Toho’s Latest Short Is a Classic Godzilla vs. Jet Jaguar Smackdown

The “man in suit” vs. “man in suit” action is pure tokusatsu joy.

As part of the Godzilla franchise’s 70th anniversary celebrations, Toho has released a new short film featuring Godzilla taking on the mecha known as Jet Jaguar. Debuting in 1973’s Godzilla vs. Megalon, Jet Jaguar is a robotic AI-enhanced Godzilla deterrent developed by the Japanese military.

This latest short, titled Operation Jet Jaguar, follows on last year’s Gigan Attacks, and finds Godzilla rampaging through Japan, as is his wont. Jet Jaguar arrives on the scene and what ensues is everything you could ask for. Atomic breath? Check. Jet Jaguar doing some giant robot parkour and martial arts? Check. An unexpected team-up following the unexpected arrival of an unexpected nemesis? Check. And for the icing on the cake, Operation Jet Jaguar largely eschews CGI for old-school practical effects and a couple of guys in suits duking it out.

In related news, the latest Godzilla feature film, Godzilla Minus One, is currently dominating the Japanese box office, and set a record for the country’s biggest IMAX opening. It will begin screening in American theaters on November 29.

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