Gammera the Invincible (1966)

With an added “m”, 1 May 2020

Back when I first watched Gamera, I thought I was watching the Americanized version.  I now know that wasn’t the case – I was watching the original Japanese film from 1965.  Regardless, that movie is still a bad movie.  This one, however, with the American shot scenes wedged into the film, dialogue and plot changes, and an added “m” in the title, is a much more enjoyable film.  The 1966 Gammera the Invincible is one whacked-out movie. 

All the problems I had with the original Gamera are still here – bad special effects and miniatures, Kenny, and the ridiculous finale.  But in the 1966 version, it comes off as more entertaining because it’s all so silly.  Of all the scenes and dialogue changes made for this film, my favorite bit has to be the added NORAD (I think it was NORAD) scenes.  I’d like to see an entire movie based on these people.   There’s a fantastic 60s vibe to this part of the film that really worked for me.  And what about the cabinet meetings where Gamera is discussed.  Brian Donlevy is a hoot to watch.  You can tell how silly he thinks the whole thing is.  Good stuff. 

So, while I gave Gamera (1965) a deserved 4/10, I’m rating Gammera the Invincible (1966) a 6/10.  It’s just a more entertaining experience for me. 

6/10