IF one is searching for a film that serves up a heaping portion of monster-on-monster deliciousness, then Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is the cinematic feast one has been waiting for. From the first roar to the final clash, the film delivers an epic showdown that fans of the MonsterVerse franchise will undoubtedly devour.
Let us be honest, when it comes to a movie featuring Godzilla and Kong, one does not walk into the theatre expecting a nuanced exploration of human emotions or intricate plot twists. No, this is about gigantic creatures pounding each other into oblivion, and in that regard, the film delivers. The fight sequences are beautifully choreographed, offering up a visual spectacle that is both awe-inspiring and utterly ridiculous in the best way possible.
Embrace the absurdness
While some films demand a deep dive into symbolism, themes and character development, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is best enjoyed with a bucket of popcorn and the mindset that not everything has to be analysed. Sure, there is a subplot involving telepathic distress calls, ancient prophecies, and a tribe of Iwi who communicate telepathically. But let us be real, the main reason one is watching this in the theatres is to see Godzilla and Kong duke it out, and on that front, the film does not disappoint.
The movie embraces its absurdity with a wink and a nod, fully aware of its campy charm. Whether it is Kong wielding an axe made from one of Godzilla’s dorsal fins or Godzilla evolving and turning his dorsal plates magenta after absorbing cosmic radiation, the film gleefully throws logic out the window in favour of pure, unadulterated entertainment.
The coolest villain
No epic monster mash-up would be complete without a formidable villain, and this film introduces everyone to the Skar King, a tyrannical leader with an ancient ice-powered Titan at his command. Not only does the Skar King have a killer name, but he also sports a crystal that allows him to control his icy sidekick Shimo.
The Skar King is the kind of villain who revels in his villainy, and it is impossible not to root against him as he attempts to conquer the surface world and induce another ice age. His defeat is as satisfying as it is absurd, culminating in a showdown in Rio de Janeiro that has to be seen to be believed.
Grand spectacle
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is a film that knows exactly what it is, a larger-than-life spectacle that prioritises monster fighting over everything else. It is a movie that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible, with the sound cranked up to 11. So grab some popcorn, suspend disbelief, and prepare to be swept away by a kaiju extravaganza that delivers on its promise of monster-on-monster deliciousness.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is showing in cinemas.
DIRECTOR: Adam Wingard
CAST: Rebecca Hall, Kaylee Hottle, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens
E-VALUE: 8/10
PLOT: 6/10
ACTING: 7/10
