Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire – A Hollow Victory for the Monsterverse?
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, the latest entry in Legendary’s Monsterverse, roars onto the scene with a thunderous promise: a clash of titans unlike anything audiences have witnessed before. Director Adam Wingard, returning from Godzilla vs. Kong, throws everything he can at the screen – epic monster battles, dazzling visuals of the Hollow Earth, and a deeper exploration of Kong’s origins. However, The New Empire stumbles under the weight of its own ambition, leaving viewers with a sense of uneven spectacle and a nagging question: has the Monsterverse overstayed its welcome?
The film picks up where Godzilla vs. Kong left off. Godzilla, once a terrifying force of nature, has become an uneasy protector, battling rogue Titans and maintaining a tense peace with humanity. Kong, meanwhile, finds himself transplanted to the Hollow Earth, a subterranean world teeming with life and forgotten civilizations.
The New Empire assumes viewers have a basic understanding of the Monsterverse lore established in previous films like Godzilla: King of the Monsters and the Apple TV+ series. While the film offers a brief recap for newcomers, it feels more like a courtesy tap on the shoulder than a genuine introduction. This approach might leave those unfamiliar with the franchise feeling a bit lost amidst the jargon of “Titans,” “Monarch,” and Hollow Earth energy.
Godzilla: The Reluctant Hero
Godzilla’s role in The New Empire is a curious one. He’s no longer the undisputed alpha predator, constantly battling for dominance. Instead, he’s become a reluctant guardian, albeit one prone to causing collateral damage while neutralizing threats. The film opens with a chaotic set-piece showcasing this duality. Godzilla dismantles another Titan, but the fight levels a city, raising questions about the true cost of his “protection.”
Kong’s Journey of Self-Discovery
While Godzilla grapples with his newfound role, Kong embarks on a personal odyssey within the Hollow Earth. The film excels in its depiction of this subterranean world. Lush jungles, bioluminescent creatures, and ancient ruins create a sense of wonder and mystery. Here, Kong encounters other ape-like Titans, finally finding a sense of belonging he never had on the surface.
The use of motion-capture technology is particularly impressive. Kong’s emotions – loneliness, surprise, and eventually, a burgeoning sense of purpose – are conveyed with remarkable nuance. We see the weight of believing himself to be the last of his kind etched on his face, and later, the glimmer of hope upon discovering a new community.
Hollow Characters, Hollow Plot
However, the human characters in The New Empire feel like an afterthought. We have familiar faces like Dr. Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall) and Bernie Hayes (Brian Tyree Henry), but they lack the depth and development seen in previous installments. Their primary function is to explain the plot through clunky exposition dumps.
Gone are the nuanced portrayals of characters like Monarch scientist Ishiro Serizawa (Ken Watanabe) or Madison Russell (Millie Bobby Brown). Instead, we get one-dimensional archetypes – the concerned scientist, the tech-savvy podcaster – who fail to connect with the audience on an emotional level.
Spectacle Over Substance?
The true stars of The New Empire, of course, are the Titans themselves. The film delivers on its promise of awe-inspiring monster brawls. Kong’s battles within the Hollow Earth are brutal and visceral, showcasing his raw power and newfound fighting techniques. Later, when Kong teams up with Godzilla against a new threat, the sheer scale of the action is breathtaking.
However, the film’s reliance on spectacle sometimes comes at the expense of narrative coherence. There’s a sense of throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks. The plot, while attempting to delve deeper into Titan lore and Kong’s origins, feels convoluted and rushed.
A Nostalgic Nod, or a Missed Opportunity?
One interesting aspect of The New Empire is its tone, which occasionally veers into the campy territory of earlier Toho Godzilla films. Scenes like Kong wielding a power glove or the two Titans fighting together evoke a sense of nostalgia for fans of the classic kaiju movies.
While this could be seen as a deliberate homage, it also creates a strange dissonance with the more serious themes explored earlier in the Monsterverse. The film struggles to reconcile its desire to be a popcorn-munching spectacle with its attempts at deeper storytelling.
An Uncertain Future for the Monsterverse
The ending leaves the future of the Monsterverse open-ended. Godzilla and Kong, having forged an unlikely alliance, seemingly usher in a new era of cooperation between humans and Titans. However, the film doesn’t offer any clear direction for the franchise moving forward.
Where Do We Go From Here?
The Monsterverse has explored a lot of ground in a relatively short period. We’ve witnessed the awakening of ancient Titans, a devastating battle between Godzilla and King Ghidorah, and the uneasy alliance between humans and these colossal creatures.
The challenge now is to find a way to keep the franchise fresh without resorting to ever-increasing levels of destruction and spectacle. Here are some potential paths the Monsterverse could take:
- Focus on the Hollow Earth: The film only scratches the surface of this fascinating subterranean world. Exploring its diverse ecosystems, uncovering its hidden civilizations, and delving deeper into the history of the Titans could provide a rich source of storylines for future films.
- Introduce New Threats: While the focus has primarily been on Godzilla and other “classic” Titans, there’s a vast universe of kaiju lore to draw from. Introducing entirely new creatures, with unique abilities and motivations, could revitalize the franchise and challenge the established hierarchy.
- Develop the Human Element: The Monsterverse has struggled to create compelling human characters who can hold their own against the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Titans. Focusing on well-developed individuals with relatable struggles and motivations could provide a stronger emotional anchor for future films.
- Embrace the Environmental Message: The Monsterverse has always carried a subtle message about humanity’s impact on the environment. Leaning into this theme could offer a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and Titans, exploring themes of co-existence and sustainability.
A Return to Form, or a Farewell?
Ultimately, the success of the Monsterverse hinges on its ability to learn from its stumbles. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire offers a visually stunning but narratively uneven experience. While it entertains with its monster brawls, it fails to capture the emotional depth or thematic resonance of earlier installments.
Whether the Monsterverse can course-correct and deliver a truly satisfying conclusion remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the future of this giant monster playground rests on its ability to find a balance between spectacle, story, and character development.
Supporting players like Dan Stevens and Rachel House round out the cast. Catch Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire in theaters March 29th!