Movie review: Watch Godzilla vs Kong and relive your childhood days

Ayush Gupta   | Asianet News
Published : Mar 26, 2021, 06:21 PM IST
Movie review: Watch Godzilla vs Kong and relive your childhood days

Synopsis

Godzilla vs Kong is the 36th movie of the franchise, besides being the fourth instalment of the Monsterverse, created by Legendary Pictures. Godzilla is the longest-running movie franchise in the world and also features in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Ever since childhood, one tends to watch numerous movies. As a kid, one fancies a superhero or a particular movie character. While there are countless such characters one admires, one specific character stays with the person for a lifetime and awakens the inner kid whenever it comes across. And, it is precisely what Godzilla has done to a lot of its fans, as long as since 1954.

The franchise
In case you didn't know, Godzilla is the longest-running movie franchise globally, having produced 36 movies to date, while it has also sealed its legacy in Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Even after 67 years, the legendary kaiju monster is still alive and roaring ferociously, besides showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Godzilla vs Kong
Now, coming to its latest edition, Godzilla vs Kong is already ruling the theatres worldwide, produced by Legendary Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros. It happens to be the fourth movie in the Monsterverse, created by the production house. Simultaneously, the United States of America still has to wait till March 31 to live experience.

Nonetheless, as the title suggests, Godzilla is not alone in this movie and has a battle at hand against another famous kaiju character King Kong. It is only the second movie involving the two after the 1962 movie King Kong vs Godzilla, produced by the Japanese production house Toho, besides being its first Hollywood production.

Past connections
Rest assured, the movie has no relation with the 1962 version and is entirely a reboot by Legendary pictures. Before this, there have been two Godzilla movies in Monsterverse (Godzilla and Godzilla: Kings of Monsters). As for Kong, Skull Island was released in 2017, while GvK acts as a direct sequel to the same. However, if you haven't watched the previous films, it would not be a big issue at all, as this movie barely has any connection with the last three films of the Monsterverse.

Plot
Now, coming to the plot, it is a simple kaiju mythological plot that involves the two titans clashing against one another. It basically involves the two coming face-to-face after a long time and reigniting their fierce rivalry. Although it was not a planned rivalry, a circumstance forced them to fight it out.

Nonetheless, there is a twist indeed, like every other kaiju movie and it happens to be for good, as it all ends on a good note. Although this element of 'Hollow Earth' might sound confusing to a few fans, including the author here, barring the same, everything else makes sense but is somewhat predictable.
Plot rating- 7.5/10

Acting
There is barely any acting involved in this. Most of the cast plays a typical role and does not require any high-class drama. The focus is mainly on the titans, which falls under the VFX category.

Nonetheless, the character of the young girl Jia (Kaylee Hottle), who has a special bond with King, as depicted in the trailer, is worth noting, while Hottle's acting is indeed praiseworthy. Jia is both dumb and deaf, as she absolutely nails it with her sign language. Also, her chemistry with Kong sends out a strong message of helping a friend, especially when in need and when he/she is doing something wrong.
Acting rating: 7/10

Concepts and sense
As for the concepts, since it is a fictional movie, hardly anything makes sense. However, some primary areas need some common sense, which should have been portrayed in the film, rather than mixing it with illogical reasons. All we can say is that dropping beer on the computer does not unlock the PC.
Rating: 4/10

Character depth
Since this is the first Monsterverse movie involving the two titans, the character depth is mainly on Kong rather than Godzilla. Although understandably, Godzilla has been glorified over the years and Kong deserved its spotlight, a certain amount of character depth was mandatory for the original Kaiju monster. While Kong fans would be happy, Godzilla fans are to be pretty disappointed with this.
Depth rating: 5/10

Production
Coming to the production and visuals, a significant amount of weightage has been given to it, considering that it involves two frictional characters with supernatural abilities. Also, special effects (VFX) used in the movie is outstanding, considering it being produced by a top production house like Legendary.

From the atomic breath to underwater visuals and even the 'Hollow Earth' concept, the graphics just nailed it. As for Godzilla's atomic breath, it remains the same. However, a change in colour to fiery red would have been a welcome change. The audio quality and sound are also truly phenomenal, thanks to the heavily used Dolby Atmos effect.
Production rating- 9/10

Conclusion
Overall, it was a decent movie, especially for kids, which is a thorough enjoyment. The adults who want to relive their childhood, it is also a must-watch for them and would thoroughly enjoy it, especially whenever Kong thumps his chest and Godzilla comes up with its famous roar and atomic breath. However, for the ones accustomed to watching serious stuff, this is just not the movie for you and stay miles away, as you would be utterly disappointed and might have to leave the theatre mid-way.
Movie rating: 7/10

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