There are moments that most of us anticipate, as if there is a part of us that lies dormant until we experience an epic showdown between two titans. For years, comic book fans eagerly awaited the dark knight taking on the man of steel. After having clashed in the comics numerous times, it was time to see the two heroes fight on the big screen. Comics like The Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Hush gave every fan their wildest dream on the page but failed to deliver on the epic scope of the big screen. Then along came Zack Snyder, and he made it happen with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. While the film has been split with audiences since its release, it no doubt delivered on the two iconic heroes throwing fists at one another.
Fans of rival comic publication Marvel Comics got their wish in 2008’s Civil War. The limited series saw a difference of ideas that divided the team known as the Avengers. The series would go on to be a modern masterpiece for most readers. In 2016, fans of the MCU were given the wish of that arc coming to life in an epic showdown between Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man, Chris Evans’ Captain America, and Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier. 2016’s Civil War delivered in scope and story alike, becoming one of the brightest highlights within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As Marvel continued to build its own cinematic universe, other studios were hungry for their own showdown.
In 2014, Legendary Pictures was eager to bring their own cinematic universe to life. The studio was eager to take titans like Godzilla and King Kong and pit the two against one another. The MonsterVerse began with 2014’s Godzilla, and continued with 2017’s Kong: Skull Island and 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Unlike their original 1962 Toho Studios showdown, Godzilla vs. Kong pits the two against each other in a brutal vision from director Adam Wingard. The film pits the two titans together thanks to two competing visions for humanity’s future.
It is rare to become emotionally invested into characters like Godzilla or Kong. Most of us come to movies like this for a mindless good time. We sit down with our big bowl of popcorn and just let the monsters fight. However Wingard actually creates an emotional core to these characters. Decades after the events of Skull Island, Kong finds himself within a Monarch holding cell disguised as his island home. Kong desires so badly to return home - away from the watchful eye of Monarch, whereas Godzilla has his core established by the actions of a corporation named Apex. Honestly that is about as much as I can say without giving away too much of the third act. Godzilla vs. Kong is surprisingly emotional. The thing about Kaiju movies is the human element of the movie is either hit or miss. You’re either really gonna care about these characters or you just really want to see giant monsters fighting. This showdown is a beautiful blend of both worlds.
There are two subplots that take place throughout the film. One with Julian Dennison, Brian Tyree Henry, and Millie Bobby Brown, reprising her role in King of the Monsters. Henry is a huge stand out among the performances. He’s genuinely funny while equally compelling. The trio make for some of the best on screen moments. The other human subplot we explore is through Rebecca Hall, Alexander Skarsgard, and Kaylee Hottle. This trio leads a group of explorers into the Earth’s core on the theory it could give the titans a new home. While not as compelling, Hottle and Hall bring more depth to the emotional foundation of the movie. Hottle, in particular, has quite a charming relationship with Kong.
The thing to really appreciate about Godzilla vs. Kong is that it feels like the culmination of the MonsterVerse so far. There are many call backs to Skull Island and King of the Monsters alike, while also pushing the door open to new entries in this cinematic universe. Perhaps besides the satisfying fighting sequences between the two titans, the color palette of the film would be next among the highlights. Skull Island was a gorgeous film without question. Its visually stunning nature came equipped with such warmth about it. Godzilla vs. Kong carries that aesthetic over. The Hollow Earth sequences and the epic climax of the film are among some of the most visually stunning sights the film offers. This battle is another beautiful delight.
Overall, Godzilla vs. Kong is a vivid film that delivers on its promise. Adam Wingard does an incredible job at establishing an emotional foundation for not just the character but the monsters as well. Brian Tyree Henry and Kaylee Hottle are among the film’s stand out. Henry brings audiences a compelling character with more to be desired, while Hottle illuminates as the film’s emotional core with her relationship with Kong. The fights are epic. The visuals are breathtaking. Godzilla vs. Kong is satisfying in a multitude of ways.
RORSCHACH RATING:
Mental Health Moment: I was recently just recording an episode of our spin-off podcast, That’s High Praise: A Nicolas Cage Podcast, and we were talking about the importance of identity. In the MonsterVerse when we first meet this version of Kong, it was 1973 on his home turf of Skull Island. In 2021, we meet him locked up in a Monarch facade to protect him from Godzilla. As the film progresses, he is moved from location to location merely for man’s will. He is lost and as a result - Kong is depressed. One of the main reasons Kaylee Hottle is such a vital character is because of her connection to Kong. Kong wants so badly to be home. He is lost without Skull Island.
I found myself connecting with Kong on this fact. I know the feeling all too well. To wander around aimlessly and feel void of purpose, all while asking the questions - “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” I had to go through many hells and much pain to answer those two questions. I don’t say that to brag, but rather to encourage. Stop and ask yourself: who are you? Or rather ask a close friend, or consult a therapist or counselor for an outsider’s opinion. When you know who you are, it makes it easy to recognize when you yourself are going through depression. Or by seeking professional help, it will make it easier to address and recover from something like depression. Consider our resources and find yourself.
If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!
Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. Godzilla vs. Kong is property of Warner Brothers Pictures and Legendary Pictures. We do not own nor claim any rights.
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