Kim's Movie Korner

Movie Review: Godzilla: King of Monsters 

I’ve had an affinity for Godzilla movies and their like since I was a kid watching them on Saturday afternoon television matinees.  I’m talking the good old fashion b-rated, low production quality/budget, bad Japanese sci-fi, preferably badly dubbed versions.  Can’t say why exactly, just can’t deny/resist their appeal.  As such, I was elated back in 2014 when Warner Bros. released their newest take on the classic.  That quickly faded when I actually saw the film and I was left feeling bitterly disappointed.  Coming off the success of 2017’s Kong: Skull Island I’m hoping the second time’s the charm for the oversized reptile.

Godzilla: King of Monsters picks up following the aftermath of the 2014 film.  It also starts off slow and at first blush I simply wasn’t feeling “it.”  Instead, what I was feeling was a sinking feeling that I was in for another 2-hour missed opportunity to course correct all the issues with the previous film.  I was also feeling great annoyance about being stuck in the middle of one of the rudest and most inconsiderate family.  Seriously people, if you’ve got a huge group and expect/want to sit together especially if there isn’t reserve seating, don’t frakking show up halfway through the trailers.  Anyway, back to my original point and what you want to hear about.  Fortunately, GKoM is a film that actually gets better and more enjoyable as you get deeper into the story.  Thank you, Jay-sus!

The story premise continues the same ideas set forth in both Godzilla (2014) and Kong: Skull Island.  This time around with the help of some returning characters the action is based around a new family’s drama.  Why said family, the Russell’s, did in fact get on my nerves, (I really wanted more done with Millie Bobby Brown overall and the Vera Farmiga/Kyle Chandler wore thin) once the storyline gets going and you see what’s what, you’re in for a solid movie experience.  Yes, as in all monster films of this genre (just like in horror) you have to accept the fact that the people are a bunch of dumb@$$es making some incredibly stupid decisions, but once you get on board with that, you’re fine.  I found it funny to the point of absurdity how many times, all hell is breaking loose and people stopped to watch the carnage only remembering to run once it was headed their way.  Survival instincts?  Not!

A shout out to someone finally giving Ken Wantanabe something to do besides stare into space/or a video screen looking pensive and dropping some fortune cookie based insights/platitudes.  He actually had a character arc this time around.  Noice!  Props also go to Aisha Hinds, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Elizabeth Ludlow for kicking butt, taking names, and fueling the action.  As for Bradley Whitford, perfect comedy relief.

The visual effects swing between amazing and cheesy CGI, but somehow works either way.  Combined with the great audio mixing they bring the monsters to life in glorious fashion. Ghidorah is particularly stunning (like a three-headed Smaug), ferocious, and a blast to watch on the big screen.  There some really amazing shots that really capture your attention.  Lots of fun action sequences and killer (no pun intended) monster on monster fighting. 

In terms of course correction, while I still feel they take longer than they should getting around to your first glimpse of the big guy himself, but not nearly as long a wait the last go around.  Godzilla also has a better grip on what his powers are and how to utilize them from the get.  No, “Why the hell didn’t he just do that an hour ago?” moments.  Yea! I’m pretty sure that like all the monsters, Godzilla is CGI, but they captured that OG guy in a rubber suit action that’s cheesy, nostalgic, and endearing and it made me smile EVERY time.  And for the last course correction for missing opportunity, yes people, this time we get a remix version of Blue Oyster Cult’s Godzilla during the end credits and how sweet it is!  Speaking of end credits, don’t jump up and book out of the theater after the film.  Once again, there’s a bonus scene that sets up the next film after the end credits. 

Godzilla: King of Monsters isn’t perfect, but it is a huge step up and in the right direction on the way.  Definitely worth a trip to the theater. GKoM at its best is an entertaining, thrilling, joyful movie experience.  At its worse, still a helluva lot better than Godzilla (2014) or heavens forbid the fall from grace that is Dark Phoenix. I don’t recommend it for really young kids (like the two I got stuck by), but everyone else in the theater had a blast and left happy.  This Kaiju king is back and worthy once again of our attention.

 It’s a 7.5 from me.