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Godzilla vs. Kong
(Warner Bros. Pictures/Legendary Pictures)
By Lucas Allen
Like any cinematic universe, everything in the Monsterverse (starting with 2014’s “Godzilla”) so far has led to this. “Godzilla vs. Kong” is the highly anticipated matchup between two of the most iconic movie monsters in a knock-down, grand brawl of the decade. While still a remake of 1962’s “King Kong vs. Godzilla,” produced by Toho, it successfully updates the story making it more than about two giant creatures fighting. The director Adam Wingard has a horror background in films like “You’re Next” and “Blair Witch 2016.”
Some time has passed since the events of 2019’s “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” and the Earth’s balance remain peaceful until Godzilla shows up in Florida one day to destroy an Apex Cybernetics building for no reason. Although her father Mark (Kyle Chandler) has no idea why, Madison (Millie Bobby Brown) figures it might have something to do with Apex itself. So, she and her friend Josh (Julian Dennison) track down podcast host Bernie (Brian Tyree Henry), who helps them break into Apex to find what sinister dealings the company is doing.
Meanwhile, Kong is living a peaceful existence in Skull Island (or at least a mockup done by Monarch) bonding with a young deaf woman, Jia (Kaylee Hottle), through sign language as they’re being looked over by her adopted mother, Dr. Andrews (Rebecca Hall).
The plot kicks into high gear when a former Monarch geologist, Dr. Lind (Alexander Skarsgard), is recruited by Apex CEO Simmons (Demian Bichir) and his assistant Ren (Shun Oguri) to help the company find a new energy source in the Hollow Earth, near the Earth’s core. To get there, they will need Kong to help them get past the energy field. However, bringing Kong to the outside exposes him to the wrath of Godzilla. It’s not long before the two monsters battle for their lives first on sea, then in Hong Kong in a final showdown.
It may sound like an overly-complicated plot for a movie like this, but the movie handles it very well, making sure there’s enough room for story and characters when a giant monster fight occurs. Not only they made Kong the lead protagonist, but he also provides the central heart through his heartwarming friendship with little Jia that feels like E.T. but with more destruction. With Godzilla as the antagonist, it allows for more tension and suspense, as both sides from the human’s point of view fight to regain peace.
When the two do throw punches, the movie becomes the kind of great slam-bang extravaganza audiences haven’t seen in quite some time. The fight on the sea brings the intensity as well as explosions, while the climatic brawl in the neon-lit city of Hong Kong, becomes an unforgettable light show.
But just when you thought things couldn’t get any better, the movie throws in a surprise opponent that becomes the cherry on top of this delicious sundae. Plus, it’s all set to a fantastical score by Tom Holkenborg (Junkie XL) with some selections of vintage songs to enhance the experience.
At one point, some of the characters end up in the Hollow Earth, which is a stunning display of unusual imagination and beautiful artistry. Some may find that part too weird for the casual eye, while others will enjoy such bold grandeur within a fun monster movie.
Though the monsters shine the most in this film, the human characters still find a way to bring effort to the story. Both Skarsgard and Hall are believable on the Kong front, as well as a groundbreaking performance by young Hottle. While returning cast members Chandler and Brown are most welcome, the scenes on the Godzilla side belong to Henry in a hilarious performance. On the villains’ side, Bichir and Eiza Gonzalez as the CEO’s daughter does fine work adding levity to their one-dimensional characters.
“Godzilla vs. Kong” is a real godsend to the movie-going public restoring faith in the big-budget Hollywood blockbuster. The digital artistry combined with a good story of monsters fighting is exactly what the entire world needs right now. It demands to be seen on the big screen as surely such further 2021 titles.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG-13 (for intense sequences of creature violence/destruction and brief language)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.75 Stars (Out of Four)
