Godzilla vs. Kong is a mixed bag. On the positive side, the battles between the titular foes are impressive; the fight choreography is creative and leaves a lasting impression thanks to Wingard’s directorial flair. Additionally, Kong as the emotional heart of the film works well; his Hollow Earth journey, along with his relationship with Jie (Kaylee Hottle) are fulfilling developments in the history of the character. Godzilla (and likewise, Mechagodzilla) prove worthy adversaries and brought believably to the screen.
Director: Adam Wingard
Screenplay: Eric Pearson, Max Borenstein, Terry Rossio, Michael Dougherty, Zach Shields
Producers: Eric McLeod, Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, Richard Mirisch, Alex Garcia, Mary Parent, Brian Rogers, Tamara Watts Kent, Jennifer Conroy, Matt Allsopp
Cinematography: Ben Seresin
Editing: Josh Schaeffer
Music: Tom Holkenberg (composer)
Select Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Shun Oguri, Eiza González, Julian Dennison, Lance Reddick, Kyle Chandler, Demián Bichir, Kaylee Hottle
Runtime: 114 minutes
Country of Origin: USA
US Release: March 31, 2021
Where the film falls apart, however, is in the human drama. Namely, it is non-existent. A stacked cast is simply asked to deliver never-ending exposition. Yes, it is a common complaint with nearly all kaiju films, but screenwriters Eric Pearson, Max Borenstein (and company) have such little regard for character that it is embarrassing. There is nothing memorable about the film’s human antagonist; Eiza González plays a filler character; Kyle Chandler’s ability to phone-act is flawless yet more filler; and our trio of conspiracy-minded heroes exhibit yawn-inducing chemistry. At least make someone a space-ape for the love of Fukuda.
Joking aside, in a nearly two hour movie, the humans must remain the underlying beat of the story; otherwise, you are left with set-piece after set-piece that grows stale by the end.
As for the ending, it is unworthy of Godzilla, Kong, and Mechagodzilla, three of cinema’s the most recognizable kaiju. Not only is Mechagodzilla’s screen time all too brief, but by choosing to defeat the villain through an act of human intervention (by entirely uninspired means), the film robs Kong and Godzilla of any agency. If you want this to be their movie, then make it their movie. Instead, a trio of forgettable characters save the day. It is criminal.
All things considered, is Godzilla vs. Kong is still worth viewing? Are its flaws any worse than other Godzilla (or Kong!) movies? Arguably, no; it still offers an entertaining clash between two classic movie monsters. It just doesn’t know what to do with anything else beyond that.
by Vincent S. Hannam
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