Synopsis: The epic battle continues! Legendary Pictures’ cinematic Monsterverse follows up the explosive showdown of ”Godzilla vs. Kong” with an all-new adventure that pits the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence—and our own. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” delves further into the histories of these Titans and their origins, as well as the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond.
We all want to be accepted and understood. From the moment we step foot inside of a classroom, we begin searching for our tribe. Whether by physical appearance, interests, fashion, or how someone speaks, we are searching for somewhere to belong. We consider them friends but on a primal level, we are innately scouting for potential protection and lifelong mates. As we mature and develop our makeshift tribes tend to change as well as we begin to prioritize the intangible qualities of those around us. We begin to value trust, reliability, humor, kindness, and intelligence. When you can’t find that, you feel alienated as if you don’t belong anywhere.
While some are meticulously or haphazardly attempting to condense their friend group to a select few, others remain on the hunt for one they can truly bond with. As much as some people aspire to be a lone wolf, we are social creatures and you’re lying to yourself. Subsequently, these same holdouts are likely better at discernment than the rest of us. Unfortunately, it’s common for people to end up in a group full of hate and groupthink. We see it all too often. I say all this to say, that when you remember that we are animals, it all becomes incredibly fascinating. As intelligent and superior as we think we are compared to the rest of the animal kingdom, there are vastly more similarities than we think. So be diligent and patient and you will find the right tribe for you.
“You belong with me. I belong with you.”
Let’s dive further into our curiosity. Let’s go back to Hollow Earth! Directed by Adam Wingard, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is where monsters and humanity intersect. In this colossal Titan showdown, you come for the monsters and stay for more monsters. With a big heart and even bigger action, this film was made to be seen in 3D 4DX. Oh, you want an immersive experience? Next to an actual roller coaster or wrecking your car, this is the wildest ride I have ever been on. Every roar, every giant footstep, and every claw-clad body blow can be felt.
As we re-enter the Monsterverse after the destruction of Mechagodzila, our unlikely Titan tag team of Godzilla and Kong still have beef and are living very different lives. While Kong is adjusting to life within Hollow Earth, Godzilla is on the surface giving a beatdown to anything breathing that’s as big as him. Just as fate will bring the Destructive Duo back together, it will reunite them with a few familiar human faces. The most important of them all is young Jia. We previously witnessed her connection with Kong, but she may know more than she can understand. Feeling just as lonely as the giant primate, home may be closer than they think. This leads to exploring uncharted territories within Hollow Earth and an evil threat that could bring about a second Ice Age.
“He’s getting ready for World War 3.”
While the 100,000-plus ton Titans are the film’s draw, its emotional weight is just as pivotal. Emotion is actually what drives the film. As we dive into the history of Hollow Earth and the Iwi tribe, we learn that humanity and the monsters are more connected than previously thought. Furthermore, within Kong’s new home is an ancient evil determined to rule and destroy and he can’t defeat it alone. It eventually feels like a mashup with the Planet of the Apes universe. There are new monsters, new tech, plenty of monstrous melees, and eventually a new empire.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is action-packed and visually stunning. The sound design is phenomenal, the soundtrack is great, and the VFX and attention to detail are fantastic. The human element may not be as impactful as the recent Godzilla Minus One as this end of the spectrum is focused more on the Kaiju, nevertheless, it is ever-present as it parallels Kong in more ways than one. Also, the title and film may feature Godzilla and Kong, but this is Kong’s story. Moreover, this fury and scaly good versus evil adventure is filled with humanity. The film does what it set out to do and delivers exactly what fans want, more monsters and action while still delivering a decent story. This is a fun and exhilarating movie experience that does not disappoint. Its rewatchability is medium-high.
Pace & Pop
The film’s pacing is as smooth as the audible power-up of Godzilla’s atomic breath. Balancing a turbulent human and titan journey, the fluid interconnectedness is more satisfying than expected. What popped for was the sense of awe and wonderment that the film can evoke. Just when we thought we had seen it all, there is still an incredible amount to discover.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, and Fala Chen
While pulling focus from 300-foot monsters is difficult, Brian Tyree Henry does it for a second time. As far as the humans are concerned, he completely steals every scene he is in. His energy, curiosity, and sense of amazement relate to the audience to their core. Where Kaylee Hottle is the heart and drives the emotional aspects with a simple look, Henry is almost everything else. Rebecca Hall And Dan Stevens deliver great performances, but they take a backseat in this film. On the Titan side, Kong’s treacherous search for family and belonging is everything.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire releases in theaters on March 29, 2024. Stay safe and protect Hollow Earth.
Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 1h 55m Director: Adam Wingard Screenplay: Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett, Jeremy Slater Story: Adam Wingard, Terry Rossio & Simon Barrett Producers: Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Eric Mcleod, Thomas Tull and Brian Rogers Executive Producers: Wingard, Jen Conroy, Jay Ashenfelter, Yoshimitsu Banno, Kenji Okuhira Director of Photography: Ben Seresin Production Designer: Tom Hammock, Editor: Josh Schaeffer, Costume Designer: Emily Seresin Composers: Tom Holkenborg and Antonio Di Iorio
In this colossal Titan showdown, you come for the monsters and stay for more monsters. With a big heart and even bigger action, this film was made to be seen in 3D 4DX.
-
GVN Rating
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
