Is ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ worth Watching? A Complete Review

After a five-year wait since its announcement, Godzilla vs. Kong finally dropped earlier this week. Racking up $132 million worldwide, it is already the fourth highest-grossing film of 2021. But is the new installment in the MonsterVerse franchise worth the watch? Let’s take a look.

If the box office value wasn’t an apparent reason, then some more convincing is in need. The movie, which brings together the two iconic beasts of cinema history, succeeded its two prequels Kong: Skull Island and Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and has received praise from critics who commended it for its visual effects and fight sequences.

1. Quick Review

Right from the trailer, Godzilla vs. Kong gives a promising peek into the developments of the film. With new cast members joining and converging two Titan beasts into one big screen, it was bound to be a gripping event, and it truly delivered the best. 

Not only is it jam-packed with riveting action, but it also features the unraveling of mysteries unknown before.

2. Is It worth Watching?

So, when the question arises as to whether you should watch Godzilla vs. Kong or not? The answer is yes. 

If you’re a fan of the MonsterVerse and have been following the franchise, then it’s quite the enjoyable progress from its prequels, neither of which hit the mark.

Godzilla vs. Kong – Official Trailer

3. Plot

The movie picks up five years after the events of Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Meanwhile, a new organization called APEX means to search for a power source right at the heart of the Titans’ world. Kong is recruited to guide them to the location, but an enraged Godzilla attacks the team and starts wreaking havoc on humanity.

Kong and Godzilla engage in battle until the real evil is brought to light, whereupon both kaiju join hands to take the force down.

I. Cast and Characters

With a lineup of characters, both old and new, the franchise is slowly bringing to life many of them mentioned in the graphic novels. 

Among them is Nathan Lind, played by Alexander Skarsgard, a geologist hired by APEX to guide Kong into the Hollow Earth. The actor himself said that the character pays homage to movies like Indiana Jones and Die Hard.

Joining him are who play the other human characters and give decent performances.

However, the most intriguing one to be featured in the movie is Shun Oguri, who plays Ren Serizawa. If that name rings any bells, then you’re right. He is, in fact, the son of deceased Monarch scientist Ishiro Serizawa.

Sidelined for most of the movie, Ren is shown as a foil to his father and harbors evil intentions, which leads him to side with APEX. Oguri, a newcomer to the Hollywood industry, portrays the character well and does an excellent job for a first-timer.

Recurring characters include Madison Russell (Millie Bobby Brown) and her father, Dr. Mark Russell (Kyle Chandler) from Godzilla: King of the Monsters. They both play significant roles in the movie, as well.

3. Final Thoughts & Grade

Godzilla vs. Kong is a joyride running on terrific fight scenes and truly admirable CGI. Pitting the gargantuan beasts against each other, the movie brings to the forefront a question wondered by all followers of the franchise: Which is the alpha predator?

Throughout the movies, both Kong and Godzilla are portrayed as saviors of humanity. But faced against each other; what turn does it take, who’s the strongest, and ultimately, who wins?

In a way, the movie answers all, but it also delves into the kaiju’s history, which is another reason to give the movie a shot. Looking into the past also gives some much-needed context to the movie’s present events.

But above all, the combined product, which comes together in the form of good cinematography, visual effects, and music, is a praiseworthy achievement.

4. About Godzilla vs. Kong

Godzilla vs. Kong is an American kaiju-action movie. It is a sequel to Godzilla: King of Monsters and Kong: Skull Island and is the latest entry in the WB-Legendary Monsterverse. The film stars Alexander Skarsgard, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and others.

Godzilla vs. Kong took in $285 million in just 12 days in theatres. As of now, it has grossed over $400 million, becoming the most successful movie in the pandemic era to date.

Humans have captured King Kong from Skull Island to help him find his true home. With them is Jia, a young orphaned girl with whom he has formed a unique and powerful bond. But Kong’s return comes just in time for Godzilla cutting a swath of destruction across the globe. As the fearsome monsters square off in an epic battle for the ages, humanity looks to wipe out both of them and take back the planet once and for all.

Source: HBO Max