Analysis of Godzilla vs. Kong: A Critical Review of Plot, Characters, and Action
Godzilla vs. Kong, following the Monsterverse, offers an intriguing blend of ambitious plot, character development, and spectacular action. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of its storyline, character portrayals, and action sequences, comparing it to previous installments in the franchise.
Plot and Plot Devices
The film is a significant improvement over its predecessor, Godzilla, yet it falls short of Kong: Skull Island and Godzilla: King of the Monsters. The narrative introduces a more complex structure, featuring two separate groups of protagonists dealing with different conflicts and villains in different settings. This approach is neither as concentrated as Godzilla nor as expansive as King of the Monsters, creating an interesting medium that blends the strengths of both.
One of the plot’s major issues is the pacing, particularly the delayed appearance of Mechagodzilla, which struggles to capture the audience’s attention. Additionally, the Hollow Earth concept, a promising sci-fi idea, is ultimately abandoned in the climax, detracting from the completeness of the plot. However, it serves as a transitional device, bridging the earlier plot devices of Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Kong: Skull Island with the developed setting of New Empire.
Characters
The film presents a mixed bag of characters, with some notable moments and others that fall short. Lind, the antagonist, is portrayed as a stock character, while Serizawa receives only a limited number of lines, indicating that his character had been further developed but was ultimately cut. The protagonists Madison and Josh are entertaining but underwritten, failing to fully develop their roles. On the other hand, Bernie stands out as a tragically and comically compelling character, showcasing both intelligence and insanity.
Jia, Kong's human companion, remains at the heart of the narrative, providing a refreshing take on the human-monster connection. Her character establishes an powerful bond with Kong, maintaining human connection with the giant gorilla. This new perspective enriches the main narrative of the Kong TV series and aligns well with the overall theme.
Action Sequences and Production Value
One of the most praised aspects of Godzilla vs. Kong is its action sequences. The battle scenes are better edited and shot compared to its predecessors, featuring both grand and smaller-scale fights. The first major battle takes place at sea during sunset, showcasing Godzilla’s immense power in water, while the final battle in Hong Kong emphasizes neon lights and dynamic neon backgrounds, divided into distinct acts. The final showdown, involving Kong’s triumph, appears to be the most successful in terms of pacing and dramatic tension.
The blend of short and epic fights creates a cohesive narrative, making the action feel balanced despite the imbalance in power between the monsters. Each kaiju has a moment to shine, creating a sense of equality and fairness, though it is often suggested that the fights should have been more evenly matched to add complexity.
Score and Composing
A notable downside of the film is its score, composed by Holkenberg. While the composition may not be as impressive as previous entries, it does lack the rich orchestration and integration of classic themes that McCreary previously provided. The absence of a clear and memorable score significantly detracts from the overall experience, making the film feel less complete.
Overall Assessment and Conclusion
Despite its flaws, Godzilla vs. Kong remains a solid film that stands above the average in the Monsterverse. When placed within the context of the Godzilla franchise, it retains a quality that surpasses the efforts of Toho’s Godzilla films produced within the last two decades. However, it is still subpar compared to its predecessor, King of the Monsters.
While the characters, scores, and action sequences require improvement, the potential is there for Godzilla vs. Kong to be ranked among the top films in the Monsterverse. A more compelling character development and a better integration of plot lines could elevate this film to an even higher status.