Rated: PG
My Rating: 3/10
In the ever-expanding realm of monster movies, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" attempts to reignite the flames of excitement that fans have long held for these iconic beasts. However, despite the promise of epic battles and stunning CGI, the film falls short in delivering a truly captivating experience. To put it bluntly, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" is a tedious slog through uninspired storytelling and lacklustre execution.
One of the most glaring flaws of the film is its pacing. Despite being packed to the brim with action sequences and CGI spectacles, the overall narrative feels sluggish and drawn-out. Scenes that should be pulse-pounding and adrenaline-fueled instead meander along, leaving the audience checking their watches in anticipation of when something truly exciting might happen. It's baffling how a movie brimming with monstrous battles and computer-generated imagery could manage to induce such a sense of boredom.
The cast, comprised of talents such as Rebecca Hall and Bryan Tyree Henry, does little to salvage the film. While their performances are serviceable, they ultimately feel overshadowed by the lacklustre script and uninspired direction. Even their best efforts can't elevate the material beyond mediocrity, leaving the audience longing for characters with more depth and charisma.
Speaking of CGI, while one might expect a film of this magnitude to boast cutting-edge visual effects, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" disappoints on that front as well. The CGI, rather than immersing viewers in a fantastical world of towering monsters, instead resembles something out of a mid-tier video game. The creatures lack weight and texture, detracting from the realism that is crucial for suspending disbelief in a film of this nature.
Furthermore, the sound design leaves much to be desired. Instead of enhancing the on-screen action, the audio feels muddled and chaotic, making it difficult to discern what is happening during the film's many bombastic set pieces. Rather than feeling like a visceral assault on the senses, the sound design comes across as a cacophonous mess that only serves to further detract from the viewing experience.
While the production design is passable, it does little to elevate the overall aesthetic of the film. Sets and locations feel generic and uninspired, lacking the imaginative flair that one would expect from a movie featuring giant monsters battling for supremacy. It's a missed opportunity to create a visually stunning world that feels truly immersive and awe-inspiring.
"Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" is a disappointment on nearly every level. Its slow pace, uninspired storytelling, lacklustre CGI, and subpar sound design all contribute to an overall average viewing experience. While it may hold some appeal for die-hard fans of the franchise, even they may find themselves struggling to stay engaged. I rate it a mere 3 out of 10 and recommend it only to those who have exhausted all other options in the monster movie genre. Otherwise, it's best to steer clear and revisit the classics that inspired it.
All images are owned by Warner Bros
In cinemas 28th March 2024