Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Review

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

"Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" marks the latest installment in the ever-expanding MonsterVerse, and it's a film that promises colossal clashes and spectacular visuals. Directed by Adam Wingard, who returns after helming the previous "Godzilla vs. Kong," this sequel aims to up the ante with even more kaiju chaos. I watched the film with my nephew and sister. 

The movie picks up where its predecessor left off, diving deeper into the histories of these iconic Titans. It explores their origins and the mysteries of Skull Island, while also introducing a new threat that challenges their existence and that of humanity. The narrative is a fragmented tapestry of multiple storylines that converge for a grand showdown, reminiscent of the classic monster movies of yesteryear.

Rebecca Hall reprises her role as Ilene Andrews, the anthropologist caring for her adoptive daughter Jia, played by Kaylie Hottle. Together, they unravel a mystery involving energy pulses and cryptic drawings that hint at a looming catastrophe. Brian Tyree Henry also returns as Bernie Hayes, the conspiracy podcaster, adding a layer of intrigue to the unfolding events.

Critics have had mixed feelings about the film. Some praise its monster-mashing spectacle and fantastic effects, while others find it lacking in narrative cohesion and character development. The Rotten Tomatoes consensus suggests that the film is best enjoyed for its action and visual feats, with an audience score that reflects the kaiju adventure fans have come to expect.

On the other hand, reviews from sources like Roger Ebert's website highlight the film's hit-and-miss nature, with a narrative that's sometimes knowingly silly and all over the place. MovieWeb criticizes the CGI as lacking perspective, making the Titans less majestic, and IMDb reviews point out the underutilization of Godzilla and flat human characters.

At times, it felt like CGI animators over antropmophized the titans in the film. We see Kong and other titans behave in a sort of human manner with facial expressions and nuances.  These instances make the movie come across as campy instead of a serious monster film like previous Godzilla films

Despite the critiques, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" delivers on the promise of mindless, glorious spectacle. It's a film that knows its audience and caters to those seeking pure escapism through the awe-inspiring battles of legendary monsters. Whether you're Team Godzilla or Team Kong, there's no denying the primal thrill of watching these behemoths assert their dominance on the big screen.

So, if you're in the mood for some titanic action and don't mind a bit of narrative chaos, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" might just be the cinematic escape you're looking for. Just sit back, grab your popcorn, and let the Titans take you on a wild ride.

We enjoyed the film overall.