Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire - Movie Review

In their last adventure, Godzilla and Kong teamed up to take down Apex Cybernetics in the movie Godzilla vs Kong (2021). Now, in Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, directed by Adam Wingard, they face a new challenge. This time, their battle takes them to the mysterious depths of Hollow Earth.

In this exciting sequel, Godzilla and Kong confront a powerful enemy that threatens to upset the natural balance both underground in Hollow Earth and on the Earth's surface. Working together, these legendary giants must act quickly to prevent disaster. They aren't fighting alone, however; they have a team of human allies supporting them.

Synopsis

The Monarch Research Center continues to explore Hollow Earth and Kong's life there. Kong enjoys his new home by hunting and partaking in other activities.

During one such expedition, Kong injures one of his canine teeth. This incident forces him to use a portal to seek help from Dr. Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall) and her team back on Earth.

Simultaneously, disturbances arise in Rome. Godzilla, who had been dormant after vanquishing the Titans that once menaced humanity, inexplicably stirs and begins to behave erratically.

Godzilla is not the only one showing odd behavior; Jia (Kaylee Hottle) is also behaving peculiarly at school, which concerns Dr. Ilene. Upon coaxing, Jia reveals through sign language about a recurring dream involving three spinning triangles, which she cannot interpret.

This mention of triangles prompts Dr. Ilene to recall recent unusual readings from Hollow Earth. The seismographs had registered patterns similar to those described by Jia. Suspecting a connection, Dr. Ilene seeks insights from Bernie (Brian Tyree Henry).

Bernie informs her that the patterns are actually an S.O.S. signal being sent repeatedly. Alarmed by this information, Dr. Ilene quickly gathers her team, including Trapper (Dan Stevens) and pilot Mikael (Alex Ferns), to plan an expedition.

The team, along with Jia, Bernie, and Mikael, decide to venture into Hollow Earth. Kong, now recovered, returns to his subterranean home. Upon arrival, they start tracing the source of the S.O.S. signal and stumble upon unexpected evidence of the Iwi people, Jia's ancestral tribe.

Their journey deep into the forest brings them face to face with an army of Iwi tribesmen, who lead them to their settlement. Meanwhile, Kong discovers an uncharted region in Hollow Earth, thanks to his encounter with a young Kong, who had initially caused a disturbance but soon becomes an ally. This young Kong alerts them to the looming threat of the Skar King, who aims to dominate Hollow Earth.

The tribal leader informs Jia and her companions about the Skar King's intentions, explaining the reason behind the S.O.S. signal: to summon Jia, believed to be the key to awakening their tribe's queen of peace.

The distress signal also agitates Godzilla, who goes on a rampage, clashing with other Titans to bolster his strength for the impending conflict with the Skar King. Meanwhile, Kong confronts the Skar King, guided by the young Kong's advice.

The Skar King, wielding control over Shimo, an ancient Titan with the power to unleash lethal ice, proves to be a formidable adversary. After a fierce encounter, a defeated Kong retreats to seek aid from Dr. Ilene and her team.

Recognizing the imminent danger, they mobilize their forces. Jia and the Iwi manage to awaken their queen of peace, while Kong is armed with a formidable weapon to summon Godzilla through a portal.

Once assembled, they prepare for a decisive battle against the Skar King. The conflict intensifies in Hollow Earth and mirrors the turmoil above. The Skar King and his minions initially overpower Kong and Godzilla. However, the tide turns with the arrival of the queen of peace and the Iwi.

Little Kong also plays a crucial role, arriving just in time to destroy a piece of Shimo’s horn, a key to the Skar King's control over the ice Titan. Freed from domination, Shimo turns against the Skar King and launches a frosty assault just as the villain strikes at Kong, freezing him instantly.

Seizing the moment, Kong shatters the Skar King’s icy form. Peace is restored as Shimo becomes an ally, guarding Hollow Earth alongside Kong, while Godzilla resumes his slumber in Rome’s Colosseum. Jia, along with Dr. Ilene, opts to return to the surface, leaving her tribal connections behind.

Top-notch CGI

Fans of Godzilla and Kong will be completely delighted with the CGI deployed by Legendary Pictures. Throughout the film, viewers can see the majestic presence of Godzilla and the formidable Kong. Additionally, the introduction of new monsters is nothing short of spectacular!

The setting during Dr. Ilene's team's expedition to Hollow Earth is equally impressive. The stunning visuals in Godzilla X Kong owe much to the skilled hands of cinematographer Ben Seresin. His expertise brought every scene to perfection, affirming Adam Wingard's excellent decision to include him on the production team.

The Titans

Godzilla X Kong underscores the new reality that humans must learn to coexist with the Titan creatures that also live in the Earth. Almost all Titans maintain a peaceful coexistence with humans, each looking out for the other. This is evident in Godzilla's confrontation with the Scar King.

This action was taken to secure Godzilla's place on Earth as a safe one. Similarly, Kong's role is depicted as humanity's guardian. In a pivotal scene, Kong is explicitly described as a protector, highlighting his loyalty to humans. This loyalty stems from his understanding that his own well-being is intricately linked with that of humanity.

Sensitive Content Warning!

For those with sensitive hearing and vision, Showpoiler advises caution when considering whether to watch this movie. It's not that "Godzilla X Kong" isn't a fantastic film—it truly is! However, almost every scene leading up to the climax is filled with intense bright lights, primarily from Godzilla's atomic breath and other vibrant effects.

Additionally, the film is replete with roars—not gentle ones, but loud and fierce sounds that can be quite overwhelming. This is especially true when Kong shows his anger or when Godzilla is in action. The noise is even more pronounced during their battle against the Scar King. As a precaution, if you do choose to watch it, please be mindful of your auditory and visual comfort!

Overall, considering the plot, sound design, cinematography, and special effects, "Godzilla X Kong" earns a high rating. Showpoiler awards the movie a score of 4.6 out of 5, despite the acting being somewhat average.