Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is the latest in the MonsterVerse movie series, and arguably one of the better films. This one is as different from the last three as Kong: Skull Island is to them all. This one packs a punch with more Titans, some groovy music, and an epic battle that rivals them all.

Synopsis: Two ancient titans, Godzilla and Kong, clash in an epic battle as humans unravel their intertwined origins and connection to Skull Island’s mysteries.

Kong: Skull Island is the best of the franchise in humor, story telling, and of course Kong. This film borrows much of what worked in that one. As with most franchise films I would suggest going back and watching at least Skull Island and Godzilla vs Kong. Those two will give you a solid foothold for this latest one.

The Iwi tribe that we met in Skull Island play a pivotal part in Godzilla x Kong. I personally was glad we get to see more of them and their Hollow Earth world. This story line ties in much of what we learned so far especially in regards to Jai (Kaylee Hottle) who was the last remaining Iwi and has a special bond with Kong.

In a nutshell Kong becomes a Hollow Earth Moses when he discovers an enslaved group of apes. In order to defeat the ruling ape and free the others he has to call on his fiercest rival Godzilla. Godzilla is not easy to reason with and doesn’t stop breathing fire long enough to listen. Luckily – spoiler free – there is another Titan ready to be an intermediary between the two, and it is a glorious moment when it happens.

Returning humans on this adventure include Dr. Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall), Podcaster Bernie (Brian Tyree Henry), and of course Jai. Joining this expedition is Titan Veterinarian – yes you read right – Trapper (Dan Stevens). Trapper is an odd character that walks a thin line between funny and campy. But it works. Trapper also brings the sound track of 90s jams that often lends itself to a GOTG film.

This film tries a lot of new imagery and trippy elements when it comes to Hollow Earth. Some are splendid and some are down right hokey. They get an E for effort but barely. One of the biggest groanable moments would be the spaceship ride into Hollow Earth. If you can deal with that you can deal with the rest.

Kong is king of this one for the better. He has the most personality than the other films. The film makers seemed to want to appeal to a younger audience with his facial expressions and mannerisms. But Kong does not play when it comes to his home and its people, and that comes across solidly here.

The story line plays nicely. Yes you have to go with it and not think too much about the science. But it is another world we are dealing with. Speaking of our world. Godzilla is the quintessential bull in a china shop. That guy never watches were he is going. If there are less than a million civilian casualties in this one I would be shocked. When he travels by water it is fine but once on land he literally destroys everything.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire does enough right to elevate itself to my second favorite in the MonsterVerse after Skull Island. There is a lot to cheer for in this one along with a good dose of humor. See it on the biggest screen possible with a lot of snacks. That is what Kong would do.