We're not exactly shocked that a film featuring both Bryan Cranston and a giant kaiju is a hit, but the numbers are truly astonishing: as of this morning, "Godzilla" is a bonafide box office smash, demolishing the competition with a $38 million take by late last night.

Estimates position the radioactive beast to reel in almost $100 million by the end of the Memorial Day holiday. While the critics were decidedly torn when it came to the human side of director Gareth Edwards' "Monsters" follow-up, it's clear audiences have one thing in mind: action, and lots of it.

And if you aren't one of the many lining up in droves to purchase a ticket, this helpful primer may convince you to hop in the queue. The film has been compared to the likes of "Jurassic Park" and "Jaws" - the awe-inspiring action sequences and thrumming score by Alexandre Desplat certainly make a case for its place among the classics.

Alongside Cranston, "Godzilla" also stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who trades his "Kick-Ass" suit for military garb (though we're curious how Dave Lizewski's alter-ego would fare against the city-crunching monster), Elizabeth Olsen, David Strathairn, Sally Hawkins and Ken Watanabe. And - because it's Saturday - here's a refresher course on emitting your own Godzilla roar, care of Cranston.