“Gamera vs. Guiron” (also known as “Attack of the Monsters”) is the fifth instalment in the original run of “Gamera” movies. Like many of the “Godzilla” movies, there is a real charm to it. However, if you are not into cheesy sci-fi and giant monsters, you will most likely not care for it.

Two young step inside a spaceship and are taken to the mysterious planet of Terra. The planet is under siege from the relentless attacks of Space Gyaos. The Terrans use their own monster, Guiron, to battle Space Gyaos. It’s not long before Gamera arrives to rescue the boys and he must do battle with Guiron as well.

Like the characters in the “Godzilla” and “Mothra” movies, do not expect the characters to be particularly interesting but I think the kids are mildly entertaining. The Terrans reminded me a lot of the aliens from “Invasion Of Astro-Monster”. The highlights of the movie are of course the scenes with the monsters. There’s nothing quite like watching a rocket-powered turtle do battle against another giant monster. I really love the design of Guiron. It’s also pretty funny to note that Gyaos was a monster in an earlier “Gamera” movie and rather than make a new costume, the filmmakers merely decided to paint it silver and thus Space Gyaos was created.

You might be able to criticise the thin plot and the forgettable characters but there is a likeability to many of these giant monster movies from Japan. The set design of Terra looks fantastic and it’s so fun to watch all the hilarious action unfold. I especially enjoyed the scene where Gamera swings round on a bar like a gymnast. The “Gamera” movies always seem to be in the shadow of the “Godzilla” movies but “Gamera vs. Guiron” is real evidence that Gamera can compete with the ‘King of the Monsters’.