'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' Movie Review: More Mayhem, Less Magic

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Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is nothing short of a roller coaster of a film experience, and not all of its ups and downs are thrilling. I was able to check out a press screening earlier this week, and I was left with a mixed bag of emotions, primarily due to its over-the-top nature and a villain who struggles to send shivers down my spine.

In the latest chapter of Legendary Pictures’ Monsterverse, the aftermath of the titanic clash in Godzilla vs. Kong has barely settled before a new threat arises. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire throws the mighty Kong and the terrifying Godzilla, back into the fray, this time against a monumental menace lurking in the shadows of our world, threatening not just their reign but our very existence.

Check out the trailer below.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Movie Trailer

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Movie Review: What I Liked and Didn’t Like

Firstly, the ambition of this movie cannot be overstated. It tries to go bigger, bolder, and more grandiose in every aspect. However, its reach often exceeds its grasp. While the idea of pitting Godzilla and Kong against an even bigger threat sounds promising, the execution falls short, thanks to a script riddled with plot holes wide enough for the titular titans to fall right through.

On the flip side, the venture into Hollow Earth and the focus on Kong’s quest for family introduced moments of genuine interest and character depth, even if the surrounding spectacle drowned out these aspects.

The Story

The script attempts to juggle too many balls, leading to a convoluted mess that feels like a weak excuse to set up titan clashes. It painfully sidelines Godzilla’s arc, choosing instead to center on Kong and a human subplot that tries, yet struggles, to tether emotional weight to the monster mayhem. While the Hollow Earth concept is intriguing, it isn’t enough to anchor the plot’s sprawling ambitions firmly.

New Movies Coming Out This Week: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire — Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers

Acting

Despite the narrative turbulence, Rebecca Hall and Kaylee Hottle, as Dr. Andrews and young Jia respectively, provide a steady hand with their performances, bringing much-needed humanity to the monster chaos. And, Brian Tyree Henry and Dan Stevens inject a dose of humor and charm. Their talents shine through even if the script doesn’t always serve any of the cast well at all.

Overall

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire feels like a missed opportunity. It’s a spectacle, no doubt, full of eye-popping visuals and monster clashes that occasionally recapture the magic of its predecessors. Yet, it ultimately staggers under the weight of its own ambitions, serving up a visually intoxicating concoction but narratively sobering with its obvious deficiencies. I could say the same thing about the last handful of Jurassic World movies…

In comparison to the rich storytelling and character development of Godzilla Minus One (which was unquestionably one of 2023’s best films) and the unbridled joy of Kong: Skull Island, this installment feels like a step back into the fog of war between monsters, where the clarity of purpose and coherence gets lost in translation.

For an adventure amongst titans, it’s serviceable. But for those yearning for a deeper dive into what makes these creatures tick, this empire feels more like a fleeting dynasty.