Godzilla and King Kong are back in action in a new adventure as they take to the screen in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
I’m gonna be honest. The release of this film comes way too soon following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. You and I both know how frequently buildings and infrastructure get destroyed during the course of these films. My screening came way too soon after hearing what happened in Baltimore. This isn’t to take anything away from the film itself but to serve as something of a warning during this sensitive time.
All that notwithstanding, I don’t ask for much out of these films other than to be entertaining. Suffice it to say, it did its job in that regard. While bringing over a few characters from Godzilla vs. Kong, the film also introduces Trapper (Dan Stevens), the dentist to the Titans. While the film does give viewers some background into Trapper’s character, I would love to see a spinoff about his dentistry work with Titans.
The gist of the new Monsterverse offering is that our favorite Titans must come together to face off against a new threat from an undiscovered world beneath Hollow Earth: the Skar King. It’s a threat that will challenge Kong as he searches for family but really pisses off Godzilla in a way that changes his behavior. He starts destroying everything in his path without any regard for life or infrastructure. After getting a brief glimpse of Hollow Earth in the previous installment, this new film is about learning about not only its history but what threats it offers. Meanwhile, Kong becomes something of a father figure to Suko. It was bound to happen at some point that they would incorporate Son of Kong into the storytelling. Or something like it.
While Kong and Godzilla are dealing with these new threats, Dr. Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall) is trying to figure out what is wrong with her daughter, Jia (Kaylee Hottle). The last of the Iwi tribe has never really fit in and she’s really been bothered of late. Whatever is bothering has to do with a signal coming from Hollow Earth. The Hollow Earth investigation is what brings podcaster conspiracy theorist Bernie Hayes (Brian Tyree Henry) back into the fold.
I’m hopeful that Warner Bros. and Legendary will treat viewers to at least another film featuring the two Titans. As to what other threats may be out there, I’m not sure. What I can say for certain is that the Monsterverse is in capable hands with Adam Wingard at the helm. He’s already given us two films starring both Godzilla and Kong. I love how he balances the human element with the Titans. The destruction can be a bit much at times but it is what it is. There’s also the humor element from both Brian Tyree Henry and Dan Stevens. Maybe it’s because Stevens speaks with a British accent or his character is a dentist.
Adam Wingard knows what he’s doing with Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and it’s just entertaining enough. But seriously though, I want a Trapper spinoff and stat!
DIRECTOR: Adam Wingard
SCREENWRITERS: Terry Rossio and Simon Barrett and Jeremy Slater
CAST: Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, Fala Chen
Warner Bros. releases Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire in theaters in March 29, 2024. Grade: 3.5/5
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