From the towering skyscrapers of New York City to the depths of the ocean, King Kong and Godzilla have held audiences in thrall for generations. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (the x is silent) is the latest chapter where we are invited into a world where giants roam. In this saga, Kong has found a home in the middle of Hollow Earth. At the same time, a similarly friendly Godzilla continues his vigilant watch over the earth’s surface, maintaining order amidst other more menacing creatures. This narrative continues to promote the idea that Godzilla — like Kong — is our ally by defending the human race against the other Titans.
The tranquility is shattered by a cryptic distress signal that triggers a chain of events. Kong discovers a hidden world inhabited by a fellow tribe of colossal primates. This includes a giant chimp named Suko, a cute Simian Titan seemingly designed to sell stuffed toys. Godzilla and Kong will eventually team up against a common enemy called The Scar King and his minions in a climactic battle.
Meanwhile, a few individuals return from the last entry. These include conspiracy theorist Bernie Hayes (Brian Tyree Henry), Dr. Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall), and her adopted daughter Jia (Kaylee Hottle), who embark on a journey to find the source of the signal and uncover secrets about Kong’s past. They are joined by a Titan veterinarian named Trapper (Dan Stevens), a new addition to the cast. I enjoyed his lighthearted performance and the occasional classic rock song on the soundtrack accompanying his appearances.
The fifth installment in Hollywood’s MonsterVerse franchise is a direct sequel to 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong. Like that film, this was directed by Adam Wingard, produced by Legendary Pictures, and distributed by Warner Bros. However, it pales in comparison. Furthermore, it absolutely vanishes in the wake of last year’s groundbreaking Japanese-produced Godzilla Minus One. What made that movie great was heart and humanity. The brutal conflict of World War II was a backdrop for the developments depicted in that chronicle. None of that gravitas is present here. The dramatic weight is missed.
Viewers seeking a story with resonance or substance should look elsewhere. The unspoken truth is that the human characters imbue these Kaju movies with their emotional connection. Monsters fight in the second half without any sign of people for a good part of the action. The chronicle is overshadowed by the imposing giants, who pummel each other in a cacophonous extravaganza unfolding on screen. I’ll admit that this will delight many. The extensive use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) contributes to the spectacle. However, it generates a distinct sense of detachment from the tangible reality that these are real-world events.
Godzilla x Kong delivers on its promise of epic battles and larger-than-life thrills. The mighty clashes between iconic Titans are liberally aided by CGI technology. The fights are bigger, louder, and more vibrant than before. In particular, the colorful displays augment the fights. Green entrails, yellow goo, and pink fire elevate the visuals. The sounds add explosive punctuation to the sheer scale and intensity of the scuffles. However, viewers like me may find themselves longing for more amidst the spectacle. This movie is for folks who want to see monsters face off. Who needs originality, or even dialogue, for that matter? You’ve seen them clash like this in a dozen other films. The focus is on big dumb fun, with an emphasis on dumb.
03-28-24