The mighty Kong has become the focus of a science project and is now being held captive. Those studying him know that if knowledge of his existence reaches Godzilla an all out war will ensue. When Apex, a tech organization, decides to use Kong to assist in one of their experiments in Antarctica, Godzilla vs. Kong quickly becomes a reality. As the two apex predators face off again and again, the world is threatened like never before. This is the fight of a lifetime; who will come out victorious?
Godzilla vs. Kong begins in odd fashion, as it appears to attempt to force viewers to sympathize with the titular Kong and appreciate the titan in new ways. I was warned not to take this film too seriously, and in the opening moments I understood why. While the overall tone of Godzilla vs. Kong is that of intensity, there are moments that are meant to juxtapose the drama and provide some levity, and while they do that to some degree, they initially come off as nothing but silly. A large part of the approach taken to relieve viewers of the intensity is the music chosen by Tom Holkenborg (aka Junkie XL). While the music is truly wonderful and full of life, it often feels out of place.
In addition to the music, and the odd scenes with Kong, the introduction of a new, humor-based character, Bernie Hayes (Brian Tyree Henry), is meant to allow viewers to feel some semblance of relaxation throughout the intense film. Bernie is, in the simplest way, an enjoyable character, but, like the music, feels out of place in the grand scheme of things. This character is meant to contrast the dark nature of the film and provide the audience with comedy in some emotionally trying moments. But, his humor is misplaced and unrealistic. I understand that I’m talking about what’s realistic in a film about a giant lizard and monkey fighting, but the reality is that human emotion doesn’t change (or shouldn’t) in order to connect with viewers. Comedy and levity should have a role in a film like Godzilla vs. Kong, but it needs to be in relatable and believable situations, and that’s not what happens here.
Godzilla vs. Kong has been hyped as one of the most anticipated films of the past five years, forcing potential viewers to believe that the film would be filled with intense action, top-notch acting, and a compelling storyline. Of those things, two of the three live up to the aforementioned hype. There is obvious downtime between fight sequences, but when those battles occur they literally and figuratively fill the screen. Everything that viewers had hoped for in terms of the altercations between Kong and Godzilla come to fruition in this gargantuan film. The scale of these fights are something never before seen on film, and to express their significance is a tall task; but director Adam Wingard finds a way to bring these wonderfully enticing spectacles to life. In addition to the action sequences, the acting is beautiful. Everyone from Rebecca Hall (Ilene Andrews) to Julian Dennison (Josh Valentine) find ways to awe the viewers and express just how talented they are.
While there are certainly a series of downsides to Godzilla vs. Kong, including the fact that Millie Bobby Brown’s Madison Russell finds herself in annoyingly useless situations, the odd comparisons that can be made to Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and the frustrating predictability of the entire film, the film manages to intrigue viewers from beginning to end. Godzilla vs. Kong, again, has been promoted as one of the biggest films of the past decade, and that is a difficult thing to live up to, but Wingard manages to find a balance between predictable and astonishing. The film, while predictable, finds ways to keep viewers entertained and draw them further and further into the extravaganza that is Godzilla vs. Kong. I truly believe that Warner Bros’ film transcends viewers and finds ways to entertain just about everyone. This film was worth the wait, and Wingard and his immensely talented cast is to thank for that.
Directed by Adam Wigard.
Written by Tony Rossio, Michael Dougherty, Zach Shields, Eric Pearson, & Max Borenstein.
Starring Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Eiza González, Julian Dennison, Lance Reddick, Kyle Chandler, Demián Bichir, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½10
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