GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE -- Fun Popcorn Ride

Review by Adam Donato

(L to r) GODZILLA and KONG in Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ action adventure “GODZILLA x KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.

The Monsterverse finds itself in quite the situation at this particular moment in time. The earlier films in the franchise have waned in popularity and success. The latest, Godzilla Vs. Kong, was put in the unfortunate situation of being released in early 2021 and debuting on streaming at the same time as theaters. 2023 saw the release of the Apple TV+ show Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and the Toho film Godzilla Minus One. One would think two critically successful pieces of Godzilla media would only build up to the theatrical release of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Why is that not the case?

The Oscar-winning Godzilla Minus One set a new bar for monster movies and opened audiences' eyes to what these movies could be. The problem with the Monsterverse films is that they are pure schlock. From the moment Bryan Cranston's character left the 2014 Godzilla film, the Monsterverse hasn't produced a single compelling human character. The Monsterverse films are awesome when there is a monster on screen. The scenes without monsters are excruciating and lame. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire continues this trend. At least this time around, there are fewer human characters to focus on. Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens, and Brian Tyree Henry are all wasting time every second they're on screen.

​Kaylee Hottle's character was cute in the first movie because of her connection with Kong, but here, the human story is so removed from the monster plot. Cut the humans and drop this puppy down to a ninety-minute runtime max. People like this version of these characters because of the big monster fights, so let's stick to our strengths. Either that or leave Godzilla to Toho because they clearly have a better understanding of how to use these characters to make an actual great movie and not just a silly ride.

(L-r) DAN STEVENS as Trapper, REBECCA HALL as Dr. Ilene Andrews and KAYLEE HOTTLE as Jia in Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ action adventure “GODZILLA x KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden.

If all the movie cares about is the big monster fights, then let's just focus on the big monster fights. Similarly to how Dune: Part Two demands to be seen in IMAX, that should be the relationship between Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and higher formats like 4DX and D-BOX. Feeling the rumble of the seat whenever a monster approaches and getting flung around as the monsters share blows makes for a pretty fun ride. While the fights in Godzilla Vs. Kong were more memorable, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has fights with more regularity. Also, Godzilla fans, beware that this sequel is definitely more of a journey for Kong. His trek through the Hollow Earth with Mini Kong drives most of the narrative. The fights and monster lore have never been more ridiculous, and that feels like the only direction this franchise can take. If there's not going to be any human emotions to ground the story, then let's get as crazy as possible. 

At this point, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire delivers exactly what audiences expect. The fights are badass and are sure to be replayed on YouTube. If you require more than just baseline monster fights, then steer clear. It's unfair for Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire to have the best Godzilla film since the original still fresh in the hearts of cinephiles. Turn your problem, throw your hands in the air, and enjoy the ride. 

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire hits theaters on March 29.
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Rating: 3/5