Cast: Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens, Brian Tyree Henry, Kaylee Hottle
Genre: Kaiju, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Director: Adam Wingard
In Cinemas: Now
“Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire” is the fifth instalment in the MonsterVerse franchise, where the iconic monsters Godzilla and Kong team up instead of duking it out. Set in a world where Kong resides on Hollow Earth while Godzilla protects the surface, the film takes a thrilling turn when a potent ancient threat forces them to unite.
Despite its flaws, including plot contrivances and underdeveloped characters, the movie delivers excitement and fun. The returning cast, including Rebecca Hall, Kaylee Hottle, and Brian Tyree Henry, adds some solid moments, but the focus is primarily on Kong’s journey. The introduction of the Skar King, a menacing villain controlling a dangerous icy creature, adds a thrilling dynamic to the story.
The action scenes are enjoyable, especially the buildup to the epic showdown between Godzilla, Kong, and the Skar King. Kong’s relationship with Baby Kong provides a sweet subplot, showcasing loyalty and friendship amidst the chaos.
However, the film’s story sometimes feels forced, relying on exposition and plot shortcuts to move things along. The exploration of Hollow Earth adds depth, but some elements seem tacked on to justify the team-up between Godzilla and Kong.
Despite its shortcomings, “Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire” remains entertaining, with plenty of humour and impressive visual effects. While the human characters could have been given more emotional depth, the focus on the Titans ensures a satisfying experience for fans of the franchise.
Overall: 6/10