Godzilla vs. Kong
Year: 2021
Rating: PG-13
Length: 103 minutes / 1.72 hours
When the theaters were opening again, I knew this was one of the movies I wanted to see on the big screen. I had missed Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)—having watched it at home well after it had come out—and wanted to be sure that I experienced all this movie had to offer. And while I waited a little too long and was spoiled a little before going to finally see it, Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) delivered on its promise to show me two large animals fighting.
The trouble with the MonsterVerse franchise is that ultimately, the humans surrounding these titans are insignificant. Sure, they may drive some plot here and there, but mostly they’re present for exposition as to why these giants are even fighting in the first place. In previous entries, I usually let it slide. However, I found the addition of conspiracy theorist Bernie Hayes (Brian Tyree Henry) to be a bit too obnoxious for my tastes and almost wished they had just left Madison Russell (Millie Bobby Brown) to do her own thing; regardless of these “conspiracies.”
Aside from the human element, how do the fights stack up? While they are certainly visually stunning, they mostly felt too short. Considering the movie is about these two beasts facing off, I was surprised the fights weren’t a more significant part of the runtime. However, I did appreciate the introduction of a third character (that will remain nameless to prevent spoiling it for you), if for no other reason than I liked to see the modern take on this classic monster. Overall, though, I was a little disappointed in this movie after all the hype it garnered.
A monster movie that delivers on its premise at the bare minimum, I give Godzilla vs. Kong 3.5 stars out of 5.
1/2
