Legendary Entertainment Picture’s fourth film in the MonsterVerse – the 2021 American sci-fi, action-thriller, Godzilla vs. Kong was directed by Adam Wingard and produced by Thomas Tull, along with five others.
MonsterVerse comprises of the Godzilla and Kong Franchise. I know some people are not into films like this; some could take it or leave it, but others, like me, just love them. Growing up watching the cartoon tv series, Godzilla (and Gadzuki), and having repeatedly watched 1976’s King Kong - the remake of the 1933 version, I have always been “acquainted” with these two Titan monsters. I think the one most people are familiar with and, in my opinion, the best one yet, is director Peter Jackson’s 2005 remake which starred Jack Black, Naomi Watts, and Adrien Brody. While it is advisable to first watch the two prequels – 2017’s Kong: Skull Island and 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters, the new sequel, Godzilla vs. Kong can be watched as a standalone.
Kong’s back story? Well he’s this gigantic mysterious phenomenon and monster ape who lives on a strange island with other strange creatures. The natives of the Island worshipped him as the King of the Island and all of the creatures on it. Of course, due to the usual “circumstances”, he is discovered by some Americans, and a lot ensued after. Long and short of it, Kong proved to be a proud, intelligent, extremely powerful, but equally dangerous creature that is weary of men but is willing to protect the good.
Godzilla’s story is not that straight forward. He is a colossal sea monster that also dates back to the prehistoric days. Due to nuclear radioactivity, he was awoken and draws his power from the radiation. Hence his ability to destroy anything and anyone by projecting a blue nuclear fire beam from his mouth. Godzilla mostly keeps to himself unless he is disturbed or the balance of life and justice are threatened, then he becomes very very dangerous!
In Godzilla vs. Kong, an employee of Apex Cybernetics, Bernie Hayes (Brian Tyree Henry) is a conspiracy theorists who runs his own conspiracy podcast. His current target is Apex Cybernetics, and he soon comes across suspicious information that fuels his disturbing theory. While at the Apex Florida facility, in what seemed like an unprovoked attack, Godzilla suddenly emerges… causing horrific destruction. In the midst of the rampage, Bernie happens to see a huge, strange device.
As people begin to grow fearful and suspicious of Godzilla, Madison Russell (Millie Bobby Brown), teenage daughter of Mark Russell (Kyle Chandler), a scientist working for the secret government organisation - Monarch, is convinced that there is more to Godzilla’s seemingly irrational behaviour. As an ardent follower of Bernie’s podcast and a believer of his theories, she drags her good friend Josh Valentine (Julian Dennison) along with her to find Bernie so they can team up to embark on some amateur sleuthing.
Meanwhile, Walter Simmons (Damian Bichir), the CEO of Apex, enlists scientist and Hollow Earth theorist, Nathan Lind (Alexander Skarsgard), an ex-employee of Monarch, to lead an expedition into the earth’s cavity. This is in the bid to discover the mythical power source in the home world of the Titans. For Nathan to accomplish this, he needs the help of Kong to lead the way and guide them to his homeland through Hollow Earth.
Kong was being held and monitored by Monarch in a giant dome on Skull Island where he has forged a connection with the last living native of the Island, young Jia (Kaylee Hottle), who has been adopted by Monarch employee and Kong specialist, Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall). Nathan manages to convince Ilene, and so begins their journey with Kong to Hollow Earth through Antarctica.
There is a huge problem, though… literally! For some reason, Godzilla is proving to be an obstacle, and in a series of events, the two monsters will be forced to face-off in the ultimate battle of the Titans.
Obviously, just like the others, this is a big budget blockbuster with all the frills, thrills and trimmings that make it so i.e. action packed, creative designs, impressive special effects, and outstanding CGI work. The story and plot were good enough, and I especially loved the visuals. Great cinematography and directing, with the addition of a very capable cast. However, I did find Alexander Skarsgard’s Nathan Lind a little boring and characterless. Millie Bobbi Brown graced us once again with her overzealous acting in her reprising role as Madison Russell from Godzilla: King of the Monsters.
I love a film that has the ability to draw you in, engage, excite, produce the desired effect, and deliver exactly what it promised. We were promised a battle between two iconic monsters, and we definitely got it. Better than Godzilla: King of the Monsters, not as awesome as Kong: Skull Island or 2005’s King Kong, but still a very powerful and entertaining watch. Rating? 8.7 out of 10.
Available to rent on Sky TV.
Further information
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Story:
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Cast:
Alexander Skarsgard: (Nathan Lind)
Kyle Chandler: (Mark Russell)
Millie Bobby Brown: (Madison Russell)
Brian Tyree Henry: (Bernie Hayes)
Rebecca Hall: (Ilene Andrews)
Kaylee Hottle: (Jia)
Demián Bichir: (Walter Simmons)
Shun Oguri: (Ren Serizawa)
Eiza Gonzalez: (Maya Simmons)
Julian Dennison: (Josh Valentine)
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