Thoughts on the 2024 Monsterverse 5th Installment: Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire

In my opinion, Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire is a decent movie that successfully rekindled my interest in Godzilla comics. Many fans and newcomers alike will enjoy it due to its straightforward entertainment value, allowing them to simply relax and be entertained without overthinking the plot.

Modern Adaptation of Classic Gems

The film is a modern take on the classic Showa Era of Godzilla, particularly reminiscent of the Godzilla Minus One series. However, I do not find these comparisons fair, as the fast-paced action and humorous elements are in line with what Godzilla has always been. Godzilla's quick movements are not as "bad" as some might suggest; they maintain the brand's essence.

Focusing on the Strengths

Despite the criticisms, I must acknowledge the strengths of the film. Kong is the standout character, with a captivating storyline that doesn't rely on dialogue, allowing viewers to become emotionally invested. His journey is not only amusing but profound, providing a "soul" behind those Kaiju eyes. Additionally, I appreciate the character Suko, who is the favorite character in the movie. The antagonist, Skar King, is visually appealing and imbued with personality, setting him apart as a monsterverse villain.

Excellent Visuals and Action

The visual effects of the film are well-executed, especially considering the lowest budget in the Monsterverse series. The action scenes are strategically timed to occur during the day, ensuring that the monsters' movements and battles are clearly visible. This pacing helps to maintain engagement, making the film a visually satisfying experience.

Areas for Improvement

While the film has its strengths, there are certainly areas that could have been improved. The human characters, for instance, are not as engaging or relatable as they could be. Despite the film's fast pace, the plot is somewhat lacking in depth. The characters, while not terrible, feel like they serve primarily as commentators on the action, which detracts from the overall story.

The characters, especially the human ones, are essential to the narrative. They need to feel relatable to the audience, as in Godzilla 1954, Shin Godzilla 2014, Godzilla Kong, and Godzilla Minus One. The story's pacing is a bit rushed, and some elements, such as the Mothra and the final fight, feel underutilized and rushed. A more developed storyline and characters would have made the movie more impactful and engaging.

Monsterverse Critique

The inclusion of Godzilla and Scylla was not necessary, in my opinion. If these characters had been left out, the movie would have focused more on King Kong, leading to a tighter and more impactful storyline. A more streamlined narrative would have allowed the fight scenes to be more grand and satisfying, especially considering Skar King's potential as a physical threat without relying on the inclusion of other powerful monsters.

Conclusion

In summary, while Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire is a well-made and entertaining film, there is potential for improvement in terms of character development and plot pacing. For Monsterverse fans, it is a satisfactory entry, but its greatness could have been even more evident without the clutter of additional monsters and characters. My personal rating rests at 6 out of 10, reflecting a decent film with room for growth in the future.