GODZILLA VS. KONGAlmost as good as "Godzilla: King of the Monsters"
GODZILLA VS. KONG
Almost as good as "Godzilla: King of the Monsters"
Film Review © 2021 by Trip Reynolds
Science-Fiction / Monster Super-Hero / Drama
STARRING PRODUCED BY DIRECTED / WRITTEN / EDITED BY, ETC. Alexander Skarsgård as Nathan Lind
Millie Bobby Brown as Madison Russell
Rebecca Hall Rebecca Hall as Ilene Andrews
Brian Tyree Henry as Bernie Hayes
Shun Oguri as Ren Serizawa
Eiza González as Maya Simmons
Julian Dennison as Josh Valentine
Lance Reddick as Guillermin
Kyle Chandler as Mark Russell
Demián Bichir as Walter Simmons
Kaylee Hottle as Jia
Hakeem Kae-Kazim as Admiral Wilco
Ronny Chieng as Jay Wayne
John Pirruccello as Horace
Chris Chalk as Ben
Conlan Casal as Apex Cybernetics Security Guard
Brad McMurray as Apex Cybernetics Security Guard
Benjamin Rigby as Sonar Operator
Nick Turello as Apex Cybernetics Armed Guard
Daniel Nelson as Hayworth
Priscilla Doueihy as Monarch Mission Tech
Kei Kudo as HEAV Pilot
Bradd Buckley as HEAV Pilot
John Walton as HEAV Co-Pilot
Daniel Tuiara as HEAV Co-Pilot
David Castillo as Maia Apex Cybernetics Guard
Kofi Yiadom as Maia Apex Cybernetics Guard
Jim Palmer as Maia Apex Cybernetics GuardExecutive Producers
Jay Ashenfelter
Yoshimitsu Banno
Shauna Bryan (for Luma Pictures)
Herbert W. Gains - executive producer
Kenji Okuhira - executive producer
Roy Lee - executive producer
Dan Lin - executive producer
Stefan Sonnenfeld - executive producer: Company 3
Line Producer
Chen On Chu
Co-Producer
Jennifer Conroy
Tamara Watts Kent
Produced By
Alex Garcia (p.g.a.)
Jon Jashni
Eric McLeod
Mary Parent (p.g.a.)
Brian Rogers
Thomas Tull
Directed by
Adam WingardStory by
Terry Rossio
Michael Dougherty
Zach Shields
Screenplay by
Eric Pearson
Max BorensteinEdited by
Josh SchaefferCinematography by
Ben SeresinArt Direction by
Richard Hobbs
A. Todd Holland (additional photography)
Dawn Swiderski
Peter Wyborn (manufacturing)
Let's begin with some background information:
The Godzilla (Japanese: Gojira) franchise is a Japanese media franchise created and owned by Toho, centered on the fictional kaiju character Godzilla. It is the longest-running film franchise, having been in ongoing production from 1954, with several hiatuses of varying lengths. The film franchise consists of 36 films; 32 produced by Toho, and four by the American studios TriStar Pictures and Legendary Pictures. The name Godzilla is a romanization of the original Japanese name Gojira —which is a combination of two Japanese words: gorira, "gorilla", and kujira, "whale". The word alludes to the size, power and aquatic origin of Godzilla. As developed by Toho, the monster is an offshoot of the combination of radioactivity and ancient dinosaur-like creatures, indestructible and possessing special powers (see Godzilla characteristics).
King Kong is an American media franchise featuring King Kong, a character initially created by Merian C. Cooper at RKO Radio Pictures and now owned by Universal Pictures with more recent films being licensed to Legendary Pictures for production with Warner Bros. handling distribution. Films featuring Kong over the years are currently owned by various studios, including Toho, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, and Warner Bros. The film franchise consists of twelve monster films, including seven Hollywood films, two Japanese kaiju films produced by Toho, and three direct-to-video animated films. The first film, King Kong, was directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack and released by Radio Pictures in 1933 and became an influential classic of the genre. Toho was later inspired to make the original Godzilla after the commercial success of the 1952 re-release of King Kong and the success of The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953). The success of King Kong would go on to inspire other monster films worldwide.
Proudly, I've seen all thirty-six-(36) films in the Godzilla franchise, and I've seen all twelve-(12) films in the King Kong film franchise. For additional background, I've seen all of the individual films that constitute the top twenty-five-(25) highest-grossing franchises and film series. Therefore, with regard to the "big picture" of the character and scope of the machinations of a film franchise, I'm immediately aware of the evolution of characters, and the impact of film technology on story development, CGI and special effects, and the story arch (or lack thereof) of central and supporting characters. Yes, it matters, because history, context, and continuity establish the perimeters of the franchise.
HISTORY: Beginning in the 1950s, as a little boy, I clearly remember being extremely excited to see the latest Godzilla film at my local theatre. Yes, I knew it was a man in a Godzilla suit, and that the buildings, airplanes, and tanks were just miniature toys, but . . . wow, they (the film producers) really put a lot of work to make things seem as real as possible. Plus, it was both fun and informative to learn things about Japanese culture, which was not being taught back then and not even now in U.S. public schools. Here was a golden opportunity to see Japanese as just "people," instead of their perpetual "branding" as the stereotypical war-like and deceitful Asians.THE STORY: At the conclusion of the previous film from 2019, "Godzilla: King of the Monsters," which was Godzilla on steroids, we discovered Godzilla was actually friendly toward humans - as long as humans respected Godzilla as "The King," and equally important, that humans respected and protected the survival of planet Earth. In this regard, the "good" humans at Monarch who are committed to saving Godzilla and other monsters, have secluded Kong on Skull Island to prevent Godzilla from seeking out his perennial enemy. As usual, humans at a competing agency, Apex Cybernetics, refused to leave well-enough alone, so they built cybernetic technology from the remains of Godzilla's fiercest foe, the three-(3) headed fire-breathing flying dragon, King Ghidorah. Of course, Godzilla became "self-aware" of King Ghidorah presence and after an absence of nearly three-(3) years, Godzilla suddenly re-emerged to specifically destroy King Ghidorah's presence in the cities that were constructing the cybernetic entity. To stop Godzilla's rampage and save humanity, the good humans at Monarch reluctantly agreed to transfer Kong to find Hollow Earth, which was the original home for all of Earth's kaiju monsters and the source of Godzilla's power. Unfortunately, once removed from Skull Island, Godzilla also sensed the presence of Kong, and he promptly set out battle Kong. Later, we discover the construct built by Apex Cybernetics would ultimately become Mechagodzilla. Let the CGI battles begin!!
CONTEXT: We don't really care for any of the human-based storylines that transition the plot from sequence to sequence, which is where the script falters. Yes, we see some characters from the previous films (Millie Bobby Brown as Madison Russell, and Kyle Chandler as Mark Russell), but this time out we're exposed to more buffoonery than intellect in character dialogue. More than anyone else, noticeably absent is the presence of Ken Watanabe, as Dr. Ishiro Serizawa, who was killed in the previous film. Script offers, questions, but does not answer the issue of Kong's greater intelligence, and most importantly, script does not address the constant references to Hollow Earth and their suggestion that humans and all kaiju, except for Godzilla, lived together peacefully under King Kong's rule. Perhaps, this will be answered in a sequel. No matter, we're here for the battles and the special effects. In this regard, the extremely sharp and crisp editing by Josh Schaeffer is just extraordinary! Direction by Adam Wingard and editing by Schaeffer drive the action sequences in the film, nothing lags, making this 113 minute film very brisk and engaging to watch.
Frankly, "Godzilla: King of the Monsters," is absolutely the best Godzilla film ever made! That's right, better than Toho's 2016, "Shin Godzilla," which was the highest-grossing live-action Japanese film of 2016, and became the highest-grossing Japanese-produced Godzilla film in the franchise. It received 11 Japan Academy Prize nominations and won seven, including Picture of the Year and Director of the Year.
So, who won, Godzilla or Kong? Frankly, no one, because this is an eternal battle. Here's what happened. Prior to the events in "Godzilla vs. Kong," there was a epic battle in Hollow earth, and there Kong won, as indicated by his trusty radioactive axe stuck deeply in the head of one of Godzilla's ancestors (see photos below, and click any image to enlarge).
Kong returns to his ancestral home in Hollow Earth. There he finds an extremely large and cavernous room with dozens of expertly carved archways. Plus, this chamber uniquely emanates the same radioactive "blue energy" that also functions as the source of Godzilla's power.
QUESTION 1: Who built this architecturally magnificent structure? Kong's ancestors, or humans?
QUESTION 2: Did Kong's ancestors have the intellectual prowess, like the DC Comics character Gorilla Grood to: (a) build archways common to advanced civilizations; (b) discern how to measure and capture radioactive energy; and (c) build and wield radioactive energy-based weapons to defeat Godzilla?
History? In the canon of films that constitute the Godzilla and Kong film franchises, a hidden power source shared by both of these apex predators has never existed.
Context? Since both of these apex predators share the same power source, how come only Kong's ancestors had the intellectual ability to construct a structure to centralize this power source, and to fashion weapons from this power sources?
Continuity? At right, Kong knowingly walks through the large cavernous room with dozens of expertly carved archways, and walks past a large carcass of a beaten Godzilla.
Continuity? Did humans build this large cavernous cathedral as a throne room in tribute to Kong for protecting them from Godzilla?
Kong pulls the axe from the head of the carcass of a beaten Godzilla.
(Close-up, worms-eye view) Kong pulls the axe from the head of the carcass of a beaten Godzilla.
Kong raises the axe triumphant after he pulls it from the head of the carcass of a beaten Godzilla.
Continuity? Given the apparent absence in Hollow Earth of any living ancestors of Godzilla, and the apparent absence in Hollow Earth of any living ancestors of Kong, what happened? Or, if they do exist, where are they?
Do all monsters submit to Godzilla as the "King of all Monsters," except King Kong, who humans paid tribute to for protecting them from Godzilla?
In "Godzilla vs. Kong," Godzilla won the first round as they battled in the ocean, Kong unable to breathe under water, and Kong without his radioactive axe. Then, in round two, with radioactive axe in tow, Kong won the second round stabbing Godzilla in the leg with the axe and beating Godzilla. Then, in the third round, Kong appeared to misplace his radioactive axe, as Godzilla thrust Kong into a skyscraper dislodging his left shoulder thereby preventing Kong from using both arms to both defend and attack, and Godzilla promptly pinned Kong to the ground. They roared at each other in mutual disgust, but Godzilla did not use his radioactive fire to burn Kong to a crisp. Why not? Clearly, this was an epic and perennial battle that required both combatants to be at full strength or a winner could not be recognized. Equally important, Godzilla represents the ultimate in primeval power, as Godzilla is a living weapon; and conversely, Kong represent the ultimate in primeval power with intellectual prowess to fashion and use weapons. Godzilla is the apex predator of nature, and conversely, Kong is apex predator of primates (which specifically includes humans). How smart is Kong? In this film we learn Kong is able to communicate via Sign Language.
Although temporarily beaten by Godzilla, Kong was by no means done. With help from a few humans, Kong soon recovered and went to help Godzilla who was being severely beaten and bitch slapped by Mechagodzilla. If not for Kong, Mechagodzilla was literally seconds away from burning Godzilla to a crisp. Kong suddenly jumped on Mechagodzilla's back and together, Godzilla and Kong engaged in battle against Mechagodzilla. Godzilla was injured and on his back, but Kong kept Mechagodzilla at bay; then Godzilla used his radioactive flame to recharge Kong's radioactive axe, and Kong immediately defeated Mechagodzilla by ripping him apart with his hands and cutting him into pieces with his radioactive axe. Although Kong saved Godzilla's ass, nevertheless, when Godzilla recovered he again locked eyes with Kong seemingly to renew their battle. However, instead of again fighting Godzilla with his freshly recharged radioactive axe, Kong dropped the axe, Godzilla then turned away, and departed into the sea. Did Godzilla drop the axe because he was afraid of Godzilla, or worse, was Kong being submissive to Godzilla? Absolutely not.
CONTINUITY: Immediately after humans helped Kong to recover from his previous beating from Godzilla, but before he battled Mechagodzilla to save Godzilla's ass, Kong's sign language translator, the pre-teenage Jia, told him, "Godzilla. Not. Enemy! (She points to Mechagodzilla) That, is enemy. It's true. Please . . . be careful." Therefore, given Kong's superior intellectual acuity, with Mechagodzilla destroyed, and realizing Godzilla is no longer a threat, Kong dropped his radioactive axe in mutual recognition of their shared status atop the apex ladder. If Kong is the very last of his kind, and if Godzilla is the last of his kind, did they mutually agree not to kill each other because they are the last of there kind? Will they ever battle again? Well, that depends on three things:
1. Again, "Godzilla" is owned by Toho, and it will decide if and when to again license a sequel - period. They licensed "Godzilla" to Legendary Pictures for production with Warner Bros. handling distribution. Keep in mind, Toho could prohibit any sequel unless Godzilla wins.
2. "King Kong" is owned by Universal Pictures, which is owned by Comcast through the NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment division of NBCUniversal, and it will decide if and when to again license a sequel - period. They licensed "King Kong" to Legendary Pictures for production with Warner Bros. handling distribution. Keep in mind, Universal Pictures could prohibit any sequel unless Kong wins.
3. As reported by Box Office Mojo, as of April 5, 2021 and against a production budget of $155 to $200 million, "Godzilla vs. Kong" has generated worldwide revenue of $285,400,000 and counting, which is the biggest worldwide opening of the pandemic. Legendary Pictures hopes to continue making MonsterVerse films, but their contract with Toho was originally planned to expire in 2020 - before the COVID-19 pandemic began and no additional films were immediately lined up. In November 2020, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that the film was being considered for a streaming release, which allows individuals to see the film who have not paid, thereby creating a loss in revenue. Netflix had offered $200–250 million but WarnerMedia blocked the deal in favor of their own offer to release the film on HBO Max. A week after the announcement, Variety and Deadline Hollywood reported that Legendary Entertainment, financiers, and talent with backend deals were not pleased with WarnerMedia's multi-release plans and non-transparent intentions. Despite the pandemic, the "cinematic eco-system" of production (in front of and behind the camera), distribution, and exhibition must make money. The film has yet to make its targeted profit margin. Keep in mind, Toho and Universal Pictures could prohibit any sequel(s) unless they make a bunch of money! Bottom line, "money talks, bullshit walks."
In February 2021, director of "Godzilla vs. Kong," Adam Wingard commented on the future of the MonsterVerse:
WINGARD: I'd love it to be the birth of something new, but I guess it just depends on just how the movie's received and all those kinds of things that are out of my hands, but like I know where we could go potentially with future films, but to a certain degree, like the monster verse was kind of created with the idea in mind that there was going to be always a... You know, these films were leading towards Godzilla versus Kong, and so I'm kind of lucky in the sense that I was able to step in and be the guy to get the chance to do the ultimate version of these movies.
“The MonsterVerse is at a crossroads now,” Wingard continued. “It’s really at the point where audiences have to kind of step forward and vote for more of these things. If this movie is a success obviously they will continue forward. But I actually think it’s good that there’s not a post-credit scene because, you know, the MonsterVerse is different from the Marvel universe. Just because you have a [shared] universe it doesn’t mean you have to do all the things that Marvel does. And ultimately I think it’s better with sequels to not pigeonhole yourself. “I think some of the best movies are films that work completely independently and you can go into the sequel or the movie can stand alone. But if a movie is totally contingent on a sequel then you are just talking about the next thing that is coming up and you can’t totally enjoy that ride. But yeah, we did shoot [a post-credits scene] but didn’t end up using it.”
It's a mistake to compare the Godzilla film franchise with either of the Johnny-come-lately large-size monsters and cybernetic entities represented in the "Pacific Rim" kaiju film franchise, or the "Transformers" film franchise. Why? It's just this simple, because Kong is called "King Kong" for a reason (get it?), and likewise, Godzilla is called, "The King of the Monsters" for a reason (get it?). Together, Godzilla and Kong are the ultimate of apex predators.
Recommendation: Of course, see this movie, preferably see it first in an actual movie theatre, and not on HBOMAX. Then, watch it a second or third time on HBOMAX, which will enhance your appreciation!
