Godzilla x Kong is nowhere near a perfect movie & it suffers from plot contrivances, but it’s also thrilling & genuinely fun despite its shortcomings.
SUMMARY
- Godzilla and Kong team up against a new foe called the Skar King, leading to thrilling fight scenes.
- Kong’s personal story adds depth and satisfaction to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
- The human character development is lacking, and plot contrivances weaken the overall story.
The fifth film in the MonsterVerse franchise, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire sees the titular character joining forces rather than beating each other up as they did in 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong. Kong has taken permanent residence in Hollow Earth while Godzilla stomps his way through cities above ground, protecting them from various Titans, but a powerful and ancient threat brings them together in an entirely unexpected way. To be sure, Godzilla x Kong is nowhere near a perfect movie, and it suffers from plot contrivances and underdeveloped characters, but it’s also thrilling and genuinely fun despite its shortcomings.
After nearly destroying each other in 2020’s Godzilla vs. Kong, the giant Titans are back to face a new dangerous threat, but this time, they are on the same side. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is the fifth film in Warner Bros.’ growing Monsterverse franchise and will be directed by Adam Wingard.
Pros
- Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire delivers on the fight scenes
- The Skar King is a worthy, chaotic villain and a welcome addition
- Kong has a personal story that adds to the film’s events
Cons
- The human relationships are still underdeveloped
- Some of the emotional beats don’t land
- A few plot contrivances hold the film back
Godzilla x Kong’s cast of characters sees the return of Rebecca Hall’s Dr. Ilene Andrews, her adopted daughter Jia (Kaylee Hottle), and Brian Tyree Henry’s Bernie Hayes, among others. And though their involvement in the plot takes a backseat to the battles and personal journey for Kong, they get in a few solid moments. Godzilla has a crucial role to play, but The New Empire is more of a Kong story, with his personal journey following his return to Hollow Earth taking precedence. It strengthens the film, preventing it from being a flimsy, empty story.
Godzilla & Kong’s Battle Against The New Empire’s Antagonist Is Worth The Wait Kong’s personal story adds a touch of satisfaction to the action
A variety of Titans appear throughout the film, but The New Empire hinges on the arrival of the Skar King, a power-hungry ape who controls a dangerous icy creature. The Skar King is unhinged and brutal in his approach, reveling in the power he wields and the violence he provokes. There’s a certain thrill that comes with watching the Skar King; the Titan is agile, vicious, and knows no bounds when it comes to getting what he wants. He proves to be an excellent foe for Godzilla and Kong, who set aside their own beef to fight the Skar King.
There are plenty of action scenes before the big fight, all of which are fun, though never too suspenseful. Director Adam Wingard maintains a touch of excitement in the buildup towards the Godzilla and Kong team-up, especially as there is still tension between the duo from the last film. The antagonist is so tantalizing and the final fight sequence so engaging that the payoff feels earned. It helps that Kong has a personal journey of his own, as he initially deals with the loneliness of seemingly being the last of his kind.
