Directed by: Adam Wingard
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures
Written by Nick McCann
85/100
In 1962, Godzilla and King Kong were brought together for the royal creature rumble of the century. The original “King Kong vs. Godzilla” was a major hit, revitalizing Kong’s legacy while setting the template for Godzilla’s future. Now with Legendary Pictures gradually bringing both of them back into the cultural forefront, along with modern filmmaking advancements, it was about time for a rematch. And what a battle it is!
Adam Wingard takes the point, directing an action film that is aware of the mission it has to achieve and the weight behind it. This Monsterverse entry dips its toe into a more sci-fi aesthetic, calling to mind classic mecha anime and fantasy while retaining a foot in some form of hyperreality. Compared to the preceding “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” there’s more refinement in the narrative that better balances monster screen time and human-led plot progression. It moves fast, adds fun world-building, and at the end of the day, aims to be an entertaining monster fight movie.
Kong takes center stage, older and more mature since his last appearance. He’s as likable as ever and the film rallies you to his cause of wanting to be free and unbothered in the world. Godzilla likewise keeps getting more defined, now seemingly on a destructive warpath to maintain peace in the world. When they come together, the movie makes good on its title. All the action scenes ramp it up significantly with wider camera coverage, daytime settings, and wrestling-derived fight choreography. It calls back to the classic Showa era, where we see just as much from the monsters’ perspectives as we do at human eye level. Some would say that diminishes the physical impact of these titan animals but it makes up for it by absolutely cutting loose on fun.
The visual effects and sound design are incredible as well. In an era of sub-par blockbuster sights and sounds, this film doesn’t slouch in any of those departments. The level of visual detail is astounding from vast vistas to great creature designs. Sound effects also have intense power between every crushed building, beastly roars, and jet fighter flybys. Tom Holkenborg also provides another energetic score. Not quite as good as Bear McCreary’s Toho adaptations or original compositions, but appropriately monster movie style with some distinct cues.
Even the character roster is improved. They still don’t have a ton of depth but thankfully manage to leave stronger impressions, on top of generally having fewer people to keep track of. Alexander Skarsgård is solid as ever, mindful of his place among the monsters but gradually being able to step up to the plate. Kaylee Hottle is the stand-out, showing a lively personality with her connections to Kong and Rebecca Hall’s scientist guardian. Even Brian Tyree Henry has some agency for the amount of humor he delivers. Millie Bobby Brown and Kyle Chandler return as well but are given less to do motivation-wise.
I feel confident in saying not since the first “Avengers” movie has it felt like a satisfying payoff after as much build-up. “Godzilla vs Kong” knows what you came here for and doesn’t dilly-dally long to get to it. It’s high on action and even its lesser refined elements don’t draw too much attention. At the end of the day, this is as rewarding of a rematch as you could ask for. Also says a great deal when these two could beat the odds after a worldwide viral outbreak. There is truly no stopping these two kings.
“Godzilla vs. Kong” Trailer
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