G-Fest XXI Stomps Its Way To Chicago in July

By Staff in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 12, 2014 4:30PM

If you are in Rosemont or Park Ridge July 10-13, don’t be shocked if you hear some thunderous footsteps and an especially imposing roar. Fresh from his recent blockbuster movie reboot, Godzilla takes center stage at G-Fest XXI, the latest edition of what is billed as “the largest regular gathering of Godzilla and Japanese monster fans in the world.”

Though the convention events in Rosemont don’t start until July 11, the monster movie madness begins a day earlier at the historic Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge. Those who prefer a rubber-suited Godzilla to Gareth Edwards’ more modern take on the undisputed Tokyo-stomping champ will have two Japanese Godzilla films to enjoy. But there will also be a little bit of American and Korean flavor as some of ‘Zilla’s gargantuan pals fill the screen.

Thursday, July 10 includes two double features. The matinee twin bill is the critically reviled (though defended and even adored by some fans) 1976 remake of King Kong at 1 p.m., as well as its belated 1986 sequel, King Kong Lives, at 3:30 p.m. The evening double feature heads east for ferocious flying turtle action with Gamera vs. Barugon (1966) at 7 p.m. and South Korea’s Yongary, Monster from the Deep (1967) at 9 p.m.

The beast of the hour takes over the Pickwick for the late night screenings on Friday and Saturday. Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) plays on July 11 at 10:30 p.m., while Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991) plays July 12 at 11 p.m. (start time subject to change due to other convention happenings).

Convention events at the Crown Plaza Chicago O’Hare include special guests connected to the Godzilla films, numerous contests, as well as dozens of vendors offering all kinds of collectibles: vintage posters, classic toys, books, magazines and much more. There will also be panel discussions and Q&A sessions with some of the guests attending.

By: Joel Wicklund