‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ Review

Here’s the thing, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is not a good movie. I don’t think anyone is particularly shocked by that statement however, I don’t think anyone is or should be looking at this movie thinking it’s going to be a true film. Warner Bros. is aware of what it has in this instance—more of the same. Adam Wingard, the film’s director, picks up where his previous picture, Godzilla vs. Kong, left off. Starring Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens, and Brian Tyree Henry, it’s the fifth installment in the Warner Bros. MonsterVerse series.

It’s not Godzilla Minus One; so to approach this film as if it’s on the same playing field as Minus One will result in a rude awakening. Now, I get a bit frustrated when people use this as a get-out-of-jail-free card to defend films like this. There’s still an element of criticism that this film deserves, however, as long as you manage expectations and understand why you’re going to see this, you will likely find entertainment in this film. I gotta say, concerning the other films in this series, this one falls flat in comparison. I’ve only seen Godzilla vs Kong once, even with a vague memory of the plot of that film, I can say I enjoyed that film a lot more.

I stated that Warner Brothers knows what they have, and they do, to the detriment of any facet of the film that doesn’t fit that identity. It’s a giant CG monster movie, anything outside of that is a complete afterthought. They don’t give any effort or simple revision to this script. It is a first draft of a screenplay, with no other thought put in. They don’t care about the humans enough to spend the time to flesh them out. There are a lot of moments in here where things just happen ‘because plot’, and it completely shatters the rules and bounds that they have previously established for these characters and scenes, just leaving you frustrated. Why should I care if you are openly demonstrating that you don’t care?

The special effects while mesmerizing at times; are too much at others. There were quite a few moments, where I had to look down away from the screen, because too much was happening, and it wasn’t able to be followed. It was not pleasing to look at; it didn’t look finished; and at times it didn’t feel well thought out. The pacing is very choppy and spliced together. It was extremely disorienting like I was watching a horrible music video with a million cuts at a time. 

There are a few subtle but intriguing advantages here that don’t involve any action. That’s all due to Kong. Though I don’t care about Godzilla, the people, or our adversary, there are a few instances in the movie where Kong deals with practical problems outside of the CG action, which is unexpectedly given some room to breathe and even shine. 

If you were looking for a movie to shove popcorn down your face and unplug from the real world, watch an ape wear a power glove, and beat down another ape with the help of a giant dragon, who breathes nuclear fire, you will have a level of enjoyment of this film. If you enjoy the other films, it’s more of the same, but if you’re looking for something to sink your teeth into and make you think, this is not the movie for you.

Is there a need for more of these movies? The reason I would say no is that Godzilla Minus One was a proof of concept for a monster movie that might succeed on numerous levels. Warner Brothers will undoubtedly produce another one, but even if this one might be extremely profitable, I won’t be waiting around to watch it in the theater. Warner Bros. clearly wants to establish a massive Monster Franchise, but if you have the appropriate filmmakers and creative brains, you can accomplish it in a way that will prompt thought-provoking discussions after viewing.

After watching these movies, people just say, “Aww, that action was sick, wasn’t it?” and nothing more. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is a one-dimensional movie that plays it fairly safe and knows who its audience is, providing you the precise action you’ve come to anticipate from these kinds of movies. Not anymore, not any less. While there are moments when the pacing meanders and you won’t feel a connection to any of the characters, many fans of the previous installments should still find something to like.