Godzilla: King of the Monsters - A Review of the Epic Monster Movie
If you are a fan of giant monsters, you might have heard of Godzilla: King of the Monsters, the 2019 blockbuster that pits the king of the kaiju against some of his most iconic foes. But is this movie worth watching, or is it just a mindless spectacle of sound and fury? In this article, I will give you my honest review of the film, covering its strengths and weaknesses, as well as some trivia and facts you might not know. Let's get started!
godzilla king of the monsters
Introduction
What is Godzilla: King of the Monsters?
Godzilla: King of the Monsters is a monster film directed by Michael Dougherty, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Zach Shields. It is a sequel to Godzilla (2014), and the third film in Legendary Pictures' MonsterVerse, a shared cinematic universe that also includes Kong: Skull Island (2017) and Godzilla vs. Kong (2021). It is also the 35th film in the Godzilla franchise, which originated in Japan in 1954 with Toho Studios.
Who are the main characters and monsters?
The film stars Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown, Bradley Whitford, Sally Hawkins, Charles Dance, Thomas Middleditch, Aisha Hinds, O'Shea Jackson Jr., David Strathairn, Ken Watanabe, and Zhang Ziyi. They play various roles as members of Monarch, a secret organization that studies and monitors giant creatures known as Titans, or as eco-terrorists who seek to unleash them upon the world.
The film also features four legendary Titans: Godzilla, Mothra, Rodan, and King Ghidorah. Godzilla is a massive reptilian creature that is revered as a protector of life and a balance-keeper of nature. Mothra is a benevolent insectoid creature that has a symbiotic relationship with Godzilla. Rodan is a fiery pteranodon-like creature that can cause massive destruction with its wings. King Ghidorah is a three-headed dragon-like creature that is an ancient enemy of Godzilla and a threat to all life on Earth.
What is the plot of the movie?
The plot of the movie follows the aftermath of Godzilla's emergence in 2014, when he fought against two parasitic Titans called MUTOs. Five years later, Monarch scientist Dr. Emma Russell (Vera Farmiga) and her daughter Madison (Millie Bobby Brown) witness the birth of Mothra at a secret facility in China. However, they are kidnapped by eco-terrorist Alan Jonah (Charles Dance), who plans to use Emma's device called ORCA to awaken other dormant Titans around the world.
Emma's estranged husband Mark (Kyle Chandler), who blames Godzilla for the death of their son Andrew in 2014, joins a team of Monarch operatives led by Dr. Ishiro Serizawa (Ken Watanabe) and Dr. Vivienne Graham (Sally Hawkins) to rescue them and stop Jonah's plan. Along the way, they encounter Godzilla, who is weakened by a mysterious device called the Oxygen Destroyer, and his nemesis King Ghidorah, who is revealed to be an alien invader that can control other Titans. As Godzilla and King Ghidorah clash for supremacy, humanity's fate hangs in the balance.
Godzilla king of the monsters cast and crew
Godzilla king of the monsters trailer and release date
Godzilla king of the monsters review and rating
Godzilla king of the monsters box office and budget
Godzilla king of the monsters sequel and monsterverse
Godzilla king of the monsters Mothra and Rodan
Godzilla king of the monsters King Ghidorah and nemesis
Godzilla king of the monsters soundtrack and score
Godzilla king of the monsters poster and images
Godzilla king of the monsters plot and spoilers
Godzilla king of the monsters streaming and DVD
Godzilla king of the monsters quotes and trivia
Godzilla king of the monsters easter eggs and references
Godzilla king of the monsters toys and merchandise
Godzilla king of the monsters fan art and cosplay
Godzilla king of the monsters director and writer
Godzilla king of the monsters Kyle Chandler and Vera Farmiga
Godzilla king of the monsters Millie Bobby Brown and Stranger Things
Godzilla king of the monsters Ken Watanabe and Serizawa
Godzilla king of the monsters Zhang Ziyi and Chen
Godzilla king of the monsters Bradley Whitford and Stanton
Godzilla king of the monsters Sally Hawkins and Graham
Godzilla king of the monsters Charles Dance and Jonah
Godzilla king of the monsters Thomas Middleditch and Coleman
Godzilla king of the monsters Aisha Hinds and Foster
Godzilla king of the monsters O'Shea Jackson Jr. and Barnes
Godzilla king of the monsters David Strathairn and Stenz
Godzilla king of the monsters Anthony Ramos and Martinez
Godzilla king of the monsters Elizabeth Ludlow and Griffin
Godzilla king of the monsters Jonathan Howard and Asher Jonah
Godzilla king of the monsters CCH Pounder and Senator Williams
Godzilla king of the monsters Joe Morton and Houston Brooks
Godzilla king of the monsters Randy Havens and Tim Mancini
Godzilla king of the monsters Toho Co. Ltd. and Legendary Pictures
Godzilla king of the monsters Wanda Qingdao Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures
Godzilla king of the monsters Beijing premiere and China release
Godzilla king of the monsters crypto-zoological agency Monarch
Godzilla king of the monsters Titan-studying organization Monarch
Godzilla king of the monsters god-sized monster Titans
Godzilla king of the monsters ancient superspecies myths
Godzilla king of the monsters humanity's existence threat
Godzilla king of the monsters eco-terrorism plot device
Godzilla king of the monsters net energy gain experiment
Godzilla king of the monsters nuclear fusion reaction technology
Godzilla king of the monsters 35th film in franchise history
Godzilla king of the monsters 2014 film sequel connection
Godzilla king of the monsters 2021 film prequel setup
Godzilla king of the monsters Yoshimitsu Banno dedication
Godzilla king of the monsters Haruo Nakajima tribute
The Good
The spectacular kaiju action
One of the main reasons to watch this movie is to see the awesome fights and scenes involving the Titans. The movie delivers on this aspect, as it showcases the power and majesty of these colossal creatures in various settings and situations.
The design and effects of the monsters
The movie does a great job of bringing the classic Toho monsters to life with modern CGI and motion capture technology. The design of each Titan is faithful to their original appearance, but also updated with realistic details and features. The effects are impressive and convincing, as they make the Titans look like they are actually interacting with the environment and each other.
The epic battles and destruction scenes
The movie also features some of the most epic and thrilling battles and destruction scenes in the genre. The movie does not shy away from showing the scale and impact of the Titans' actions, as they cause massive damage and casualties to cities, landscapes, and military forces. The movie also does not hold back on the violence and gore, as some Titans are shown to be injured, mutilated, or killed in graphic ways.
The homage to the classic Toho films
The movie also pays tribute to the classic Toho films that inspired it, by incorporating some elements and references from them. For example, the movie uses some of the original sound effects and roars of the Titans, as well as some of their signature moves and abilities. The movie also recreates some iconic scenes and shots from the Toho films, such as Godzilla's atomic breath, Mothra's silk attack, Rodan's sonic boom, and King Ghidorah's gravity beams.
The musical score and cinematography
Another aspect that enhances the movie is the musical score and cinematography. The movie features a brilliant soundtrack composed by Bear McCreary, who incorporates some of the original themes by Akira Ifukube, as well as some new ones. The score is epic and emotional, as it matches the mood and tone of each scene and character.
The use of "Clair de Lune" and other themes
One of the most memorable moments in the movie is when Godzilla emerges from the ocean after being revived by a nuclear blast, while "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy plays in the background. This scene is beautiful and poetic, as it contrasts the serene music with the majestic sight of Godzilla. The movie also uses other themes to highlight the personalities and relationships of the Titans, such as Mothra's lullaby, Rodan's march, and King Ghidorah's chorus.
The stunning visuals and colors
The movie also boasts some stunning visuals and colors, thanks to the cinematography by Lawrence Sher. The movie uses a variety of colors and lighting to create different atmospheres and moods for each location and scene. For example, the movie uses blue and green colors to show Godzilla's domain under the sea, red and orange colors to show Rodan's volcanic lair, yellow and purple colors to show King Ghidorah's stormy presence, and white and gold colors to show Mothra's radiance. The fan service and references
The movie also caters to the fans of the Godzilla franchise and the MonsterVerse, by including some fan service and references that they can appreciate and enjoy. The movie has many Easter eggs and callbacks to previous films, as well as some hints and setups for future ones.
The Easter eggs and callbacks to previous films
The movie has many Easter eggs and callbacks to previous films, both from the Toho and the Legendary series. For example, the movie mentions some of the locations and events from the previous films, such as Skull Island, San Francisco, Boston, and Castle Bravo. The movie also features some of the characters and organizations from the previous films, such as Dr. Ishiro Serizawa, Dr. Vivienne Graham, Admiral William Stenz, Monarch, and Apex. The movie also references some of the lore and mythology from the previous films, such as the Hollow Earth, the Oxygen Destroyer, and the Temple of the Moth.
The post-credits scene and sequel setup
The movie also has a post-credits scene that sets up the sequel, Godzilla vs. Kong, which is scheduled to be released in 2021. The scene shows Alan Jonah and his men acquiring one of King Ghidorah's severed heads from a fisherman in Mexico. The scene implies that Jonah plans to use the head for some nefarious purpose, possibly involving genetic engineering or cybernetics. The scene also hints at the existence of more Titans that have not been revealed yet, such as Mechagodzilla and Mecha-King Ghidorah.
The Bad
The weak story and dialogue
While the movie excels in the kaiju action department, it fails in the story and dialogue department. The movie has a weak story and dialogue that are full of plot holes, inconsistencies, and absurdities.
The confusing and ridiculous motivations of some characters
One of the biggest flaws of the movie is the confusing and ridiculous motivations of some characters, especially Emma Russell and Alan Jonah. Emma Russell is supposed to be a sympathetic character who wants to save the world from overpopulation and pollution by unleashing the Titans. However, her plan makes no sense, as it would cause more harm than good to both humans and nature. She also seems to have no remorse or guilt for her actions, even when she sees her own daughter in danger. Alan Jonah is supposed to be a ruthless eco-terrorist who wants to destroy humanity by unleashing King Ghidorah. However, his plan is also illogical, as he would also doom himself and his followers to extinction. He also seems to have no clear agenda or ideology, other than being evil for evil's sake.
The clichéd and cheesy lines
Another flaw of the movie is the clichéd and cheesy lines that are uttered by some characters, especially Mark Russell and Dr. Rick Stanton. Mark Russell is supposed to be a heroic character who wants to rescue his family and stop the Titans. However, he often says some corny and cringeworthy lines that are meant to be witty or inspirational, but end up being laughable or annoying. For example, he says "Long live the king" when Godzilla defeats King Ghidorah, or "This is Godzilla's world, we just live in it" when he sees Godzilla swimming away. Dr. Rick Stanton is supposed to be a comic relief character who provides some humor and sarcasm to lighten up the mood. However, he often says some juvenile and vulgar lines that are meant to be funny or edgy, but end up being offensive or inappropriate. For example, he says "Oh shit" when he sees King Ghidorah's third head regrow, or "That's one big bitch" when he sees Mothra emerge from her cocoon. The dull plotting and pacing
A third flaw of the movie is the dull plotting and pacing that make the movie drag and bore. The movie has a dull plotting and pacing that are full of filler scenes, exposition dumps, and unnecessary subplots.
The lack of suspense and tension
One of the problems of the movie is the lack of suspense and tension that make the movie predictable and unexciting. The movie does not create any sense of mystery or danger for the audience, as it reveals everything too soon or too easily. For example, the movie reveals the identity and origin of King Ghidorah in the first act, without any buildup or twist. The movie also resolves the conflicts and challenges too quickly or conveniently, without any struggle or sacrifice. For example, the movie revives Godzilla from near-death in the second act, without any lasting consequence or cost.
The excessive exposition and filler scenes
Another problem of the movie is the excessive exposition and filler scenes that make the movie long and tedious. The movie spends too much time on explaining and showing things that are not relevant or interesting to the main story or characters. For example, the movie wastes time on showing the awakening and rampaging of various Titans around the world, without any connection or impact to the plot. The movie also overloads the audience with information and details that are not necessary or clear to understand the situation or motivation. For example, the movie bombards the audience with scientific jargon and mythology that are confusing or contradictory.
The underdeveloped human characters
A fourth flaw of the movie is the underdeveloped human characters that make the movie shallow and bland. The movie has underdeveloped human characters that are either stereotypical, forgettable, or annoying.
The wasted potential of some actors
One of the issues of the movie is the wasted potential of some actors who are talented but poorly utilized. The movie has some actors who are capable of delivering great performances, but are given little to no material to work with. For example, Sally Hawkins, who plays Dr. Vivienne Graham, is an Oscar-nominated actress who has a minor role that ends abruptly and unceremoniously. Zhang Ziyi, who plays Dr. Ilene Chen and Dr. Ling, is an internationally acclaimed actress who has a dual role that serves no purpose other than being a plot device.
The lack of emotional connection or depth
Another issue of the movie is the lack of emotional connection or depth that make the movie cold and hollow. The movie does not make the audience care about or relate to any of the human characters, as they are either poorly written or poorly acted. The movie does not develop any meaningful or believable relationships or arcs for any of the human characters, as they are either rushed or forced. The movie does not elicit any genuine or powerful emotions from the audience, as they are either absent or manipulated.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
In conclusion, Godzilla: King of the Monsters is a movie that has some strengths and weaknesses. On one hand, it has some spectacular kaiju action, a brilliant musical score and cinematography, and some fan service and references. On the other hand, it has a weak story and dialogue, a dull plotting and pacing, and underdeveloped human characters.
Personal opinion and rating
Personally, I enjoyed this movie as a fan of Godzilla and kaiju movies in general. I was entertained by the monster scenes and impressed by the visuals and sounds. However, I also recognized that this movie had many flaws and shortcomings that could have been improved or avoided. I would give this movie a rating of 6 out of 10 stars.
Recommendation for who should watch it
I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes giant monster movies or action movies in general. I think this movie is suitable for people who want to have some fun and excitement without expecting too much from it. However, I would not recommend this movie to anyone who prefers more story-driven or character-driven movies, or who expects more quality or originality from it.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Godzilla: King of the Monsters:
Q: Is Godzilla: King of the Monsters a sequel to Godzilla (2014)?
A: Yes, Godzilla: King of the Monsters is a direct sequel to Godzilla (2014), which was also produced by Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros.
Q: Is Godzilla: King of the Monsters part of a cinematic universe?
A: Yes, Godzilla: King of the Monsters is part of the MonsterVerse, a cinematic universe that also includes Kong: Skull Island (2017) and Godzilla vs. Kong (2021).
Q: Is Godzilla: King of the Monsters based on a Japanese film?
A: Yes, Godzilla: King of the Monsters is loosely based on Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964), a Japanese film produced by Toho Studios that also featured Godzilla, Mothra, Rodan, and King Ghidorah.
Q: Is Godzilla: King of the Monsters a remake of a previous film?
A: No, Godzilla: King of the Monsters is not a remake of a previous film. However, it shares the same title as Godzilla, King of the Monsters! (1956), an Americanized version of the original Godzilla (1954) that added scenes with Raymond Burr as an American reporter.
Q: Is Godzilla: King of the Monsters connected to the anime trilogy?
A: No, Godzilla: King of the Monsters is not connected to the anime trilogy that consists of Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters (2017), Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle (2018), and Godzilla: The Planet Eater (2018), which were also produced by Toho Studios and streamed on Netflix.
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