GODZILLA VS KONG

     Years from now when the next generation emerges, I bet some kids will ask what the Covid-19 pandemic was like and what the first thing we did once it was safe enough to go outside.  My kid will be told I went to the movie theater to watch Godzilla vs Kong…three times.  That was my grand return to the outside world, and you know what?  I’m ok with this.  I love this big, dumb movie!
     Let me make this perfectly clear.  Godzilla vs Kong is no way a great movie.  It’s about giant monsters beating the absolute heck out of each other, and it doesn’t get much deeper than that.  There’s technically a "story" to give the beat ‘em up scenes reason to exist, but for the most part, it keeps the momentum going.  The bits between the action scenes reminded me of those campy “story” videos that play before you get on a ride at a theme park, and then once the ride takes off, the boring minutes that you waited in line listening to random ramblings pay off.  It’s like that!  There are even shots in the fight scenes that could easily be incorporated into a 4D ride.  Essentially, it’s a roller coaster of a movie, and when you get off the ride, you will either feel great or throw up from the experience.
     I usually try to critique or complement the actors in movies in my reviews, but really, why bother?  The actors spouted out nonsense to each other and reacted accordingly to the scenes.  Nothing to write home about.  Everyone did fine.  Well, I will praise the little deaf girl.  Played by Kaylee Hottle, Jia is the most interesting and honestly well-done character in this whole thing.  She’s a deaf native from Skull Island, which, in my opinion, is a great idea that expands on Kong’s mythos.  The filmmakers certainly took great care to let her shine and be the heart of the movie.  She helped make a few scenes truly emotional, and since this isn’t really a type of movie that cares about tugging at the heartstrings, her ability to do so here is commendable.
     Bringing together two of the most towering titans in movie history was no small feat, but director Adam Wingard managed to handle both callosal creatures with great care.  Sticking true to each of the monsters’ strengths and weaknesses, he managed to direct the movie in a way that fans of both franchises can enjoy.  In fact, I think anyone can enjoy this movie…as long as you don’t really think about what’s happening.  Most certainly viewers will notice the massive amounts of detail in the CGI characters and landscapes.  Like I said before, this movie could work as a 4D ride, with vast scenery and colorful particles bombarding your senses.  There are even some great shots that showcase the colossi from the perspective of the ground, really showcasing the grand scale and spectacle of this monstrous world.  Mr. Wingard has an eye for capturing awesome and exciting action through his usage of camera angles and dizzying animations, and the wild ride that he’s created is one worth getting on.
     After months of being cooped up at home, it was nice to be able to go to the theaters and hang out with friends again.  Like I said, I’ve seen this movie three times.  Did it change my life or give me a new perspective on philosophical concepts?  Absolutely not!  But it’s a fun, dumb ride that I have enjoyed going on with several friends now, and, as strange as it is, this movie will forever be memorable for me.