Meaning: The quote you provided is from George Romero, a well-known director and screenwriter who is often referred to as the "Godfather of the Dead" due to his influence on the zombie genre. In this quote, Romero expresses his disappointment with the 1998 film "Godzilla," directed by Roland Emmerich. The film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, and Romero's critique sheds light on some of the reasons behind the negative reception.

Romero's criticism of "Godzilla" centers on the lack of character development for both the monster and the human characters. He describes Godzilla as having "no character," indicating that the creature lacked depth and personality. This is a significant critique, as effective monster movies often imbue their creatures with distinct traits, motivations, and behaviors that make them compelling and memorable. In the case of "Godzilla," it appears that Romero felt the titular monster was portrayed in a one-dimensional manner, failing to resonate with the audience on a deeper level.

Furthermore, Romero criticizes the human characters in the film, stating that they also lacked character. This suggests that the human characters may have been underdeveloped or poorly written, failing to engage the audience or contribute meaningfully to the story. In a successful monster movie, the human characters often serve as more than mere bystanders or victims; they provide emotional depth, moral dilemmas, and thematic resonance that enrich the narrative and elevate the stakes of the conflict with the monster. Romero's critique implies that "Godzilla" failed to deliver engaging human characters that could effectively complement the spectacle of the monster.

Romero's final point in the quote is that the film "forgot to make the movie that went along with all these wonderful effects." This criticism speaks to the imbalance between visual effects and storytelling in "Godzilla." While the film may have boasted impressive special effects and visual spectacle, Romero suggests that these elements did not coalesce into a cohesive and compelling cinematic experience. In other words, the film may have prioritized spectacle over substance, neglecting the narrative and emotional core that should have anchored the visual grandeur.

In summary, George Romero's quote reflects his disappointment with the 1998 film "Godzilla," particularly its shortcomings in character development for both the monster and the human characters, as well as the imbalance between visual effects and storytelling. Romero's critique offers valuable insights into the elements that are crucial for creating a successful monster movie, emphasizing the importance of well-rounded characters and a cohesive, engaging narrative alongside impressive visual effects.

Overall, Romero's quote serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing spectacle with storytelling in the realm of filmmaking, and it provides a lens through which to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of monster movies, particularly those that feature iconic creatures like Godzilla. By considering Romero's critique, filmmakers and audiences alike can gain a deeper understanding of the key components that contribute to the success or failure of monster-centric films.