Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) - SPOILER-FREE Review
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Directed by: Adam Wingard
Written by: Eric Pearson, Max Borenstein
Starring: Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Shun Oguri, Eiza González, Julian Dennison, Kyle Chandler, Demián Bichir
Runtime: 113 min
Synopsis: Legends collide in Godzilla vs. Kong as these mythic adversaries meet in a spectacular battle for the ages, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Kong and his protectors undertake a perilous journey to find his true home, and with them is Jia, a young orphaned girl with whom he has formed a unique and powerful bond. But they unexpectedly find themselves in the path of an enraged Godzilla, cutting a swath of destruction across the globe. The epic clash between the two titans - instigated by unseen forces - is only the beginning of the mystery that lies deep within the core of the Earth.
If you've read my other reviews of the MonsterVerse, you know that despite being a fan of the Titans, my opinion about the films hasn't been the best. From the surprisingly enjoyable Godzilla to the unbelievably disappointing King of the Monsters, passing through the generic Kong: Skull Island, this cinematic universe wasn't exactly following the right path for me. While the VFX and the overall action improved, the two pillars of filmmaking - story and characters - were being treated with less care after each installment. Even the fighting sequences of the last movie were a negative surprise due to the lack of visibility. Therefore, I went into Godzilla vs. Kong with moderate expectations, knowing that I could leave the theater not feeling particularly happy…
Well, I'm glad to write that I really enjoyed it! Bringing back Max Borenstein, the screenwriter who helped jumpstart this universe, after his absence in the latest flick, and adding Eric Pearson, one of the screenwriters for Thor: Ragnarok, proved to be a smart decision. No, their screenplay isn't a masterpiece or anything remotely close to being an innovative, impressive script. However, they set up the battle between the two Alpha Titans nicely without the need for ridiculous plot devices or nonsensical character decisions, which is all I ever asked for in this franchise. I never expected a film that features two giant monsters fighting each other to possess groundbreaking, profound storytelling. All I desired was a straightforward narrative that didn't try to execute the most illogical ideas ever thought.
Borenstein and Pearson are able to create a simple story based on an admittedly cliche concept - version 12834 of "hollow Earth" - that never asks too much of the viewers. Of course, there's plenty of moments that the audience will just have to accept and go with it. Nevertheless, it keeps the main focus on the monsters, distracting the viewers from the formulaic characters. Still, Alexander Skarsgård (Passing) interprets a decent protagonist, and Rebecca Hall (The BFG) has an interesting relationship with her adoptive child, Jia (Kaylee Hottle), so not all characters are paper-thin or copied from overused archetypes. Millie Bobby Brown (Enola Holmes, Stranger Things) returns to reprise her role as Madison Russell, but her arc revolves around an irrelevant subplot that only hurts the movie's pacing.
In a film where a vast majority of storytelling relies on heavy exposition, it doesn't help the movie's rhythm nor its tone to have an entire storyline dedicated to conspiracy theorists infiltrating Apex to find secrets that every single member of the audience already knows from the get-go. It's an unimpactful subplot that doesn't even offer entertaining action scenes. Honestly, it feels MBB is being used as marketing bait since she's the only main actress from the previous film to have significant screentime in this one. It's truly a pity because she's definitely one of the youngest actresses working today with the most potential. But enough of nitpicks and issues…
Godzilla vs. Kong undoubtedly delivers the energetic, riveting, jaw-dropping monster battles everyone has been waiting for. Visual effects have an exponential curve of evolution, which means that the most mind-blowing changes can happen from one year to the next. The outstanding CGI work in this movie is absolutely eyegasmic. I waited an entire month to be able to watch this film at the biggest IMAX theater in the country, and I left visually satiated. From the stunning looks of the Titans to the genuinely astonishing fighting sequences, the VFX artists are the true makers of this movie. I have no vocabulary to compliment them enough, so I'll leave it at a heartfelt "thank you".
Adam Wingard (Blair Witch, The Guest) could have controlled the time spent on each storyline a bit better, but overall he does a wonderful job. There are more characters and side stories than necessary, but it doesn't feel like that often due to Wingard's smooth direction. The monsters go through several battles that are structured beautifully, telling a story of its own without dialogues or other sorts of exposition. Technically, I love how each location has a defining color and atmosphere. Tom Holkenborg (aka Junkie XL) creates a chill-inducing score that really elevates the action sequences, which are all very well-edited (Josh Schaeffer). On a general note, the production value is as marvelous as expected from a visually breathtaking saga.
Final Thoughts
Godzilla vs. Kong is the return to form from the divisive MonsterVerse. Max Borenstein and Eric Pearson manage to write an uncomplicated screenplay without absurd plot points or extremely dumb character decisions, which is all I ever asked for in this franchise, even if it carries tons of formulas and cliches. No one expects an Oscar-worthy script, but something that can serve as a companion piece to the massive battles between the Titans. Adam Wingard struggles to balance the unnecessary, irrelevant side stories that unfortunately affect the film's pacing and tone, but ultimately he's able to set up each fighting sequence nicely. Action-wise, it's the best entry of the saga, by far. From the genuinely impressive, eyegasmic CGI work to the exciting, adrenaline-pumping monster fights that will leave you at the edge of your seat, this movie is the definition of pure blockbuster entertainment. Extraordinary production value, as expected, and a perfect Junkie XL's score make this a clear recommendation.
