Recommendation: 4/5 SHOWTIME 

Plot: “The epic next chapter in the cinematic Monsterverse pits two of the greatest icons in motion picture history against one another - the fearsome Godzilla and the mighty Kong - with humanity caught in the balance.” -IMDB 

Review: Godzilla and King Kong movies aren’t known for their complex plot lines. This fact doesn’t change with “Godzilla vs. Kong.” The whole film feels like looking at the sun through parchment paper. It is also shamefully predictable. With that said, this film is also visually stunning and features some of the best sound editing/mixing I have ever experienced. These two facts alone make this a film best enjoyed on the big screen.  

With Godzilla and Kong, we meet two apex predators with unique missions. Kong longs for home and an island free of humans. Godzilla is continuing a mission of ridding the world of other apex monsters in an attempt to restore balance to the planet. When Godzilla, seemingly unprovoked, attacks a Florida Apex Cybernetics research laboratory, a meeting between the two giants is all but assured.  

Godzilla’s power is unquestioned. For Kong to properly challenge him, a theory about a hallow Earth and the source of power for Godzilla must be explored. To get there, Kong and his human handlers must travel from Skull Island to an entry point in Antarctica. Far from the safety of his enclosure, this makes Kong vulnerable to the mission of Godzilla. The assurances made during the first few chapters of the movie are realized as the two beasts meet for the first time in open waters. Of course, the battle is epic and a visual spectacle, but it also continues one of my biggest complaints with this series. The ease with which complex problems are solved is staggering. Our humans always guess correctly. In this instance, they try a ploy to distract Godzilla. And who would have guessed, it works!  

Arriving in Antarctica, Kong travels to the center of the world. It is here that the imaginations of the writers and digital artists are on full display as they invite us into a world built for Kong; one in which he seems very comfortable to rule. Sitting on his throne, we come to realize human beings have other ideas. Apex Cybernetics has plans for the power pumping through the veins of this new world. Mechagodzilla will serve as an equalizer allowing humans to decide their own fate against the titans.  

This sets up an apocalyptical battle between Kong, Godzilla, and Mechagodzilla in Hong Kong. While I wouldn’t dare spoil this epic power grab, I will say I didn’t find myself the least bit surprised by the outcome.  

Is this movie perfect? Far from it, but it is entertaining as hell and is the realization of all those playground arguments I used to have with my friends. It is also the perfect invitation back to the cinema. I cannot imagine enjoying this movie fully on my television. This story was destined for the big screen.  

Be good to each other,  

Nathan  

This website exists because of readers and supporters. If what you just read made you smile, please consider supporting the website with a monthly gift. Your support means everything and proves to the world that original content still matters.