MOVIES
G-FEST has a history of bringing to western G-fans films they otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to see on the big screen, including North American theatrical premieres of Gamera 3, Godzilla (‘54), Godzilla vs Destroyah, Son of Godzilla, Rebirth of Mothra 3, Godzilla vs Megaguirus, and many others.
Movies are shown at the Pickwick Theater, 5 South Prospect, Park Ridge, IL, 60068. Before the convention, on July 10th, there’s an afternoon double bill.
Tickets available online or in person Please visit https://www.pickwicktheatre.com/ for more details
THURSDAY FILM FESTIVAL
AFTERNOON DOUBLE FEATURE
Frankenstein Conquers the World (1965)
(60th anniversary presentation)
Originally conceived as an opponent for Godzilla, Toho’s gigantic version of the undying monster battles Baragon in a titanic tour-de-force film directed by Ishiro Honda, scored by Akira Ifukube, and with splendid spfx by Eiji Tsuburaya. The intriguing story, spanning fifteen years and two continents, marked the initial screen pairing of kaiju film favorites Nick Adams and Kumi Mizuno. First time ever at G-FEST! Don’t miss this landmark movie! (Thursday, 1:00 PM)
War of the Gargantuas (1966)
This spectacular sequel to Frankenstein Conquers the World showcases a conflict between clones of the original monster, one of them adapted for life on land, and the other more at home in the sea. Caught in the middle is the Japanese Self Defense Force, using the latest in sci-fi technology to push back against the monster mayhem. Honda, Ifukube and Tsuburaya are all back, as is Kumi Mizuno, teamed with a somewhat restrained Russ Tamblyn. First time at G-FEST! (Thursday, 3:00 PM)
EVENING DOUBLE FEATURE
Godzilla vs Destroyah (1995)
(30th anniversary presentation)
The climax of the Heisei G-Series sees the King of the Monsters go into meltdown mode as his inner radioactivity reaches crisis proportions. Destroyah ranks as one of the Big G’s most malevolent opponents, and its multi-stage life cycle is expertly portrayed by the masterful spfx of Koichi Kawakita. Starring Megumi Odaka in her final performance as the psychic girl Miki, Godzilla vs Destroyah is a fitting finale to Godzilla’s epic adventures of the Heisei Era. (Thursday, 7:00 PM)
Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975)
(50th anniversary presentation)
After a seven-year hiatus, acclaimed director Ishiro Honda returned to close out the Showa Godzilla Series with an entry that reclaimed much of the franchise’s former stature. Mechagodzilla is back, this time even deadlier when teamed with the elegant dino-kaiju Titanosaurus, as the two launch an all-out assault on Tokyo. Beautiful Tomoko Ai plays a pivotal role as the cyborg girl Katsura, her human emotions pitted against the designs of alien aggressors. It all adds up to a not-to-be-missed kaiju extravaganza! (Thursday, 9:00 PM)
FRIDAY FEATURE FILM
GODZILLA VS MEGAGUIRUS
(2000)
(25th anniversary presentation)
This fast-paced and cleverly-plotted movie wrote an alternate timeline for Godzilla, pitting him against the G Graspers (a combat team dedicated to neutralizing him) and a gigantic flying insect from the depths of time.
First time director Masaaki Tezuka injected fresh energy into the franchise, which composer Michiru Oshima contributed a powerful and memorable score. The return of Showa star Yuriko Hoshi adds further luster to this top-notch G-film.
(Friday, 10:30 PM)
SATURDAY FEATURE FILM
GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS (2019)
For the first time, director Michael Dougherty treated G-fans to Godzilla’s supporting cast, Mothra, Rodan and King Ghidorah, with all the weight and talent of Hollywood’s spfx potential behind them. Non-stop action characterizes the movie, with plenty of high-tech weaponry and creature combat. A crowd of G-fans at the Pickwick Theater is the perfect atmosphere to watch this spectacularly exciting G-film. (Saturday, 10:30 PM)
