Two ancient titans, Godzilla and Kong, clash in an epic battle as humans unravel their intertwined origins and connection to Skull Island’s mysteries.
As I write this review, I wonder how much I fit into the target audience for “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.” On the one hand, action movies, particularly those filled with other-worldly monsters, aren’t exactly my go-to for a cinema trip. On the other, I do appreciate the craft that goes into a well-designed action romp, and it’s why I’vebeen an ardent apologist for the often maligned (yet highly successful) Fast and Furious franchise. While they’re undeniably silly films, their action is crafted with such style and confidence that it’s difficult to take issue with them because they achieve precisely what they aim to achieve, with only the latter films falling short as they attempt to take themselves a bit too seriously. As a child, I also spent many weekend nights watching and loving the original Godzilla films with my father, basking in awe of Mothra, Ghidora, and, of course, the titular character. I took great pleasure in watching Godzilla fight Kong in the original movie, to the point where there was an undeniable part of me that was excited when “Godzilla vs. Kong” was released in 2021. While it had its share of faults, it certainly managed to entertain.
Entering 2024 and seeing the trailers for “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” I wondered what more could be done. If I hadn’t been invited to a press screening of the film, I might have chosen to skip it entirely. While the film is far from a masterpiece, I can genuinely say I’m happy that I gave it a chance.
Amid Kong departing the Hollow Earth to seek “medical treatment,” Jia (Kaylee Hottle), the child from “Godzilla vs. Kong,” who has a strong connection with the latter character, has begun to experience what could only be described as “visions” that present a looming threat to our favorite ape. Meanwhile, Godzilla has awoken, stealing energy from nuclear plants and attacking and destroying other Titans to harness their power for reasons unknown to our homosapien characters. Could he be coming for Kong, or is it something bigger than that? Who’s to say, but our protagonists (Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, and Alex Ferns) make the obviously wise decision to venture into Hollow Earth after Kong to get to the bottom of it. Naturally, chaos ensues.
A new threat has presented itself, surpassing even the enormity of danger presented in this film’s predecessor. The setup for said threat is told through mounds of exposition and never given much room to breathe, but if you’re looking for Shakespearean writing here, you’ve come to the wrong movie. It’s just about as believable as the reason for the two Titans clashing in 2021, but it gets the story moving so the audience can get what it came for, which, of course, is monster mayhem.
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is a by-the-numbers monster mash told in a way you’ve seen countless times before. There’s not much here regarding uniqueness, but that’s not why you’re coming to this film, right? When all is said and done, “New Empire” delivers exactly what it promises, with smart enough writing to not simply be written off as “dumb fun” but not too much that it can be accused of taking itself more seriously than it needs to be in a movie that centers itself around a giant ape and a giant lizard doing battle. Adam Wingard is a talented director who manages to walk that fine line for the second time. His passionate directing and excellent world-building elevate the movie beyond average, being confidently aware of what he’s making here but never willing to be reduced to just another popcorn flick. The world he’s created here is truly stunning at times, and the battles between computer-generated monsters are grand in their scale and make for something truly epic to behold at times, with the final showdown being one for the ages handled with more care and exquisite design than your average blockbuster.
To top it off, the true driving force behind “New Empire” is a surprisingly effective emotional core that centers around family, and it’s that very core, paired with solid performances by all of our central actors to sell it truly, that sets this one above the rest. At the end of the day, “New Empire” is as formulaic as it gets, and more advanced moviegoers are likely to predict everything that will happen early in the viewing experience. But, watching this in an excited crowd of people cheering it on while heroes win battles and nostalgic characters make their appearances, I’m reminded that not only does the formula work, but it’s necessary sometimes for the moviegoing experience because sometimes you want to sit back for 90-120 minutes with no other goal than being entertained. As I walk out of the theatre having watched “New Empire,” and as I write this now, I’m suddenly reminded of being an 11-year-old boy watching these movies in awe for the first time. Against what I thought might be possible, I’ve left this movie feeling something.
And isn’t that what movies are all about?
At the end of the day, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” isn’t likely to convert anybody who isn’t already a fan of these films, but for those who are, there’s plenty here to enjoy.
In Theaters Friday, March 29th
