I mean the title basically explains the concept but here's the synopsis anyway: Godzilla inexplicably attacks on the land, which raises the question as to why considering that he doesn't just attack for funsies. Meanwhile, Skull Island can no longer contain Kong, meaning that he has to be moved elsewhere. Soon the behemoths' paths shall intertwine and... the movie title... blah, blah, blah... Yeah, this was fun.
First off, I owe an apology to director Adam Wingard (who previously helmed the recent Blair Witch, You're Next, and segments in the first two VHS films.) I had some reservations about him since he's my most "mixed feelings" director. Didn't quite love or hate his previous works. However, I'm pleased to say he proved me wrong and delivered a good film.
GvK is an unapologetic, brainless giant monster film. Kong and Godzilla's brawls don't disappoint. The monster fights aren't as epic-looking, battle-of-the-gods style as those in Godzilla: King of the Monsters were, but they are far clearer and easier to follow. Seriously, they're well choreographed and are some of the best in the Monsterverse films. It really feels like a big match. Though Godzilla has fought other monsters in these films, Kong brings something new to the table what with his having hands. He's able to make greater use of his environment, grabbing onto things or using them as weapons.
Visually, I think Kong's CGI looked better in Kong: Skull Island. However, I thought the film did a great job with his facial expressions. In an interview, Wingard stated that Toho, Godzilla's original studio and copyrights holder, wouldn't let the creature emote. However, even working within the limitations of that rule, there are a couple moments where Wingard manages to give Godzilla a couple bits of personality.
I kinda liked the human storylines. Yeah, they don't have the charisma of the cast of Skull Island or are even as strong as those in the first Godzilla, but they are generally likable and serve their purpose. (Besides, for an action blockbuster, there are plenty of examples out there where the story turned out a whole lot weaker. This isn't doing too shabby considering that it's the fourth entry in the series.) Interestingly, there are two human subplots, one with a Godzilla team and the other with King Kong and almost never the twane shall meet.
The Kong crew definitely has the stronger storyline and characterization. Though Rebecca Hall and Alexander Skarsgard aren't given the loftiest of material to work with, they get the job done. Credit should especially be given to Hall, who puts more effort into facial expressions than anyone else. Really, she didn't need to put in that much effort for a Godzilla/kong film.
The Godzilla crew have the less substantive storyline (a lot of exposition), but they're also the funnier ones. Stranger Things' Millie Bobbie Brown returns as Madison Russell from Godzilla: King of the Monsters and even though she has less screen time, I thought she was more entertaining. She's the straight man and does a good job reacting to stuff. Hunt for the Wilderpeople's Julian Dennison, who seems to have been typecast in his last couple of films as delinquent-style kids with bad attitudes, gets to play against type as the meeker member of the group. Bryan Tyree Henry as a conspiracy theorist delivers the funniest lines in the film.
There is one thing about Godzilla vs. Kong that bugs me. There'ss one major plot hole if you saw the after credits scene in the last film.
I'd rank this above KotM and below the first Godzilla and SI, which I felt had better stories. Don't let this being third on my list deter you. This knows exactly how to deliver if you like mindless action.
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