“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” (2024)
Action
Running Time: 115 minutes
Written by: Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett and Jeremy Slater
Featuring: Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns and Fala Chen
Bernie Hayes: “Kong can’t stop this on his own.”
Ilene Andrews: “He won’t be alone.”
Godzilla x Kong, the latest entry in the MonsterVerse franchise, delivers exactly what its title promises: a giant ape and a radioactive lizard throwing down in a spectacular display of CGI brawls. But beneath the city-shattering action lies a film that struggles to balance human drama with monster mayhem, resulting in a popcorn flick that’s undeniably fun, but ultimately forgettable.
The film’s true strength lies in its visual effects. The towering titans, Godzilla and Kong, are rendered in stunning detail, their movements conveying a sense of awe-inspiring power as they grapple across Hong Kong’s neon-drenched skyline or trade blows amidst the fiery depths of the Hollow Earth. The action sequences themselves are a thrill ride, with creative choreography and camerawork that puts the audience right in the thick of the fight. Whether it’s Kong wielding a skyscraper like a baseball bat or Godzilla unleashing his atomic breath, these moments are undeniably crowd-pleasing.
However, the human characters and plot feel like afterthoughts compared to the monster action. The film juggles multiple storylines involving scientists, government agencies, and a tech company with questionable motives. These narratives struggle to find traction, often resorting to exposition dumps and generic archetypes. While some actors like Rebecca Hall and Brian Tyree Henry manage to inject some charisma into their roles, their characters ultimately serve as little more than plot devices, nudging the monsters along from one fight to the next.
The film does offer some interesting world-building elements, particularly with the introduction of the Hollow Earth, a subterranean realm teeming with new lifeforms. This opens the door for future MonsterVerse films to explore a rich mythology beyond the two titular titans. However, these elements feel underdeveloped within the confines of this single movie.
The film attempts to explore the complex relationship between Godzilla and Kong. Unlike previous iterations where they were simply portrayed as rivals, here, a sense of mutual respect and even a begrudging alliance emerges. This is a welcome development, adding depth to their dynamic. However, the film doesn’t fully capitalize on this potential. The reasons behind their initial conflict are underdeveloped, and their eventual team-up feels somewhat unearned.
The introduction of the Hollow Earth presented a fascinating opportunity for environmental commentary. This hidden world could have been a metaphor for humanity’s exploitation of Earth’s resources, with the consequences playing out on the surface. However, the film shies away from such themes, instead focusing on the fantastical creatures inhabiting this realm. While visually captivating, this missed opportunity leaves a lingering sense of what could have been.
Despite its flaws, Godzilla x Kong leaves the door open for future MonsterVerse films. The introduction of new creatures and the expansion of the Hollow Earth mythology hint at a potentially rich universe to explore. But whether the franchise can learn from its missteps and deliver a more balanced film experience with compelling human characters alongside the monster mayhem remains to be seen.
Godzilla x Kong’s impact wasn’t limited to theaters. Here’s a look at how it resonated in pop culture:
The Meme-ing of Monsters: The film’s epic clashes spawned countless memes and online discussions. Images of Kong wielding skyscrapers or Godzilla’s atomic breath became fodder for internet humor, further solidifying the titans’ place in pop culture.
Fan Theories Take Flight: The introduction of the Hollow Earth fueled speculation about the MonsterVerse’s future. Fans debated the origins of the new creatures, their connection to existing titans, and the potential for even more unexplored realms within the Earth.
The Soundtrack Gets Amped Up: The film’s score by Junkie XL, a blend of bombastic orchestral pieces and electronic elements, resonated with audiences. It became a popular choice for workout playlists and fan remixes, capturing the energy and scale of the monster battles.
Collectible Titans: Godzilla x Kong reignited interest in monster merchandise. Action figures, statues, and apparel featuring the film’s characters flew off shelves, catering to collectors and casual fans alike.
A Roar Heard in Video Games: The film’s influence extended to video games. Existing titles with kaiju themes saw renewed interest, while some developers hinted at potential future projects inspired by Godzilla and Kong.
The film’s cultural impact extended beyond memes and merchandise. It sparked conversations about:
The Legacy of Kaiju Films: Godzilla x Kong reignited discussions about the history and evolution of the kaiju genre. Critics and fans debated the genre’s potential for deeper thematic exploration while acknowledging its enduring appeal as pure entertainment.
Practical vs. CGI Effects: The film’s heavy reliance on CGI sparked discussions about the role of practical effects in modern monster movies. While CGI allows for incredible visuals, some audiences yearned for the tactile quality of practical effects used in older kaiju films.
Environmental Themes in Blockbusters: While the film didn’t fully explore the environmental potential of the Hollow Earth storyline, it did spark discussions about the possibility of using monster movies to address ecological concerns.
Godzilla x Kong is a film that knows its audience. It delivers on the promise of epic monster brawls, but sacrifices character development and a cohesive narrative in the process. If you’re looking for a visually stunning spectacle with brainless fun, this film delivers. But those seeking a deeper story or compelling human characters might leave the theater feeling a little hollow.
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