Notzilla (2019): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Notzilla is a 2019 sci-fi comedy directed by Mitch Teemley, starring Frederic Eng-Li as Prof. Hiro Honda, Tim Bensch and Tifani Ahren Davis. It runs 1 hour 19 minutes. Its Echo Score is 55/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 19m (79 min)
- Director
- Mitch Teemley
- Original language
-
English
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Notzilla About?
The premise of Notzilla without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A Japanese scientist accidentally releases a giant monster in the U.S., and must save it-and Cincinnati-before a crazed nuclear physicist destroys both.
Notzilla Themes & Keywords
· 15 tags- spoof
- parody
- monster
- japanese stereotype
- cultural appropriation
- french stereotype
- toilet humor
- 1960s
- giant monster
- giant monster sci fi
- racial stereotype
- kaiju
+3 more Show fewer
- parody comedy
- b sci fi
- high concept comedy
Notzilla Cast & Characters
Frederic Eng-Li leads the cast as Prof. Hiro Honda, with Tim Bensch as Dr. Richard Blowheart and Tifani Ahren Davis as Dr. Shirley Yujest. Directed by Mitch Teemley; 5 actors are credited in all.
- Director Mitch Teemley
- Frederic Eng-Li as Prof. Hiro Honda
- Tim Bensch as Dr. Richard Blowheart
- Tifani Ahren Davis as Dr. Shirley Yujest
- Samantha Russell as Pearl Stringer
Also Starring in Notzilla
· 1 more- John E. Brownlee Scientist (uncredited)
Notzilla Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 55/100, strongest in rewatch factor (68) and weakest in character & emotion (45).
Notzilla Echo Score Breakdown
In terms of overall impression, Notzilla scores points for embracing its low-budget charm and delivering a sincere homage to classic Godzilla films, yet the production’s rough execution hampers its appeal. Critics note the miniature sets and rubber-suit effects as endearing, while many viewers find the jokes repetitive and the pacing sluggish. The mixed reception across art, narrative and performance reflects a film that entertains genre fans but struggles to sustain broader engagement. Consequently, the movie lands in the middle of the rating scale.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 55
In terms of cinematography and production design, Notzilla relies heavily on miniature sets, rear-projection and a rubber-suit monster, evoking the aesthetics of classic kaiju movies. Reviewers appreciate the faithful recreation of vintage visuals, yet many criticize the cheapness, lack of polish, and limited variety of visual gags. Consequently, the film’s art and craft are viewed as competent homage but technically constrained.
- Character & Emotion 45
When it comes to character and emotion, the cast delivers overt, over-the-top performances that some viewers find delightfully enthusiastic. Positive comments highlight the actors’ commitment to the absurd tone and a few memorable interactions with the monster. Conversely, critics point out flat performances, cringeworthy dialogue, and an underdeveloped scientist subplot that weakens emotional resonance. Overall, character work is seen as uneven, serving the parody at the expense of depth.
- Story & Flow 48
Regarding story and flow, Notzilla presents a straightforward parody premise that mirrors classic Godzilla plots while inserting slapstick jokes. Some reviewers enjoy the nostalgic tribute and find the simple narrative charming. However, many note the film’s excessive length, repetitive jokes, and a meandering scientist storyline that stalls momentum. The lack of original plot twists and uneven pacing leads to a mixed assessment of its storytelling effectiveness.
- Sensory Experience 60
In terms of sensory experience, the film’s soundtrack and sound design are modest, matching its low-budget ethos. Reviewers commend the authentic miniatures, rear-projection layers and the conspicuous rubber suit, which reinforce the nostalgic vibe. Nonetheless, the audio cues are often basic and the visual humor can feel overt and on-the-nose. Overall, the sensory elements succeed in evoking classic B-movie ambience but lack refinement.
- Rewatch Factor 68
When assessing rewatch factor, Notzilla’s self-aware cheapness and affectionate nods to Godzilla lore resonate with viewers who appreciate campy B-movies. Positive feedback notes that the film is “enjoyably bad,” delivering giggles and nostalgic charm that reward repeat viewings. Conversely, the repetitive jokes and thin storyline deter some audiences from returning. On balance, the movie offers modest replay value, especially for fans of intentional low-budget parody.
Notzilla Plot Summary
What happens in Notzilla from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 10 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In What’s After the Movie, the story is set in 1962 and revolves around a giant monster named Notzilla, which is a mother kaiju that was killed by the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) despite the protests of Dr. Itchihiro “Hiro” Honda, a passionate paleontologist who firmly believes he can save her and restore her to her original, smaller size. In his efforts, Dr. Honda rescues her egg and takes it to Ohio, aiming to find a way to reverse her growth. Unfortunately, during the transport, the egg is accidentally flushed down an airplane toilet, ejecting into the Ohio River, where it is discovered by scientists.
Full summary
The whole story of Notzilla, scene by scene
Notzilla Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Notzilla.
How Well Do You Know Notzilla?
9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 9
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
What is the name of the giant monster in the film?
Notzilla Also Known As
Also known as “假斯拉”.
- Also known as
-
- 假斯拉
Seen Notzilla?
Movies Like Notzilla
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Godzilla, King of the Monsters!, Godzilla and Zillafoot.
-
Godzilla, King of the Monsters! 1956 -
Godzilla 1998 -
Zillafoot 2019 -
All Monsters Attack 1969 -
Godzilla, the Monster of the Pacific Ocean 1957 -
Godzilla vs. Megaguirus 2000 -
Godzilla: The Planet Eater 2019 -
Tokyo Zombie 2005 -
Godzilla vs. Biollante 1989 -
Zorgon: The H-Bomb Beast From Hell 1972 -
Godzilla vs. Gigan 1972 -
Destroy All Monsters 1968
Notzilla FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Notzilla, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Notzilla?
Notzilla runs 1 hour 19 minutes (79 minutes).
When was Notzilla released?
Notzilla was released on July 13, 2019.
Who directed Notzilla?
Notzilla was directed by Mitch Teemley.
More films by Mitch Teemley Who is in the cast of Notzilla?
Notzilla stars Frederic Eng-Li as Prof. Hiro Honda, Tim Bensch as Dr. Richard Blowheart and Tifani Ahren Davis as Dr. Shirley Yujest, among 5 credited actors.
Does Notzilla have a post-credit scene?
No. Notzilla has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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