Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)

Streaming Services: HBO Max
Movie Name/Year: Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Length: 113  minutes
Rating: PG-13
Production/Distribution: Legendary Entertainment, Warner Bros., HKC Entertainment, Kinomania, Toho Company, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Singapore, HBO Max
Director: Adam Wingard
Writers: Terry Rossio, Michael Dougherty
Actors: Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Shun Oguri, Eiza González, Julian Dennison, Lance Reddick, Kyle Chandler, Demián Bichir, Kaylee Hottle, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Ronny Chieng, John Pirruccello, Chris Chalk, Daniel Nelson, Priscilla Doueihy
 
Blurb from IMDb:  The epic next chapter in the cinematic Monsterverse pits two of the greatest icons in motion picture history against one another - the fearsome Godzilla and the mighty Kong - with humanity caught in the balance.

 
Cat’s Point of View:
When I saw that Godzilla vs. Kong was being released straight to HBO Max, I could have done cartwheels – I was that excited. I have enjoyed all of the installments in Warner Bros. Monsterverse so far, and had high expectations for this 4^th installment.
 
Of course, the big burning question on everyone’s mind asks who the victor would be. Well, I can tell you that you won’t learn that from me. Sorry! (Not sorry, really. No spoilers here!)

This film takes place over 50 years past the events on Kong: Skull Island (2017), and a handful of years beyond Godzilla: King of Monsters (2019). As a result, the Kong in this film is more grown-up and seasoned going into these events. I found the subplots surrounding him interesting – but, honestly, is anyone really watching this movie for the story aspect? Really? If you are, that’s awesome; but let’s be honest that it’s all about watching the ginormous creatures duke it out.
 
I’m glad to say that the substance of the story is actually decent, though. Enough plausibility is given for why we see Kong leaving the protection of his island, triggering the inevitable square-off. There were also many little nods here and there to the Godzilla and Kong movies of yesteryear scattered throughout.

 
The fight sequences were crazy good. The effects were spot-on and the overall result was very satisfying. I appreciated that there was a clear-cut victory involved, and it certainly didn’t go the way I originally expected.
 
I’m curious where the story goes from here, and would certainly be up for watching further explorations into the Monsterverse. I will likely be watching this movie again to see if I can spot any sneaky Easter Eggs that might tease what they have planned in the future.
 
If you love these monster movies, you’ll likely be very happy with this clash of movie titans. 

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 74%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 92%
Metascore –59%
Metacritic User Score – 7.0/10
IMDB Score – 6.5/10
 
Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 4/5
 
Movie Trailer: