Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire - Movie Review
It’s hard not to admire a movie that brushes aside the small details in life like collateral damage. News reports on this event must resemble messages from Naboo, with a catastrophic death toll.
So, Godzilla meets Kong. I believe the “X” stands for Cross, if we’re drawing from Street Fighter Cross Tekken. Interestingly, most people simply refer to this movie as Godzilla vs. Kong, ignoring the “X” entirely. Perhaps it’s due to the English translation of Japanese characters. But let’s focus on the movie at hand, directed by Adam Weingard, who also helmed the previous installment, Godzilla vs. Kong. While Godzilla makes an appearance, this is predominantly a Kong-centric film. Yes, it’s Godzilla and Kong once more, but this time they team up. It’s undeniable that Kong steals the spotlight, with Godzilla playing a supporting role. If you were rooting for Team Godzilla, you might feel a bit let down. Then again, Team Godzilla did triumph just a few months ago.
So, ultimately, everyone wins here. One crucial point is that Godzilla vs. Kong is part of the same continuity as its predecessor. The journey to the center of the Earth, reminiscent of the Upside Down, is a central theme. A team led by Rebecca Hall finds themselves stranded down there, but viewers are eager to return to Kong’s storyline.
While I’ve been critical of Godzilla in the past, he does dispatch a couple of monsters, albeit lacking the depth and character development seen in Kong. Kong, on the other hand, displays genuine emotion and soul. Godzilla feels more like a monstrous force, which, admittedly, lends a certain charm to the film. Surprisingly, it’s not the visual effects but rather the script that occasionally makes one roll their eyes. There are moments where it feels like the plot is being made up on the spot, with characters acknowledging the absurdity of their situation.
Despite its flaws, Kong steals the show, particularly in a scene where his actions speak louder than words. It’s a testament to the filmmakers’ ability to convey emotion without dialogue. As for Godzilla, his arrival in the final showdown with Kong is undeniably thrilling, eliciting laughter in scenes of gleeful destruction.
The action sequences are fast-paced, reminiscent of a blockbuster with titanic monsters instead of bouncers. However, the film doesn’t shy away from the catastrophic consequences of their clash. Amidst the CGI spectacle, an ’80s synth soundtrack adds to the retro vibe the film aims for, albeit with mixed success.
While the movie occasionally finds its stride, it also stumbles, feeling like a mishmash of different tones and influences. The human characters, led by Brian Tyree Henry and Dan Stevens, inject some much-needed energy into the story, but the addition of more characters only detracts from the overall experience.
In conclusion, Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire is a mixed bag of dumb fun and occasional brilliance. While I wouldn’t rush to watch it again sober, it might be worth revisiting with friends and a few drinks. Have you seen it? Share your thoughts! And by the way, do you also call it Godzilla Cross Kong?
