Adam Wingard, the director of 2021’s disappointing Godzilla v Kong returns to the MonsterVerse Franchise with this sequel. Also returning to reprise their roles are Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Kaylee Hottle. This time, Kong and Godzilla join forces to stop their foes destroying Hollow Earth. That is a simple explanation of what is going on but the plot is quite convuluted and requires people, usually Rebecca Hall’s scientist, to deliver hefty chunks of exposition in between sequences of giant creatures punching each other.
There is enough to enjoy here to suggest that there is life in the franchise. Hall, Henry, and vet Andrew Stevens are engaging characters and the best sections of the film are when they are exploring the uncharted areas of Hollow Earth. The effects remain impressive and Kong is a sympathetic presence.
The last part of the film finds Kong joining forces with Godzilla and Mothra to defeat a malevolent ape. Unlike the weakest entry in the series, 2019’s Godzilla, King of the Monsters, the action can be clearly seen and is easy to follow. However, I did find myself losing interest a bit as the showdown went on … and on!
The box office returns mean another sequel is inevitable and I will be there to see it, but I think it is almost certain that Godzilla from 2014 and especially Kong Skull Island in 2017 will remain the highpoints.
Rating: 6 out of 10