Godzilla vs. Kong
review by Bobby Blakey
In 2014 Godzilla returned to the big screen with mixed results but did well enough that it spawned a sequel in 2019 as well as connections to the return of the other famed behemoth King Kong in his return to the big screen Kong: Skull Island in 2017. Now the two iconic monsters are clashing in the upcoming film Godzilla vs. Kong starring Alexander Skarsgard, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Bryan Tyree Henry, Shun Oguri, Eiza Gonzalez, Jessica Henwick, Julian Dennison, Kyle Chandler and Demian Bichir with You’re Next and The Guest director Adam Wingard at the helm. Could this clash of the titans deliver the mass destruction fans are hoping for or will it fail to live up to the iconic status of these behemoths?
Godzilla vs. Kong follows a time when monsters walk the Earth and humanity’s fight for its future sets Godzilla and Kong on a collision course that will see the two most powerful forces of nature on the planet collide in a spectacular battle for the ages. As Monarch embarks on a perilous mission into uncharted terrain and unearths clues to the Titans’ origins, a human conspiracy threatens to wipe the creatures, both good and bad, from the face of the earth forever.
Fans have been eager to see this epic clash on the big screen, but thanks to the current pandemic it got delayed. Finally the film is here and I cannot tell you how excited I was to see this film. I love the other three films despite their flaws and this one was easily one of my most anticipated films of last year and now this year. Made all the more excited with Adam Wingard directing who also delivered the two great films You’re Next and The Guest both you should check out if you haven’t already. I am happy to report that this anticipated fight not only lives up to the hype, it is easily the best film in the franchise so far.
While this film is firmly planted in the same universe there is a different tone
to this film than the previous films and for the best. This time around there is almost a campy popcorn feel to it while still bringing all the glory and vibe of the previous films. This isn’t a knock on the film either this is the perfect thing for it. There is a direction here that showcases technology and ideals that feel more like the older Japanese films bringing it into a more sci-fi element but just fits with this kind of film. It makes the rest of it as a whole just feel like we are in a proper kaiju film and I loved every moment of it.
Right out the gate it lets you know that the Titans are the stars with an excellent opening sequence featuring Kong. The overall direction of the film feels more like a straight up Kong film which I loved exploring the evolution from where we saw him in Skull Island. Have no fear Godzilla is right there front and center with both of their journeys driving the story to their ultimate confrontation. These two behemoths have so much character that is shared through their facial expressions and actions that you are fully invested in their situations and actions. It is two creatures brought to complete life as characters that you love watching and further proving when handled right they could carry a film without the humans if given the chance.
The human side to all these characters are always the weak point because lets be honest we just want to see the kaiju kick ass. That being said they serve a decent purpose this time around filling in the gaps and unifying the previous entries while we wait to see more action from our favorite titans. On the action front they hold nothing back. There are a couple of major fights between these two that full brings the city wide destruction fans all want as well as some pretty clever and well executed choreography. They have also lit up all the action so we are seeing some of the most detailed to date and will punch you right in the sense with the destruction and vibrant visuals from start to finish.
With no spoilers there is a clear winner here between the two as well as bigger things at play that hardcore fans will no doubt love. I not only love this film I cannot wait to check it out again. I hope this is the film that really gets people back in cinemas as it needs to be seen on the biggest and loudest screen possible to do justice to the perfection of it all.
In addition to the film this release offers up bonus content including commentary and numerous featurettes taking fans behind bringing this epic showdown to life. Grab your copy of Godzilla vs Kong when available now on digital and then on 4K Ultra, Blu-ray and DVD on June 15th from Warner Bros Home Entertainment.