In “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” the latest instalment in Legendary Pictures’ MonsterVerse, director Adam Wingard delivers a captivating twist on the classic clash of titans narrative. Departing from the anticipated rivalry between Godzilla and Kong, the story unfolds three years after their last encounter, with Godzilla safeguarding the surface while Kong ventures into the depths of Hollow Earth in search of his ancestral clan.
The film gradually builds tension as it explores the aftermath of their previous showdown, revealing a world where Godzilla (portrayed through CGI) and Kong (performed by Terry Notary) peacefully preside over distinct domains. However, a mysterious signal detected in Hollow Earth triggers erratic behavior in Godzilla, capturing the attention of Monarch chief scientist Dr. Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall) and her deaf adopted daughter Jia (Kaylee Hottle), the last living member of Skull Island’s Iwi tribe, who seeks to decipher the signal’s significance.
Shimo: An ancient, ice-covered Titan
Joined by an unlikely alliance comprising muckraking podcaster Bernie Hayes (Brian Tyree Henry) and daring monster veterinarian Nathan Lind (Alexander Skarsgård), the group embarks on a perilous journey into Hollow Earth. There, they unearth not only enigmatic creatures but also a hidden civilisation of giant primates enslaved by the ruthless despot, the Skar King (voiced by Ron Perlman). Armed with the ancient ice Titan Shimo and fuelled by vengeance, the Skar King poses a formidable threat to both Godzilla and Kong, seeking to conquer the surface world.
Entry way to the Hollow Earth
As the plot unfolds, the narrative divides between Kong’s exploration of his ancestral home and the impending conflict with the Skar King. Yet, amidst the chaos, moments of camaraderie surface, culminating in a reluctant alliance between Godzilla and Kong, catalysed by the intervention of Mothra (CGI), a legendary creature reawakened by Jia.
Jia, Dr. Andrews, Bernie Hayes and Nathan Lind
The ensuing battle against the Skar King’s forces spans from Hollow Earth to the streets of Rio de Janeiro, showcasing the film’s breathtaking CGI spectacle. Despite its visual prowess, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” occasionally falters in leaving a lasting impact beyond its action sequences. While Kong emerges as the film’s emotional core, Godzilla’s role feels somewhat diminished, relegated to a supporting character in the climactic showdown. Nevertheless, occasional cuts to Godzilla curled cat-like inside Rome’s Colosseum provide charming moments.
Kong with his ancient battle axe
Suko aka Mini Kong
Additionally, the narrative pacing suffers from a slow buildup, delaying the introduction of the main antagonist. In essence, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” offers a mixed experience, blending moments of spectacle with genuine emotion. While it celebrates the absurdity of its premise, it occasionally struggles to strike a balance between human drama and monster mayhem. Yet, it sets the stage for future collaborations among iconic Titans, hinting at the potential for even grander showdowns in the MonsterVerse.
For fans longing for giant monsters battling each other, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” delivers an exhilarating spectacle. It’s a movie where the monsters take centre stage, providing a thrilling ride for enthusiasts of epic kaiju battles.
Godzilla, fully recharged and glowing in bright pink
