Don't Expect "Minus One." Expect FUN ("Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" Review)

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Don't be fooled by the title of this piece. I had fun watching "Godzilla Minus One." But the film was going for something more than just popcorn munching fare. It was a brilliant piece of filmmaking and I was over the moon happy to have seen it (check out my review of the film on this website).

I had campaigned for the film "Godzilla Minus One" to get a Best Picture nomination for the Oscar nominees of 2023. And though it didn't get the nomination, it ended up winning a Best Visual Effects Oscar. And I happily cheered for the team involved. 

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And as the Oscars came to a close, I knew that I would get even more sweet, sweet Godzilla. Though my expectations for this one to be an Oscar contender dropped dramatically.

The film is "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire." The follow-up to the 2021 blockbuster smash 'em up "Godzilla vs. Kong." 

Yes...THIS time King Kong and Godzilla would be TEAMING UP to fight a new foe, the Skar King. As King Kong finds more giant gorillas like himself, the Skar King has more sinister plans. And he can't stop the Skar King without some help. And this is where Godzilla comes in. Let the monster fights and collateral damage BEGIN!

It wasn't too hard to expect a film that wasn't going for some extra storytelling substance. The previous film was pretty much a blockbuster with giant monsters punching each other (and massive buildings) into a pulp. And you know what? That's all the moviegoing audience is asking for. And in that respect, this film delivers. Probably more so than the original "Godzilla v Kong."

This film is smash 'em up from the beginning. There's some explaining of what's happened since the last film and some silly dialog and jokes. But the real reason moviegoers pay their hard earned money for a ticket is to see some action. And you get your money's worth.

As I left the theater, a young boy was RAVING about the film. His excitement for what he saw was very visible (and contagious). This film was clearly for him. And if you still have a sliver of that child in you, you'll enjoy it too.

By Jess Solis

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