As a movie critic with over three decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen enough blockbusters to fill a small city. Yet, few have left as lasting an impression as “Godzilla: King of the Monsters.” This 2019 spectacle was a rollercoaster ride that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
In 2019, the sequel to Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla, titled Godzilla: King of the Monsters, was unveiled. This film served as a follow-up to the earlier movie, which received generally favorable reviews albeit being labeled as a “slow burn” with fewer monster fights. Godzilla: King of the Monsters aimed to enhance every aspect, introducing new human characters and featuring classic kaiju clashing against Godzilla. Packed with fanservice and stunning visual effects, the film seemed destined for success. However, while it delivered on spectacle, some critics felt it lacked depth despite its best intentions. Even the most skeptical Godzilla fans can find enjoyment in this movie. On New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025, you’ll be able to stream it for free on Tubi.
Following what could be one of the top trailers in the last ten years, the film “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” featured Millie Bobby Brown as Madison, a young girl whose parents were previous Monarch employees, drawn into the conflict between colossal creatures known as Titans for dominion over our Earth. To secure the throne (and protect mankind), Godzilla confronts several legendary monsters, including Rodan and the three-headed King Ghidorah. The narrative also involves an eco-terrorism plot that sets the stage for a massive kaiju brawl; however, it’s best to keep that aspect of the storyline minimal. In addition to these battles, Mothra enters the fray and shares remarkable scenes with Godzilla, making “King of the Monsters” a more engaging viewing experience overall.
For many viewers, the film “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” is bogged down by a convoluted and murky plot that often seems like multiple stories combined. The human characters are overly numerous, and while effort is made to present Godzilla’s rogues’ gallery, the movie jumps between plot points and excessive exposition too frequently. On Rotten Tomatoes, “King of the Monsters” has a 42% score from critics, and an audience score that splits evenly at 48%. Among its cast, apart from Bobby Brown, you’ll find Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Ken Watanabe, Zhang Ziyi, Bradley Whitford, Sally Hawkins, Charles Dance, Thomas Middleditch, Aisha Hinds, O’Shea Jackson Jr., David Strathairn, and Anthony Ramos.
Why ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’ Stands Out in the Franchise
Following the cinema release of “Godzilla: King of the Monsters”, the franchise significantly expanded its shared universe with King Kong. In 2021, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, “Godzilla vs. Kong” hit both theaters and HBO Max simultaneously, garnering praise from longtime fans and generally positive reviews from critics. This marked the start of the ongoing “Godzilla x Kong” film series, with another installment scheduled for 2027. The absence of standalone “Godzilla Minus One” films now seems a thing of the past, as these iconic monsters are now firmly entrenched within a cinematic universe.
King of the Monsters” is a pivotal film in the series, with both positive and negative aspects. Despite its flaws, it features some iconic Godzilla scenes, such as his final destructive form and the introduction of Mothra. The movie aims high but perhaps tries too hard, yet it remains significant within the franchise’s vast history. With Monarch paving the way for more Godzilla content on television, “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” is still worth watching for dedicated fans, especially when it becomes available for free streaming on Tubi early next year.
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2024-12-21 21:02