Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire throws humanity’s favourite giant monster brawl back into the ring, but this titanic tussle feels more like a tired rehash than a worthy successor. We open with the uneasy alliance between Godzilla and Kong, tasked with protecting humanity from lurking threats. However, whispers of a hidden danger soon tear this fragile peace apart, dragging our ape and atomic lizard into a clash for survival.

The film’s biggest strength lies in its breathtaking visuals. The battles between Godzilla and Kong are undeniably impressive. Director Adam Wingard stages these showdowns with a chaotic energy, taking us from the neon-drenched streets of Hong Kong to the gravity-defying caverns of Hollow Earth. The special effects are top-notch, with both titans rendered in stunning detail. Godzilla’s atomic blasts illuminate the screen, while Kong swings through the air with a balletic grace that belies his immense size.

Unfortunately, the impressive visuals can’t mask the film’s narrative shortcomings. The plot feels cobbled together, relying on tired tropes and predictable twists. The human characters, once again relegated to monster movie peanut gallery duty, are given little to work with. There’s a valiant effort to establish a connection between Kong and a newfound ape companion in Hollow Earth, but it’s underdeveloped and ultimately inconsequential. Meanwhile, bland dialogue and clichéd motivations make it hard to care about their fate.

The pacing is another culprit. The film lurches between slow, exposition-heavy stretches and frenetic action sequences. The editing feels choppy at times, leaving some fight choreography confusing and hard to follow. The score by Tom Holkenborg (Junkie XL) is a mixed bag. While it boasts some pulse-pounding tracks during the fights, it lacks the thematic depth or memorable motifs that truly elevate a monster movie.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Kong Empire feels like a missed opportunity. It evokes memories of classic monster brawls but fails to capture the spirit of what made them special. While Kaiju fans might find some enjoyment in the big-budget slugfests, the film ultimately disappoints with its forgettable story, underdeveloped characters, and uneven execution. If you’re looking for a monster movie masterpiece, look elsewhere. This one’s best left on Skull Island.

(In cinemas — check your local movie guide for show times.)