Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is a fantasy, the continuation of the monsterverse and a sequel to 2021's Godzilla vs. Kong. Kong is settled in Hollow Earth but lonely, Godzilla is on regular Earth but powering up on radiation for an unknown threat. Kong discovers a group of large apes like himself after an avalanche reveals a here-to-fore uncharted section of Hollow Earth. That group is lead by the tyrannical Scar King who Kong must face, with some help of course.
The human cast is full of talent but they don't have much to do and quite frankly their inclusion is virtually unnecessary. This is ultimately a story about Kong and the CGI rendering of Hollow Earth and all the principle monsters is pretty excellent. Devoid of the human dialogue the story is actually a pretty archetypal Hero's Journey and it works. Kong the forgotten son, the disgraced prince, returns to find his kingdom under the rule of a villain and he must usurp him for the good of the apes. At first attempt he is defeated but after receiving a Magic Weapon, a powerful mechanized gauntlet, and enlisting the aid of his former nemesis Godzilla, he returns to triumph. Simple and effective.
Most of the movie is CGI and especially on the big screen it looks great. There are some great needles drops, the pacing is quick and breezy, and the art design is good and for once doesn't have the sameness that a lot of contemporary CGI has. Is it an amazing piece of cinema? No. But an enjoyable, easy to follow, adventure building off of lore set up in the franchise but not really beholden to or bogged down by it.
A surprising popcorn success.
Currently in theaters, coming soon to VOD.
See It.
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