The movie landscape of 2020 has been a mixed bag, with some successes and some misfires. Godzilla: King of the Monsters was certainly one of the most highly anticipated and hyped films of the year, with its predecessor having become an instant classic in its own right.
It was thus with great anticipation that moviegoers around the world queued up to see this monster movie Mashup – and the early reviews were fairly positive as well. However, it wasn’t long before the critical reaction flipped from warm to lukewarm to downright cold.
So, after all the hype and anticipation, did Godzilla: King of the Monsters live up to its predecessor, or did it suffer in comparison? The answer to that question is a bit complicated, and can be best summed up as two movies holding up, and two movies breaking down.
First, let’s take a look at the two films that held up. Godzilla himself looked as good as he ever did, with his huge size and impeccable design making him an overwhelming presence onscreen. The other monster cast members also looked great – Mothra and King Ghidorah were both truly impressive, and the unseen Rodan had some brief but memorable scenes.
The creature and monster fights were also spectacular, with crushing destruction and thrilling interactions between the creatures as they battled it out. The fantastical theme, visuals, and colors matched well with the plot, creating a truly enjoyable spectacle.
The two movies that didn’t fare as well were related to their plot, characters, and setting. The story wasn’t as cohesive as it could be, with a few key plot points that could have been better fleshed out. Furthermore, the characters themselves weren’t very well developed, often feeling like thinly sketched caricatures instead of fully realized individuals. The setting of the story was also not as engaging as its predecessor, with a focus on the military-industrial complex leaving the spiritual elements that made the first film so compelling a little bit lost in translation.
All in all, Godzilla: King of the Monsters was a mixed bag. The two parts that held up were truly enjoyable, and the spectacle of the giant monster fights made it a worthwhile viewing experience. However, the two parts that broke down, the plot and characters, left some viewers feeling let down. It remains to be seen if this entry into the Monsterverse will be able to remain standing, or if it will suffer the fate of its predecessors.
