Godzilla vs. Kong

Movie Trailer

Release Date
March 31, 2021

Genre
Action, Sci-Fi, Fantasy

Cast & Crew

• Alexander Skarsgård as Dr. Nathan Lind
• Millie Bobby Brown as Madison Russell
• Rebecca Hall as Dr. Ilene Andrews
• Brian Tyree Henry as Bernie Hayes
• Shun Oguri as Ren Serizawa
• Eiza González as Maia Simmons
• Julian Dennison as Josh Valentine
• Kyle Chandler as Dr. Mark Russell

Director
Adam Wingard

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• You’re Next (2011)
• The Guest (2014)
• Blair Witch (2016)
• Death Note (2017)

Producer
Thomas Tull
Jon Jashni
Brian Rogers
Mary Parent
Alex Garcia
Eric McLeod

Writer
Eric Pearson
Max Borenstein

Budget
$200 million

Production Company
Legendary Pictures
Warner Bros. Pictures

Running Time
113 minutes

Languages
English (Original), with multiple dubbed and subtitled versions available

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Intense sequences of creature violence and destruction
• Brief language

Movie Story
Godzilla vs. Kong is the long-awaited clash of two of cinema’s most iconic monsters, continuing the MonsterVerse storyline established by previous films like Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Kong: Skull Island. The film opens with a mysterious force provoking Godzilla into attacking cities, a stark contrast to his previous role as a protector. Meanwhile, Kong is being studied on Skull Island by Monarch, the organization monitoring giant creatures, but is soon transported on a perilous journey to find his true home within the Hollow Earth, a hidden world at the center of the Earth that may hold the key to both monsters’ origins.

Dr. Nathan Lind (Alexander Skarsgård), a geologist and Hollow Earth theorist, leads the mission to transport Kong. They are joined by Dr. Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall) and her adopted daughter, Jia, a young girl who has formed a unique bond with Kong and communicates with him using sign language. As they journey to the Hollow Earth, they hope to find a power source that could help humanity defend itself against Godzilla.

However, Godzilla, sensing a rival alpha, intercepts Kong’s journey, leading to an epic battle at sea. The film’s plot thickens as conspiracy theorist Bernie Hayes (Brian Tyree Henry), along with Madison Russell (Millie Bobby Brown) and her friend Josh (Julian Dennison), uncover a sinister plot by the tech company Apex Cybernetics, led by Walter Simmons (Demián Bichir). Apex is secretly building a weapon to rival Godzilla, leading to the eventual revelation of Mechagodzilla, a cybernetic version of the titan powered by the energy from the Hollow Earth.

As Godzilla and Kong face off in a series of spectacular battles, the film explores themes of rivalry, survival, and the balance of nature. The final act sees the two titans reluctantly joining forces to take down the greater threat posed by Mechagodzilla, culminating in a visually stunning and action-packed conclusion.

Special Effects
Godzilla vs. Kong is a visual spectacle, with cutting-edge CGI bringing the two legendary monsters to life in breathtaking detail. The battles between Godzilla and Kong are meticulously crafted, showcasing the sheer scale and power of both creatures. The film’s depiction of the Hollow Earth is also visually striking, creating an otherworldly environment that adds depth to the MonsterVerse mythology. The destruction scenes, particularly in the climactic battle in Hong Kong, are a testament to the film’s high production values, with every punch, roar, and explosion rendered in stunning clarity.

Box Office Performance
Godzilla vs. Kong was a major box office success, grossing over $470 million worldwide. It was one of the first blockbuster hits during the pandemic era, benefiting from a simultaneous release in theaters and on HBO Max. The film’s success was bolstered by strong word-of-mouth, particularly for its action sequences and visual effects.

Filming Locations

• Hawaii, USA
• Queensland, Australia
• Hong Kong, China
• Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Notable Quotes

• “We need Kong. The world needs him.” – Dr. Nathan Lind
• “Godzilla is out there and he’s hurting people, and we don’t know why.” – Madison Russell
• “This is our only chance. We have to take it.” – Dr. Ilene Andrews
• “Kong bows to no one.” – Dr. Ilene Andrews

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Adam Wingard aimed to deliver on the promise of a true monster showdown, focusing on making the battles between Godzilla and Kong the centerpiece of the film. The production faced challenges due to the pandemic, but the team successfully created a film that satisfied fans of both iconic creatures. The filmmakers also paid homage to the long cinematic histories of Godzilla and Kong, while updating the visuals and story to fit into the modern MonsterVerse.

Awards

• Nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 2022 Critics’ Choice Super Awards
• Nominated for Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie at the 2021 People’s Choice Awards
• Won Best Film at the 2021 Golden Trailer Awards

Final Verdict
Godzilla vs. Kong delivers exactly what fans of the MonsterVerse have been waiting for: an epic, no-holds-barred battle between two of cinema’s greatest titans. The film’s action sequences are visually spectacular, and it offers a satisfying balance of monster mayhem and human drama. While the plot may take a backseat to the action, the film succeeds in delivering a thrilling and entertaining experience that will please both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

IMDb Rating
6.3/10