Review of Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)

General Information

• Director: Adam Wingard
• Main Cast:
  • Alexander Skarsgård (Nathan Lind)
  • Millie Bobby Brown (Madison Russell)
  • Rebecca Hall (Ilene Andrews)
  • Brian Tyree Henry (Bernie Hayes)
  • Demián Bichir (Walter Simmons)
  • Kyle Chandler (Mark Russell)
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
• Runtime: 113 minutes
• Studio: Legendary Entertainment, Warner Bros. Pictures

Plot

Godzilla vs. Kong is the highly anticipated showdown between two of the most iconic monsters in cinema history. The film follows the epic battle between Godzilla, the fearsome giant lizard, and Kong, the mighty ape, set against the backdrop of a world where these colossal creatures exist and pose existential threats to humanity.

The plot centers around a team of scientists and specialists led by Nathan Lind (Alexander Skarsgård) and Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall) as they attempt to find a way to control or communicate with the titans. Kong is brought to the Hollow Earth in search of a potential power source that could help fight Godzilla, whose unexpected rampage leads people to believe he has gone rogue. As both monsters clash, human characters must figure out who or what is truly pulling the strings behind the chaos and face an even greater threat in the form of a human-driven monster, Mechagodzilla.

Highlights

1. Spectacular Monster Battles
   • The main attraction of Godzilla vs. Kong is, of course, the battles between the two titans, and the film delivers on this front in spectacular fashion. The fight scenes between Godzilla and Kong are jaw-dropping, combining stunning visual effects with intense action. Each battle is a high-octane spectacle, filled with massive destruction and innovative uses of the environments. The filmmakers do an excellent job of making each fight unique, with the monsters using their surroundings to their advantage—whether it’s Kong wielding a weapon or Godzilla unleashing devastating blasts of atomic energy. These battles are the heart of the film and will certainly satisfy fans of monster movie action.
2. Visual Effects and Cinematography
   • The visual effects in Godzilla vs. Kong are nothing short of stunning. The CGI used to bring these massive creatures to life is state-of-the-art, and the scale of the monsters is effectively conveyed in every scene. The film’s cinematography complements the action, often emphasizing the overwhelming size of the creatures as they battle in cityscapes, oceanic battles, and the Hollow Earth. The use of lighting and special effects enhances the grandeur of the titans, and the final showdown in the city at night is especially striking, with glowing neon lights reflecting off the creatures’ scales.
3. Human Drama and Characters
   • While the human characters are secondary to the main action, the film does provide enough of a story to give context to the conflict. Alexander Skarsgård and Rebecca Hall play the main protagonists, and their characters’ efforts to understand and control the titans are an interesting (albeit secondary) part of the plot. Millie Bobby Brown returns as Madison Russell, this time teaming up with a conspiracy theorist (Brian Tyree Henry), adding a bit of comic relief as they investigate the connection between Godzilla’s rampages and a mysterious corporation. While the human storylines are not as engaging as the monster battles, they provide some grounding and motivation for the creatures’ actions.
4. Mechagodzilla and the Final Twist
   • The introduction of Mechagodzilla is a highlight for fans of the Godzilla franchise. This mechanical titan, created by humans to be a counterforce to the kaiju, provides a thrilling and unexpected twist to the story. The design of Mechagodzilla is visually impressive, and the way it is integrated into the plot adds a new layer of excitement, leading to an epic team-up of Godzilla and Kong. The final battle between the three titans is a spectacular sequence that raises the stakes and offers a satisfying conclusion to the film’s conflict.

Criticisms

1. Simplistic Plot
   • While Godzilla vs. Kong is a visual spectacle, its plot is rather simplistic and predictable. The human characters and their subplots often feel like distractions from the real action, and the film does not delve deeply into any of the storylines or character motivations. The central conflict between Godzilla and Kong is clear, but the explanation behind their rivalry and the human involvement in the larger plot is somewhat lacking in complexity. This isn’t a film that aims to tell a deep, character-driven story, but for some viewers, the lack of a more compelling narrative may be a downside.
2. Underdeveloped Characters
   • Despite the star-studded cast, the human characters in Godzilla vs. Kong are largely underdeveloped. Nathan Lind and Ilene Andrews are fine as the primary human leads, but they don’t have much to work with beyond their roles as guides for the monsters. Madison’s role as a returning character feels more like an afterthought, and the inclusion of Brian Tyree Henry as the comic relief conspiracy theorist, while entertaining, does not add much depth to the overall story.
3. Pacing Issues
   • The pacing of the film, particularly in the middle portion, can feel uneven. While the film opens with high-intensity action, there are stretches where the story slows down to focus on the human characters’ attempts to understand the titans or uncover the mystery behind Godzilla’s rampage. While these moments help set up the final act, they can feel like a drag for audiences primarily interested in the monster battles.

Verdict

Godzilla vs. Kong is an entertaining blockbuster that delivers what it promises: massive monster battles, stunning visual effects, and thrilling action sequences. The film focuses heavily on the spectacle, with both Godzilla and Kong receiving their due time to shine. While the plot and characters may not be deeply developed, the movie delivers an exciting and action-packed experience for fans of the franchise and monster movies in general. The introduction of Mechagodzilla and the final clash between the titans makes for an exciting conclusion, ensuring that the film will satisfy audiences looking for high-octane fun.

Rating: 8/10