By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire," from director
Adam Wingard and written by
Terry Rossio ("Godzilla vs. Kong"), Jeremy Slater (TV's "The Umbrella Academy") and Simon Barrett ("Seance"), is the sequel to the 2021 blockbuster "Godzilla vs. Kong." While this colossal monster fest delivers its fair share of thrills and laughs, it doesn’t quite reach the heights set by its predecessor.
Since the defeat of Mechagodzilla, King Kong has maintained his territory in the Hollow Earth. Above ground, Godzilla reigns supreme commanding order between humanity and the giant Titan monsters. But the peace and tranquility that had formed, is abruptly shattered when a Monarch observation outpost, nestled deep within the Hollow Earth, detects an unidentified signal.
Something ominous is about to unfold. Jia (Kaylee Hottle, "Godzilla vs. Kong"), the last surviving member of the Iwi tribe, senses it. She begins experiencing hallucinations and haunting flashbacks, deeply troubling her mother, anthropologist Dr. Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall, "The Listener"). Meanwhile, the enigmatic signal rouses the slumbering behemoth, Godzilla. He's been laying low at the Coliseum in Rome and is now headed on a destructive rampage through a nuclear plant in France, driven by a primal need for radiation before heading to Antarctica.
Meanwhile Dr. Andrews is stumped and wonders if there is a connection between Jia's condition and the energy spikes in Hollow Earth. Looking for more answers, Dr. Andrews enlists the help of knowledgeable conspiracy theorist/podcaster Bernie Hayes (a funny Brian Tyree Henry, TV's "Big Mouth").
This time, Bernie is adamant that Dr. Andrews takes him more seriously. He even asserts a few demands, including being front and center with the exploration team that includes her trusted veterinarian, Trapper (The Boy and the Heron"), when they embark to Hollow Earth to assist Kong.
While the plot of "Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire" is at times a bit jumbled, it's still simple enough for newbies to the Monsterverse to follow.
Particularly memorable is the encounter when Kong stumbles upon an imprisoned group of giant primates in a clandestine section of Hollow Earth, led by the Skar King, a ferocious and terrifying adversary who gives Kong a run for his money.
The action sequences throughout the film are solid, but it’s the final half-hour that truly delivers an adrenaline-pumping spectacle. However, I must admit that the music occasionally feels out of place during some of the pivotal moments.
Nevertheless, "Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire" is a satisfying and popcorn-worthy monster mash.
Look At This Trailer For
"GODZILLA x KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
