Godzilla vs. Kong is the latest instalment in Legendary’s MonsterVerse. Peace between the Titans is disturbed when Godzilla suddenly attacks an Apex Cybernetics facility in Florida. Concerned about Godzilla, Madison Russell (the ever-watchable Millie Bobby Brown) sets out to find answers with conspiracy theorist Bernie. Meanwhile, a group of scientists overseeing King Kong attempt to travel to the original home of the Titans.

The human story is unfortunately little more than a wobbly foundation for the real substance of the film: ridiculously epic monster battles. The fight choreography is truly thrilling, on a scale that shows off the excellent CGI and some beautiful cinematography.

Thankfully the rest of the film isn’t too much of a let-down – there’s a new lovable kid on the block, Jia (Kaylee Hottle), a deaf child from Skull Island and the adopted daughter of scientist Ilene (Rebecca Hall). Her deafness is (obviously!) a plot device – Kong is able to understand her sign language. Jia’s ability to communicate with Kong gives him a character revamp on par with Godzilla’s in Godzilla: King of the Monsters. With a little more “oomph” behind each of the Titans, the monster drama is elevated from pure daftness to something that resembles a meaningful plot.

With some truly silly one-liners, the humans hold their own in the entertainment stakes. New characters Jia and Bernie are both moving and funny despite minimal screentime. There are even some subtle tongue-in-cheek references to the COVID-19 pandemic, including jokes about drinking bleach. It’s the kind of knowing humour that every epic action movie needs.

Without an engrossing plotline, it’s hard to see where the franchise will take us next, but this instalment is the escapist action film we all needed. Great visuals and exciting futuristic tech elevate Godzilla vs. Kong from a monster fight into a proper sci-fi adventure.

RATING: 3/5

INFORMATION

CAST:  Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall

DIRECTOR: Adam Wingard

WRITERS: Terry Rossio, Michael Dougherty, Zach Shields, Eric Pearson, Max Borenstein

SYNOPSIS: When Godzilla mysteriously attacks an Apex Cybernetics facility, the race is on to find out why and to stop the Titan’s path of destruction.