Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor
On May 31, 2019, everyone’s favorite titan made a return in “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” a sequel to the 2014 movie “Godzilla.” The 34th installment in the “Godzilla” franchise, although not the best in its history, satisfies all of this reviewer’s cravings for more Godzilla screen time and big monsters fighting each other.
The newest “Godzilla” film follows the cryptozoologist organization “Monarch,” and their fight against a group of eco-terrorists planning to awaken all of the titans to bring a natural balance back to the world. 2019 really does love villains who want to restore “natural balance” to the universe, doesn’t it?
While “Godzilla: King of Monsters” introduces a menagerie of new characters, it does bring back one of the most iconic faces from the last movie: Dr. Ishiro Serizawa. Director Michael Dougherty and writers Zach Shields and Max Borenstein included magnificent references to Dr. Serizawa’s backstory, and they didn’t deny audiences any of his critical attitudes toward humanity. Not only that, but they give Serizawa one of the most touching scenes in the movie, where he finally comes face-to-face with the beast of his affection, Godzilla themself. He literally touches the face of God(zilla).
Some movie critics think they’re too good for “Godzilla.” “The plot line is full of holes,” they say, “focus more on the human characters, there’s too much fighting,” they complain. They’re snobs, the lot of them. I would argue that the focus on Godzilla’s fight against Ghidorah and the other titans is a marked improvement from the movie’s prequel. The 2014 movie focused far too much on a romance story, of all things. I’m pretty sure no one is watching “Godzilla” for a love story, unless it’s the romance between Godzilla and Mothra, thank you very much.
All in all, “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” satisfies. There’s lots of fighting and wonderful connections to Godzilla lore. I will admit, the characters did tend to fall flat and the plot lines were convenient, but that’s keeping with the style of the “Godzilla” franchise. This audience member isn’t complaining.
Overall rating: I would strongly recommend this film.
Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu
Photo courtesy of warnerbros.com
