Normally, when the first social media responses come in for a movie with a hyped-up fan base, they’re pretty overwhelmingly positive. So it may not be the best sign that the first reactions to Godzilla vs. Kong…aren’t that. But as a reminder, Godzilla: King of the Monsters ultimately registered a mere 42% on the Tomatometer. So it’s not like these movies have never divided audiences before. It seems like a more limited group of press than usual registered reactions early this time. But whether they liked it or not, they at least all seem to understand what people want from it. And grant that when it comes to monster fights, the visuals generally deliver.
Fandango’s Erik Davis is one of the most positive.
I’ve seen #GodzillaVsKong and it is grade-A awesome! The monster brawls are badass & beautiful — huge fights, all well designed & super gnarly. Solid story, strong cast, really good score. A true Midnight Monster Movie & my favorite of the four modern Godzilla/Kong movies. pic.twitter.com/zkEhbvS9pf
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) March 21, 2021
Cinemablend’s Adam Holmes endorses the monster fights, but appears to be damning the rest of the movie with faint praise.
#GodzillavsKong is another solid MonsterVerse installment. While more time could have been used to explore this franchise’s deeper mythology, if you’re chiefly looking forward to seeing Godzilla and King Kong collide in a fight for the ages, you won’t be disappointed! pic.twitter.com/ajR7UW0Cre
— Adam Holmes (@MrAdamHolmes) March 21, 2021
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Forbes’ Scott Mendelson suggests kids will like it more than adults. Which implies that at least they won’t be bored by a lot of non-monster stuff.
#GodzillaVsKong is “fine.” Terrific effects work and an engrossing second act, but it’s another “retrofitted and pared-down for the masses” “course correction,” w/ most of the worldbuilding absent & little reason for its existence beyond preemptive promises. Your kids will enjoy. pic.twitter.com/9SdpMQtKwh
— Scott Mendelson (@ScottMendelson) March 21, 2021
Collider’s Perri Nemiroff compliments the human cast while suggesting they don’t do very much.
As expected – and probably as it should be – the titan fights are the best parts of #GodzillaVsKong . Adam Wingard definitely has the eye to make the most of those moments! Still don’t think they’ve nailed how to incorporate human characters, but the top-notch ensemble helps. pic.twitter.com/ttpmNJOElo
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) March 21, 2021
io9’s Germain Lussier had the most negative reaction, after calling it the least of the four Monsterverse films.
Godzilla vs. Kong has excellent action and effects. The story is crazy ambitious and at times achieves some unique sci-fi-coolness. I’d watch it again for that stuff but most of the human angles are so overstuffed, illogical and pointless, it constantly took me out of it.
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) March 21, 2021
But Brandon Davis suggests that the ludicrousness is the point.
I watched #GodzillaVsKong on a big IMAX screen and it was AWESOME. The movie is a blast. It’s like Fast & Furious but with giant monsters.
It’s exactly what I wanted it to be. Giant fights and they’re just SO MUCH FUN to watch. It’s a big, ridiculous, awesome movie. pic.twitter.com/v6e9hpWqd0
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) March 21, 2021
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The overall picture emerging is one of a fairly typical kaiju movie. It sounds like great monster fights get interspersed with silly human antics. While the occasional Godzilla movie, like Gareth Edwards’ 2014 version, aims for more, those are the exception rather than the rule. But raise your hand if you were planning on going for the human stuff.
Do these reactions make you feel any differently about Godzilla vs. Kong? Let us know in comments!
Recommended Reading: The Art of Godzilla: King of the Monsters
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