Among the biggest Japanese contributions to cinema, none have made a “monster” impact than Godzilla and Kaijus. These giant beasts have captured the imagination of Hollywood, leading to the creation of the Monsterverse franchise, a series of movies featuring Godzilla as well as other Kaiju like King Kong, Rodan, and King Ghidorah.
The fifth in the franchise, Godzilla x Kong: A New Empire shows us what a modern Kaiju film blockbuster can be about.
When Titan’s clash
(warning minor spoilers ahead)
Godzilla x Kong: A New Empire carries over from the end of the 2021 film Godzilla vs Kong. The world is in balance after Kong moves from the overworld of Earth to his new home in Hollow Earth. Meanwhile, the defense of the overworld fell on Godzilla as other giant monsters tried to claim territory against the King of the Titans.
In Hollow Earth, Kong opens a new uncharted area leading to events that would make him cross paths with his kind as well as his ancestor, Skar King who has “partnered” with Shimo another Titan whose power caused the last ice age. Meanwhile, Godzilla sensed an imminent danger incoming to the overworld leading him to quickly scramble to gather nuclear energy with hopes of increasing his strength for danger ahead.
Meanwhile, the rest of the cast finds another Iwi tribe, who tells them the history between Godzilla and Skar King, and how they hold the power that would help turn the tides against Skar King and Shimo.
A return to old
Godzilla x Kong: A New Empire is director Adam Wingard’s love letter to the original Kaiju movies. Unlike the previous movie in the series Godzilla vs Kong, A New Empire lets the monsters be the actual stars of the story.
Similar to the old Japanese Godzilla films, Godzilla x Kong: A New Empire places a heavy role on the titans rather than the actors. It’s a welcome change coming from the last Godzilla vs Kong movie. The previous film, while featuring an all-star cast, was held back by its clunky plot.
Rebecca Hall returns to the series as the lead character Dr. Ilene Andrews but this time is paired with a new character Trapper played by Dan Stevens. Also making a return is Brian Tyree Henry as the Titan and conspiracy-obsessed podcast host Bernie Hayes. Dan Stevens’ performance was amazing and his rapport with Brian Tyree Henry was fun and a breath of fresh air.
Director Adam Wingard learned from the last film’s criticism and lessened the actors in this sequel. It has a simple story that makes the film grounded and lets the true stars shine, the monsters.
A visual feast for Kaiju fans
As the true stars of the movie, the Visual Effects team shined in the movie. The action scene between the Titans was a spectacular treat for audiences making the Titans truly alive. The movie felt like a Michael Bay film with all the spectacular actions, but instead of explosions, it was an awesome visual effect. Finally, at the climax, the team delivered some of the best visual effects sequences bringing the Titans to life and showcasing their full abilities.
All action no bite
The movie's action is what makes it a worthwhile movie to consider, but its story is another thing. Undoubtedly one of the major flaws in the film is its story. For one there’s a major inconsistency in the film with some of the previous films, unfortunately I can’t delve deeper since it would go into major spoiler territory.
Fortunately, you don’t need to watch any of the previous movies to keep up with this movie, though it’s good if you’ve watched the last installment just to know the relationship of the main characters to one another.
The film does have some of its moments. There are funny moments here and there and at the same time a bit of heartwarming scene. Typically you don’t watch these forms of movies for the story but for the turn your brains off fun.
All in all Godzilla x Kong: A New Empire is a fun action movie made for everyone.
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