Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Review – A Roaring Spectacle

In Theaters March 29, 2024

As the fifth installment in Legendary Entertainment’s MonsterVerse, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” brings together two cinematic icons in an epic collaboration that delivers on the promise of colossal action and awe-inspiring spectacle. Directed by Adam Wingard, this monster mash-up brings the King of the Monsters and the Eighth Wonder of the World working together in a battle that shakes the very foundations of the Earth.

From the outset, it’s clear that “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is continuing the story about the showdown between its titular titans that occured in “Godzilla vs. Kong”.

Visually, the film is a triumph. The CGI rendering of Godzilla, Kong and other titans is nothing short of breathtaking, with every snarl, roar, and battle scar rendered in stunning detail. The fight scenes, set against a backdrop of iconic locations ranging from beachfront cities to arctic oceans, are choreographed with precision and flair. Whether it’s Godzilla unleashing his atomic breath or Kong wielding augmented weapons in hand-to-hand combat, each confrontation is a testament to the film’s technical prowess.

But “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” isn’t just about spectacle; it also manages to inject some heart into its giant monster mayhem. The bond between Kong and Jia adds a layer of emotion to the film, providing a human anchor amidst the chaos. Additionally, the film explores themes of destiny, family and the sense of belonging.

The human characters flesh themselves out a little more than the previous installment, and the talented cast, including Brian Tyree Henry, Rebecca Hall, Kaylee Hottle and Dan Stevens, do their best with the material they’re given. It’s clear that the real stars of the show are Godzilla and Kong whose primal instincts were to be guardians of nature and protectors of humanity.

In terms of pacing, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” rarely lets up after the initial story telling, hurtling from one jaw-dropping battle to the next with relentless momentum. The film’s runtime flies by, and left the audience exhilarated and eager for more (which we experienced at the preview by the literal applause). And while the resolution of the conflict may be somewhat predictable, it’s executed with enough flair to satisfy even the most discerning monster movie aficionados.

In conclusion, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is a cinematic spectacle that delivers exactly what it promises: epic battles, stunning visuals, and larger-than-life excitement.  If you want the best value for your buck, see it in IMAX.  While it only slightly dives into deep philosophical territory, it more than makes up for it with its sheer entertainment value. Whether you’re a fan of giant monsters or simply looking for a thrilling ride at the movies, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is an experience not to be missed*.

*A little note: While it’s not completely necessary, if you’re new to the MonsterVerse, I suggest you catch up with “Godzilla vs. Kong” before you watch “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.”  You can  follow along and figure out what’s going on without having seen it, but it is a direct sequel to the previous movie and the characters story arcs also continue from that installment.  If you want to start in chronological order check out this article on Movieweb.