full of new characters to replace the old ones. Asagi returns thankfully, but in a much smaller role than before. Her connection with Gamera also takes a backseat till the climax. Still, I like the new actors and plus, Mr. Osako returns!! Funny guy, seriously. Too bad it's only briefly as a cameo of sorts. In this installment we meet the Legion, an extraterrestrial monster who most reviewers say mimics a "Gamera Destroyah." Maybe a little with the overwhelming size, lack of mobility and human-killing soldier forms; all traits Destroyah had only last year. To me, the only real problem is all this yammering about the Legion's behavior using all these big words in run-on sentences that really will demand your attention. Luckily, I'm a critic who hears every word and plot hole. No plot holes this time, just a lot of sudo science. A lot. But it's a Japanese monster movie, duh, the thing we all know and love. Still, Legion is a fantastic new monster with an incredible design. All the fancy attacks also add to her badassness. I love how her horn and head split, unleashing an incredible ray beam. The Legion Flowers add a scary and interesting plot point with and their emergence scenes are dope! As the Legion soldiers simply are creepy and bad-ass. Unlike the Destroyah soldiers, some real money is spent on them in creating realistic movements, well done Kaneko. The score is just spectacular and add a sense of wonder to this film. It's just perfect! In the end, a great film I'll cherish and be rewinding for a while.

gazzo-2 Not quite as much fun as the first '90's Gamera, but certainly worthy of a look. The new baddie-the Legion bug-creature from hell(Well okay, space really) has it's moments-dig that blue lightning and red 'whip' beams, the city-sets are improved, rubber suits as good as you could ask for.The thing of it is-it's still a couple of stunt guys in suits. I don't mind, honestly, being a fan of the X from outer space etc, but it is what it is. Set your sites lower as far's the acting and budget etc and you will enjoy this if you like Kaiju flicks.Not so good? Too slow, Gamera isn't on enough(gee THAT's new...), the lead gal is a block of wood(cute but still...), and you HAVE seen this all before. Some of the dubbing was poo-poo too.I liked it anyways. Check it out just to see the Big Rocket Propelled Toitle take off w/ his new retractable wings! **1/2 outta **** shells.

t3646p I love these three 90's Gamera movies. What a comeback. Gamera is the Rocky of Kaiju as he always gets the crap beaten, burned and stabbed out of him and comes back still to kick a*s and win. Usually I much prefer to watch with the Japanese dialog and subtitles but on these movies the english dub is too entertaining to pass up. There are some great humorous moments that are only there with the english dub that are done well and not at the expense of the characters or the story (well except for the southern fried version they do in the extras on the DVD, which is hysterical). I like Attack of legion better than Guardian of the Universe (still great!) as Gamera is a little less clumsy looking and the Legion idea is so cool. When Gamera flys in and does a sliding circle on his feet around legion while firing fire balls it's truly awesome!! I think I'm starting to like Gamera more than Godzilla. I like his connection with Humans and his origin is a lot more interesting. Still Godzilla has the best roar of all time. I haven't had this much fun watching a guy in a rubber suit since I was a kid watching the 60's kaiju movies. Forget CGI monsters, Japan still does it best with inventive visuals and a lot of love.