“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” Review: A Spectacle with Highs and Lows

Director Adam Wingard’s “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” (GXK) delivers jaw-dropping action sequences that captivate audiences. However, the film is hindered by redundant attempts to infuse emotion and drama, resulting in a forgettable spectacle.

While the film may seem like an easy cash grab for its production studio, it faced an uphill battle to live up to the success of its predecessors. The culmination of the monsterverse franchise and shared universe in “Godzilla vs. Kong” paved the way for GXK, which was announced a year later. This suggests that the sequel was somewhat of an afterthought, reflected in its lackadaisical approach.

The best aspects of GXK lie in its plot and the expansion of the franchise’s lore. Godzilla, a metaphor for war and nuclear weapons, finds a temporary truce with Kong, leading to an intriguing peace treaty. However, this peace is short-lived when Kong opens Pandora’s box in Hollow Earth, unleashing a powerful nemesis that requires a tag-team partner for a fatal showdown.

While the film attempts to tackle relevant issues, such as genetic engineering, it feels like a ride with a study sheet attached. The human dimension, portrayed by talented actors like Brian Tyree Henry and Dan Stevens, often feels like filler. Rebecca Hall’s no-nonsense portrayal and Kaylee Hottle’s luminous presence add some depth, but overall, the human element feels formulaic.

Comparisons to the original Japanese kaiju films are inevitable, as they often prioritize spectacle over story. However, films like “Godzilla” (1954), “Mothra” (1961), and “Destroy All Monsters” (1968) managed to combine schlock with emotional grandeur. In contrast, “Godzilla x Kong” feels more like a product, though it still delivers in terms of action.

Director Adam Wingard knows how to choreograph beastie battles to appeal to our inner toy-smashing seven-year-old. The destruction of recognizable cities evokes a relatable mayhem, while battles in the CGI-heavy Hollow Earth feel less authentic.

Ultimately, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is a mixed bag. It showcases thrilling action sequences and expands the franchise’s lore, but falls short in delivering a truly memorable experience. While it may not reach the emotional grandeur of its predecessors, it still manages to entertain with its larger-than-life battles.