Legendary Pictures’ Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire (dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name; UA) is another monster film. It is the fifth film in the MonsterVerse franchise and a sequel to Godzilla Vs. Kong (2021). It is the story of Godzilla and Kong uniting together against a mysterious threat — a tyrannical leader and a powerful, climate-changing Titan, from Hollow Earth. It also talks about the origins of the Titans and Skull Island.
Terry Rossio, Adam Wingard and Simon Barrett have written a fairly interesting story. The screenplay, penned by Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett and Jeremy Slater, is pretty engaging as the Hollow Earth keeps unfolding surprises for the audience. The phenomenal imagination of the writers becomes evident as layer after layer of Hollow Earth unfolds, and that keeps the viewers engaged all through. The portion about the Iwi tribe, their problems and the prophecy about one of their tribe coming to set things right have been well scripted. The adventurous drama also has a dash of emotions towards the ending.
Rebecca Hall shines as Dr. Ilene Andrews. Brian Tyree Henry is very entertaining as Bernie Hayes. Dan Stevens impresses in the role of Trapper. Kaylee Hottle is wonderful as Jia. Alex Ferns has his moments as Mikael. Fala Chen makes her mark as Iwi Queen. Rachel House (as Hampton), Ron Smyck (as Harris), Chantelle Jamiesson (as Jayne), Greg Hatton (as Lewis), Kevin Copeland (as the submarine commander), Tess Dobre (as the submarine officer), Tim Cowell (as Wilcox) and the others provide good support.
Adam Wingard’s direction is very nice. His narration keeps the audience engaged, involved and interested throughout. Tom Holkenborg and Antonio Di Iorio’s background music is fantastic. Ben Seresin’s cinematography is top-class. Computer graphics and visual effects are extraordinary. Tom Hammock’s production designing is first-rate. Josh Schaeffer’s editing is sharp. Dubbing is wonderful.
On the whole, Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire is an excellent entertainer and will do very well at the ticket counters. Business in South India will be wonderful. The film may join the Rs. 100-crore club!
Released on 29-3-’24 at Maratha Mandir (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Warner Bros. Pictures (India) Pvt. Ltd. Publicity: good. Opening: very good (partly because of the Good Friday holiday). …….Also released all over. Opening ranged from fair (in cities like Delhi) to very impressive (in mass centres). It was extraordinary in South in general and in Tamil Nadu in particular.