Legendary Pictures continues their unique tradition of Kaiju epics with "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire", a direct sequel to 2021’s “Godzilla vs. Kong”. Unlike the simple, repetitive template of its predecessor, this sequel delivers a more haphazard and knowingly eccentric plot. Director Adam Wingard and his co-writers intertwine multiple narrative strands that eventually converge for a dramatic showdown against numerous creatures.
Despite being the most inconsistent entry in the current MonsterVerse series, it disperses pieces of various thematic cues from predecessors like “Godzilla”, “Kong: Skull Island", and “Godzilla: King of the Monsters." However, the tonal disarray of this sequel leaves it lacking the distinctive and unifying atmosphere that previously powered the franchise.
Anthropologist Ilene Andrews, played by Rebecca Hall, takes the lead this time, deciphering the link between anomalous energy pulses and the perplexing artwork of her adopted daughter Jia. The unveiling plot harks back to the "Close Encounters with Godzilla" concept, suggesting a disaster warning from a hidden civilization of giant Kong-like primates imprisoned in Hollow Earth.
Regrettably, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" seems untethered and consistently shifts focus, making it more replete with redundant exposition than prior films. Despite its incredible action sequences and mostly remarkable performances, the haste in playing out sequences and relationships steals away precious potential for something extraordinary.
Dan Stevens' character, the world's only kaiju veterinarian and Ilene's ex-boyfriend, brings a charming absurdity to the cast. However, like the potential of Kong’s relationship with a young ape, the movie once again misses the opportunity to create something truly memorable out of Stevens' character and his connection with others.
The film’s villain is a genuine terror, but the delayed introduction limits the development of Kong's rivalry. The triumph of Kong against this antagonist then fails to deliver the cathartic victory it could have been. Also, the creature’s CGI seems more whimsically crafted than previous work.
The movie seems to sideline Godzilla, offering him little screen time except for his obligatory chaos-reaping appearances. Despite this, the unpredictable vision of the Legendary Pictures monster franchise continues to entertain. Even with its missed opportunities, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" still offers plenty of enjoyable moments.
