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Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)
a major disappointment
This installment came out flat and stayed that way. The story isn't compelling and it's mostly built around Kong, not Godzilla, and the deaf child. She, of course, is precious but she can make up for only so many shortcomings.
The CGI are great, so no one will be disappointed in Godzilla or Kong. Kong's new tormentor, another giant ape, wears a snake's spine wrapped around his shoulders as if a bandolier from a Mexican western. All he lacked was a sombrero. Dan Stevens, of Downton Abbey and Beauty and the Beast fame, is totally miscast as a Monarch veterinarian and rock music plays during some of his scenes that is nothing but distracting. And annoying.
This movie tries to be too hip for its own good. It's the weakest of the Warner Bros./Legendary Godzilla movies. It has the unfortunate fate to follow one of the best Godzilla movies ever, Godzilla Minus One, and doesn't come close to capturing the same grace, beauty and storyline. I almost got up and walked out, which I have never done in Godzilla movie, but stayed with the King until the end....
Gojira -1.0 (2023)
The King Reigns Supreme
I've seen this movie four times and I now am confident that it is the best Godzilla movie ever, surpassing the original. The story is one of personal honor and family, built around The King's appearance near Japan at the end of World War II. The acting is superb. Everything is treated seriously; it's not like the cartoonish Godzilla movies of the 1960s. It offers a new perspective of Godzilla's threat: several instances show him menacing ships at sea. The CGI images of him raising hell on land are magnificent. And there's nothing quite like watching half of a Navy destroyer coming flying across the screen after Godzilla has ripped it apart and thrown it away. It's not simply an exceptional Godzilla movie. It's not simply a good science fiction movie. It's an outstanding movie, period....
Expend4bles (2023)
statham to the rescue
There's lots to like in the franchise's fourth installment. Unfortunately the rest of the movie doesn't deliver, and for some it will be a major drag. Word might have gotten out early: I attended the first showing early afternoon on opening day and was the only person in the room.
The first third of the movie is tough to watch. Cliched dialogue, terrible bathroom humor and scenes that strain credulity. The pace and enjoyment increase about halfway through when Jason Statham takes over and starts being Jason Statham.
Andy Garcia is the only other cast member to take his role and make something substantial of it. No surprise there. Megan Fox, a new team member, brings nothing but bad acting, fat lips and her chest, which is displayed prominently. Levy Tran, another newcomer, is nothing more than a human rainbow given all the color tattoos on her upper body. Removing her and Fox would be addition by subtraction.
Figuring out the bad guy wasn't hard. The reappearance of a critical team member at the end was no shock. The film doesn't measure up to the first two, but Statham makes for a rollicking good time. Just don't expect any Academy Awards....
No Time to Die (2021)
A Limp Exit
Daniel Craig's last James Bond movie could prove his weakest. No Time To Die was disappointing in many aspects and failed to match the energy, edge and tension in his previous four efforts. He's the best Bond for me and Casino Royale, Skyfall and Spectre are exceptional films. Craig infused them with a jolt of attitude and gave the franchise a needed lift, but it's missing in installment five. The film never takes off, and only in the last half does it get a spark. Moreover, Rami Malek is a terrible villain. He's not threatening at all. And the run time is way too long. Sadly, this Bond doesn't reach the high bar that Craig had set in the series....
Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)
The King is Back
Terrific second installment in the latest Godzilla series. Many second efforts fall short and flat, but not this one. It grabs you at the start and takes you on a two-hour roller coaster ride of action and family drama, helped along by a solid story line and a strong cast.
There's little waiting on Godzilla's appearance this time, as opposed to the previous film. The arrivals of Rodan and Mothra are spectacular, but are overshadowed by Godzilla's when he reaches Boston in the final third of the movie. He lets King Ghidorah know then that he's had enough, and their battle is exceptional.
The Titans aren't those of the 1950s and '60s. They're well-designed and believable. King Ghidorah is a threatening opponent for Godzilla, as he was in they hey-day of Japanese science fiction, a dragon that presents three problems in one body. The ending is outstanding. Be sure and stay until the credits are finished for an Easter egg. The film also pays homage to the original Godzilla. No spoilers revealed, but you'll know it when David Strathairn reprises his role as the admiral of the fleet tasked with helping find and fight the Titans.
Kyle Chandler gives a fine performance as the father in a broken family. Vera Farmiga complements him well as his scientist wife who has a dark side and makes the decision that carries the movie. The only shortcoming is that the film does not take full advantage of Charles Dance, who brings malice and mayhem as well as any actor going these days.
All in all, the best Godzilla ever....