Rebirth of Mothra III (1998)

I confess I'm not clear on why the golden menace King Ghidorah does what he does when he first appears, but I can forgive the lack of a full explanation because I'm super-happy to get more of Mothra.
The story requires some sizeable acceptances of movie logic on the part of the viewer, it all goes a bit crazy once or twice, but it retains a sense of fun which acts as a kind of buffer against too much nitpicking. It also manages to deliver the kind of action you expect to see while simultaneously expressing the notion that love in all its forms, both good and bad, can give the strength needed to overcome impossible odds. It sounds sickeningly twee when written down but it works okay in context.

3½ true selves out of 5

Rebirth of Mothra II (1997)

The peace of Infant Island is shaken when the Elias sisters sense something threatening on the horizon. The ocean is being contaminated and it’s up to them and a trio of schoolchildren to put a stop to it before a fierce aquatic terror rises from the deep and destroys all marine life.

It’s a more kid-friendly sequel that works the three youngsters into the plot a lot better than the previous film did, but it’s not as good overall. Their adventure had a slight Lucas and Spielberg influence that I really disliked.

Mothra (well, technically Mothra’s son, Mothra Leo) is super-brave and keeps the excitement meter high every time he swoops in on his rainbow-coloured wings. He has some powerful attacks that his mother lacked, which was eyebrow-raising and convenient.

3 showers of miracle piss out of 5

Rebirth of Mothra (1996)

The first in a trilogy of Heisei era ‘Rebirth’ films for Mothra. It’s a children’s adventure story with upfront and important messages about the value of a stable family unit and the environment, and if you somehow fail to pick up on the lessons they’re sledge-hammered home at the end.
The transparent nature of the story doesn't weaken the magical spectacle of the action; it too is able to inspire a young mind: Mothra is colourful and furry in her imago form, and looks delicate, but she goes selflessly against a larger foe for both the greater good and to protect what she loves.
Fighting alongside the winged kaijū is courageous youth and tiny women, showing that even little people can make a big difference.

3 calls for loved ones out of 5