Tag: Yuki Yamada

Oscar Predictions: Godzilla Minus Zero

Following up on the 2023’s heralded Godzilla Minus One, writer/director Takashi Yamazaki has premiered his kaiju sequel Godzilla Minus Zero at the New York Film Festival. Set to hit screens domestically on November 6th, Zero counts returning cast members Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minabi Hamabe, Yuki Yamada, Kuranosuke Sasaki, Miou Tanaka, Sakura Ando, and Hidetaka Yoshioka. Newcomers include Jun Kunimura, Masami Nagasawa, and Min Tanaka.

The Toho effort marks the 38th overall entry in the 70 year plus franchise. Many critics claimed Godzilla Minus One was at the very top in terms of quality. It scored 99% on Rotten Tomatoes with an 81 Metacritic. Big Apple reaction to the sequel isn’t far behind with 93% on RT and a 78 MC.

Reviews all praise the visual effects. In 2023, Minus One ended up being a surprise winner in VE over The Creator and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. While its victory on the night wasn’t shocking, few saw it coming in the months prior. I’ve had Zero in and out of my VE quintet over the past few months. I’m far more convinced it’ll make the cut after the festival unveiling.

I’m not expecting a repeat trip to the Oscar stage for Yamazaki and his team. Three years ago, there simply weren’t as many spectacles in contention. Zero will have to compete with Project Hail Mary, The Odyssey, and one would certainly think the unscreened Dune: Part Three (both predecessors won the category). Beyond the visuals, the fiery green giant monster’s latest is a possibility in Sound if it makes the shortlist (One did not). My Oscar Prediction posts will continue…

Godzilla Minus One Box Office Prediction

The title character may be 70 years old in cinematic time, but the creature is still wreaking havoc on the general public. The not so jolly green giant returns in Godzilla Minus One, out domestically December 1st. From acclaimed filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki, it arrives in stateside multiplexes a month after it premiered to impressive box office numbers in Japan. Runosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Yuki Yamada, and Munetaka Aoki star.

The 37th feature in the franchise, it’s getting some of the strongest reviews of the bunch. One was made to earn the bulk of its bucks overseas, but hardcore U.S. fans could get this in mid to high single digits. The best case scenario would probably be a gross approaching $10 million. I’ll say it doesn’t get there though I have it outdoing John Woo’s Silent Night (its direct competition).

Godzilla Minus One opening weekend prediction: $7.6 million

For my Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé prediction, click here:

Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé Box Office Prediction

For my Silent Night prediction, click here:

Silent Night Box Office Prediction

For my The Shift prediction, click here:

The Shift Box Office Prediction

For my Animal prediction, click here:

Animal Box Office Prediction