Godzilla x Kong: 5 Best and 5 Worst Things
#5: Worst: The Human Characters Are… Meh
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The humans are often cited as the weakest link of any MonsterVerse movie. MonsterVerse shows are another story, as “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” gave us several layered human characters with compelling backstories. While we can’t say the humans in “Godzilla x Kong” are bad, they still aren’t especially interesting. To the studio’s credit, you get the sense that they received the memo that the audience isn’t here for the humans. As such, there are fewer to keep track of with just Rebecca Hall’s Ilene, Brian Tyree Henry’s Bernie, and Kaylee Hottle’s Jia returning. Dan Stevens is the only prominent addition. All great actors, but they’re mainly there to dish out exposition as we wait for the film to get back to the main attraction.
#5: Best: Embracing the Shōwa Era
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The Godzilla movies are defined by several generations, the first being the Shōwa era, which lasted from 1954 to 1975. Where the first film was a haunting allegory for nuclear war, the era’s subsequent entries leaned more into kaiju action with additional monsters, outrageous scenarios, and Godzilla being redefined as a protector rather than an antagonist. “Godzilla x Kong” is in the spirit of these movies with director Adam Wingard working in several references and Easter eggs. The filmmakers even manage to incorporate some of the Shōwa era’s goofier elements in a way that doesn’t feel out of place in this more grounded universe. With a solid balance of old-school vibes and modern technology, longtime fans and newcomers alike will find something to appreciate.
#4: Worst: It’s No “Godzilla Minus One”
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It’s almost unfair that “Godzilla x Kong” is coming out a few months after “Godzilla Minus One,” which won an Oscar for its astounding special effects and the Japan Academy Award for Best Film. The comparison is inevitable, though, and there’s no denying that “Minus One” is the superior film with a more emotional story, higher stakes, and visuals that - while not as flashy - feel more game-changing. All that said, “Godzilla x Kong” clearly has different artistic goals with more emphasis on bombastic action, which it delivers in spades. It’s apples and bananas, and if you go in with that mindset, it’s a satisfying banana. As for those wanting another bite of apple, we’re sure “Minus One” will be streaming at SOME point.
#4: Best: Focusing More on the Monsters
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We have a feeling that Legendary took a page from the modern “Planet of the Apes” movies, which gradually shifted the focus away from humans, making the digital characters the true stars. While humans remain present in “Godzilla x Kong,” the film isn’t overly concerned with giving the actors enough face time. There are long stretches of the story without a human in sight, almost to the point we forget that they’re in the movie. The monsters are given the spotlight with their scenes ranging from thrilling, to intimidating, to surprisingly emotional. We can’t help but wish the movie went all-in on this approach. If the franchise keeps moving in this direction, though, the MonsterVerse may get its “War for the Planet of the Apes.”
#3: Worst: The Pacing
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“Godzilla x Kong” can admittedly feel like three movies fighting for screen time. One is about Kong’s search for companionship and ascension as the king of the titular New Empire. This is by far the most absorbing part. Had it been the sole focus, Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” might’ve had competition for the century’s best take on the character. Alas, the film begins to drag whenever the human subplots come back into play. Surprisingly, Godzilla’s story isn’t much more engaging. Godzilla spends most of the first two acts slowly stomping to the third act. Godzilla doesn’t fight many monsters or wreak much havoc along the way, making the audience feel as if they’re in traffic, waiting to get to the arena for a big showdown.
#3: Best: The Visual Storytelling
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Adam Wingard demonstrated with “Godzilla vs. Kong” that he has a keen visual eye for large-scale set pieces. “Godzilla x Kong” doesn’t disappoint in that department, but Wingard goes a step further with the film’s use of visuals. Where most tentpole Hollywood movies exclusively employ CGI for action, Wingard gives Kong a lot of quiet moments of self-reflection. Kong is developed into a weary warrior who’s fought battle after battle. Without anyone else to fight for, though, what’s the point? All of this is expressed through Kong’s face and body language without relying on any dialogue. It reminds us that Kong isn’t just a big, senseless monster. He can be a complex, even tragic figure whose greatest fear is being alone.
#2: Worst: Godzilla & Kong’s Time Together Cut Short
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“Godzilla vs. Kong” saw the titular Titans clash on a massive scale. The film did a good job of spreading out their interactions with the two starting as opponents before finally teaming up. “Godzilla x Kong” essentially does all of that again, except this time it’s condensed into the third act. Godzilla and Kong don’t reunite until near the climax when they butt heads again in Egypt. Between the Transformers and Napoleon, haven’t the pyramids been destroyed enough times? Why do all of these fights occur around historic landmarks anyway? While the fight is cool, it feels rushed, and the same can be said about the central dynamic. For a film called “Godzilla x Kong,” we’re disappointed that there isn’t more of them together.
#2: Best: Kong & Mini Kong
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The film’s most gripping dynamic isn’t between Kong and Godzilla, but rather Kong and Mini Kong, who the internet has identified as Suko. Suko recognizes Kong as somebody who can free him and his fellow apes from their cruel oppressor. Kong also forms a bond with the little big primate, coming to view him as his surrogate son. Again, this comes across through the visuals with Kong and Suko saying more with their eyes than they ever could with words. Their father-son rapport even brings “God of War” to mind. Seriously, you’ve got an aging warrior with a grizzly beard, an ax, and a little kid with reddish hair. It’s Kratos and Atreus if they were Donkey and Diddy Kong… which isn’t a bad thing!
#1: Worst: Feat. Godzilla
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Despite getting top-billing, Godzilla is truly a supporting player here. Although the extra time devoted to Kong leads to some strong character moments and worldbuilding, you’d think Godzilla would have more to do in a film that bears the monster’s name. Between a brief fight in the beginning and the final act, Godzilla doesn’t do anything that exciting, literally freezing at one point. It is fun seeing Godzilla adapt as humanity’s champion while attempting to co-exist with the tiny people below. Godzilla sleeping in the Roman Colosseum is officially our new desktop background! Still, there are times when the film will cut to the giant lizard with little reason other than to remind us that this is supposed to be a Godzilla movie too.
#1: Best: Kong, Godzilla, & Other Monsters Teaming Up… Eventually
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MonsterVerse movies have a reputation for starting slowly, but delivering with their grand finales. “Godzilla x Kong” continues this trend. While it takes longer than desired for Kong and Godzilla to join forces again, the audience is treated to the spectacle they were promised in time. We’re actually given more than promised with a few new Titans making their MonsterVerse debut and even some old favorites returning for the final fight. Say what you will about the MonsterVerse, but when it wants to go big, it goes gigantic. The climax of this movie is no exception. Looking at the bigger picture, the glass may only be half full, but it’s a humongous glass that’s sure to quench anyone’s thirst for kaiju smackdowns. What did you think of “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire?” Let us know in the comments.
