Godzilla x Kong Review: Dumb Summer Movie Fun!

The fifth installment in the MonsterVerse franchise, Godzilla x Kong, directed by Adam Wingard, precisely delivered what the audience (like me) anticipated: mindless entertainment and relentless monster action, mainly featuring two colossal creatures punching each other in the face. As such, I’ll keep this review very brief as there’s very little to discuss about this film, and it is one of those summer blockbusters that defies deep analysis, as its primary aim is to provide enjoyable escapism.

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The action in Godzilla x Kong lives up to expectations, as the writers adeptly prioritize showcasing the monsters on screen for the majority of the film’s duration. While there is an emotional subplot involving Rebecca Hall and Kaylee Hottle’s characters, it feels secondary to the main attraction of monster mayhem. However, if you’re just prepared to watch big battles between the big boys, this film delivers ample satisfaction on the big screen.

But, as a fan of action movies, I would have appreciated Godzilla x Kong even more if the action sequences had been shot differently. Ben Seresin, the cinematographer, employs a typical blockbuster Hollywood style, characterized by fast-paced action, rapid cuts, and chaotic scenes. However, I feel that a different approach, such as utilizing wide panoramic still shots, could have made the action more digestible, allowing a longer-lasting impact. But, the action in this film is forgettable and lacks a lasting memorable factor.

When it comes to the story, this movie lacks substantial narrative depth, and it’s evident that it doesn’t aim to rival the storytelling of last year’s entries like Godzilla Minus One. Therefore, it’s best not to expect to be emotionally moved by the human drama. However, I appreciated how Adam Wingard incorporated his trademark style into the film, with neon color palettes and retro synth music sprinkled here and there. If you watched his 2014 film, The Guest, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

Overall, Godzilla x Kong could be the perfect summer movie for you if you’re walking in just expecting a whole lot of monster action. Wingard delivers on that front, but other aspects, like the story and character development, were largely ignored. It’s best if you ignore them too and just switch off your brain, letting the action unfold on the biggest screen possible.

‘Godzilla x Kong’ Rating – 2.75/5