Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire comes to the screen as a colossal entry in the Monsterverse, directed by Adam Wingard with an ambitious vision that takes advantage of state-of-the-art CGI to bring to life the titanic struggle between Godzilla and Kong once again. This episode is not only rich in action sequences, it also delves deeper into the story of the two behemoths, focusing in particular on Kong's poignant quest for kinship and a place to belong in the vast, mysterious reaches of Hollow Earth.

The story picks up where Godzilla vs. Kong left off, exploring the aftermath of the confrontation and charting a new course for these iconic monsters. Kong, now residing in the lush, unexplored depths of Hollow Earth, discovers that he is not the last of his kind. This revelation is accompanied by the introduction of important new characters within his species, including the oppressive King of Scars, who has subjugated a civilization of giant apes. This antagonist introduces political layers and social dynamics into the creature feature, elevating Kong's story from simple survival to a heartfelt crusade for freedom.

Godzilla, meanwhile, patrols the surface of the Earth as a guardian, maintaining the balance of nature through confrontations with various titanic threats. His story is painted on a broader canvas, with his actions having an impact on the global community, illustrated by a particularly memorable sequence where he recharges in the vibrant glow of nuclear power, tinting him in ominous shades of pink and setting the stage for his role as monster, but also protector.

The human characters, led by Dr. Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall), Bernie Hayes (Brian Tyree Henry) and newcomer Trapper (Dan Stevens), are integrated into the plot to provide breadth, perspective and information. Although their attempts to influence gargantuan events are often overshadowed and understated, they serve as necessary intermediaries for the audience to navigate the complex interactions between the human and titan worlds. Hall's Dr. Andrews serves as an emotional anchor, while Henry provides a necessary dose of humor without which the film's heavier themes might seem too oppressive.

Visually, the film is nothing short of spectacular. Adam Wingard's Hollow Earth is a vibrant ecosystem teeming with fantastic flora and fauna just waiting to be explored in greater detail. The CGI is meticulous, lending a hyper-realistic quality to the creatures that inhabit this world. Action sequences are choreographed for impact, visceral, thrilling and magnificently destructive. The climax, set against the iconic backdrop of Rio de Janeiro, is a masterpiece of visual storytelling, with Godzilla and Kong teaming up to save Earth from a greater threat.

Despite its visual splendor and thematic ambition, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is not without its faults. The film often has pacing problems, with certain sequences, particularly in the first act, seeming rushed and disjointed. The script, while rich in potential, sometimes succumbs to convoluted exposition and clunky dialogue that can detract from the cinematic experience. What's more, the film's emphasis on spectacle sometimes sidelines its narrative coherence, making certain plot advances seem forced or undeserved.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is a bold, thunderous sequel to the Monsterverse that revels in its larger-than-life heroes and the cataclysmic scale of their battles. Although not very compelling narratively, the film makes up for it with thrilling action and stunning visual artistry that make it a must-see for fans of the genre. It's a cinematic celebration of monsters, a spectacle of destruction and survival where the real stars are the titans themselves, who continue to fascinate and terrorize in equal measure. This promising film is a powerful reminder of why Godzilla and Kong remain enduring icons on the landscape of world cinema.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
Directed by Adam Wingard
Written by Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett, Jeremy Slater
Story by Terry Rossio, Adam Wingard, Simon Barrett
Based on Godzilla and Mothra by Toho Co., Ltd.
Produced by Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, Brian Rogers, Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Eric McLeod
Starring Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, Fala Chen
Cinematography : Ben Seresin
Edited by Josh Schaeffer
Music by Tom Holkenborg, Antonio Di Iorio
Production company : Legendary Pictures
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures (Worldwide), Toho (Japan)
Release dates : March 25, 2024 (TCL Chinese Theatre), March 29, 2024 (United States), April 3, 2024 (France)
Running time : 115 minutes

Seen on April 3, 2024 at Gaumont Disney Village, Salle Imax seat E19

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