Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
The last time these beloved monsters shared the screen was in 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong. That battle brought Kong to his limits and forced him to live in Hollow Earth, while Godzilla remains on Earth fighting the monsters humanity isn’t capable to beat. Just as the title suggests, the monsters are back, along with Director and Co-Writer Adam Wingard, but this time around the duo team up to fight a common enemy.
The first signs on Earth that a colossal threat is buried deep within the planet comes from Godzilla. He searches and absorbed an enormous amount of radiation to prepare for a major match. That’s when Dr. Ilene (Rebecca Hall) and her team, which includes her daughter Jia (Kaylee Hottle), into Hollow Earth where a signal is coming from. They reunite with Kong who has already come face-to-face with this threat and it’s controller Skar King. Tasked with a common enemy, Kong lures Godzilla into Hollow Earth to save humanity.
If you liked Godzilla vs. Kong, you’ll like Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Wingard has crafted an entertaining, fun time for fans of these monsters. Although, die hard fanatics of Godzilla will feel a little cheated by the lack of airtime Kong gets. However, all may be forgiven when those same fans get to see the Mothra on the big screen. These monsters are brought to the screen with stunning visual effects that fully immerse the audience into Hollow Earth and beyond.
The storyline has occasional silliness that comes from conflict that too easily resolves. Such as Kong getting frost bite on his right hand and arm yet there just so happens to be a mechanical arm in Hollow Earth with a serum to heal him. Yet, it’s these storylines that add to the fun that is Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. There’s a lot that happens and these solutions to problems are fun for the audience with each discovery.
The Cast turn in grounded performances. No matter what wild adventure happens, each Cast member goes all in. Hall turns in a touching performance as a mother who will do anything for her child. Dan Stevens turns in a hilarious comedic performance as monster vet Trapper. And Brian Tyree Henry gives a scene-stealing performance, sure to be a fan favourite, as podcaster Bernie.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is a fun monster flick that is made to service fans of these beloved monsters.
Warner Bros. Canada release GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE on Friday, March 29, 2024.
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