Godzilla: King of the Monsters | Review

This is a spoiler free review, read regardless of whether you’ve seen the film

Background

As a child I remember watching the old Godzilla Toho films on VHS at my friend’s house. His dad was a fan and purchased one of the collections, which I enjoyed the benefit of.

This effect was compounded by the local library having a copy of The Official Godzilla Compendium, which summarized the plot and production of each of the film releases up to 1995.

All this to say, I walked into Godzilla: King of the Monsters primed and ready for an entertaining film with giant monsters on screen.

The IMAX ticket worth every penny.

The Monsters

The film deliveries on precisely what was advertised in the trailers. We have Godzilla going against foes from his old Toho film days, particularly his arch nemesis, King Ghidorah.

Also featured are classic monsters such as Rodan and Mothra which have been featured in the Toho films previously, either as foils or aids to Godzilla’s activities.

When the first 2014 film was in development, Toho only allowed the American studio to have Godzilla, protecting the other characters from a potential bomb. With their elation over the last picture, they released the rest of the toy box for King of the Monsters.

They aren’t wasted in the film, each have good moments which showcase how cool they are and why they’ve lasted in this franchise.

The People

Set against the action of titanic beasts battling on-screen, we have a serviceable plot of human characters struggling to survive the monsters attack.

The plot they give the characters doesn’t feel as contrived as it could have, with actual story reasons keeping the humans in step with Godzilla and the assorted monsters.

A stand out actor in the film was Millie Bobby Brown, known primarily for her work in Netflix’s Stranger Things.

The other actors in the film are sufficient for their roles. They recognize they are featured in a film which isn’t relying on it’s star power to fill seats, but give worthwhile performances regardless.

Conclusion

This film hits the right buttons for me. If you are a fan of the series there are great Easter Eggs and nods to the old movies.

If you’ve only known the new films, you won’t likely be disappointed. King of the Monsters is a straightforward film, if you walk into the theater expecting Bambi, you’re asking to get crushed.

Fill the popcorn bucket and enjoy CGI monsters fighting onscreen.

“Long live the king.”