Film Review - Godzilla Vs Kong

I haven't done one of these in a while so please be gentle.

Director: Adam Wingard

Starring: Rebecca Hall, Kaylee Hottle, Alexander Skarsgard, Millie Bobby Brown.

If you've been following the MonsterVerse, starting with the reintroduction of Godzilla in 2014, you will know that everything has been leading to this showdown.

At the end of Godzilla: King of Monsters (don't read on if you haven't seen it) our favourite giant lizard had defeated Ghidorah and was left as the alpha titan. But, as we all knew, there was one who stayed out of the monster showdown.

And here we are, back on Skull Island where Kong's home is now a Monarch outpost, and essentially a prison. We are introduced to Rebecca Hall's Dr Andrews and young Jia (Kaylee Hottle), who we find out has a bond with our favourite giant primate. The relative calm is interrupted by Alexander Skarsgard's character who wants Kong to lead a team to Hollow Earth.

At the same time, Godzilla attacks the U.S. coast, seemingly without any provication. However, Madison (Millie Bobby Brown returning from King of Monsters) enlists the help of friend Josh (Deadpool 2's Julian Dennison) and conspiracy theorist Bernie (played by Brian Tyree Henry) to find out what is really wrong with Godzilla.

Sometimes  with films like these, the major showdown is teased throughout but nothing happens until the final act. However, with Godzilla Vs Kong, it delivers on its promise of a gigantic fight, not once but twice. The effects are amazing, and both Monsters look spectacular (anyone who thinks otherwise is welcome to revisit the original 1962 version and then tell me how CGI has ruined films 🙄).

The human cast in Monster movies can sometimes be surplus to requirement, but most of the actors here are well cast (and are an improvement on the previous outings cast in terms of likeability) . Top mention for Hottle who is wonderful as Kong's young friend Jia. 

This film might be headlined by Godzilla but this is Kong's movie. We've focused on the king of the monsters twice now so it is nice to see how Kong has grown and changed since Skull Island. Don't let that put you off. I'm one of Godzilla's biggest fans but even I knew we had to see this from Kong's perspective to keep the audience's interest (worked for me).

I read some 'reviewers' comments before I watched the movie myself and I have to wonder what these people have actually been watching. If you are confused about the plot, or unclear regarding why these two titans throwdown at all, may I suggest you rewatch the previous installments. Everything has clearly led to this moment. If you don't understand how, it's probably because you weren't paying attention (or haven't seen the previous films, in which case, what the hell are you doing reading this 🤔?)

My only regret is my first viewing wasn't on a bigger screen (not to brag but my telly is pretty big, just not cinema big). It deserves to be seen as large as possible. I will definitely be watching it again once my local Cineworld reopens.

For anyone who doesn't mind seeing it first on TV, to quote someone I know, 4K is the way. This movie needs to be seen in the highest definition possible so the colours really stand out (you'll know what I mean when you see it).