A direct sequel to the rather forgettable Godzilla (2014). “King of the Monsters” delivers where its predecessor lacked – MONSTER ACTION (come on, that’s all we want to see) and we’re not just talking about Godzilla alone, but we also get to see Mothra “The Mother of Monsters”, Rhodan “The Fire Demon” and “Monster Zero” himself -King Ghidora battle it out in a monster royale unlike any other.
The film, is actually the first to draw any real anticipation and excitement for Legendary and Warner Bros.’ “Monster Verse” where now fans are eagerly waiting for that showdown between the Big G and Skull Island resident himself (King) Kong.
But before we drift off and dream about that big Kaiju V Kong face off, let’s go back to the monster movie that is currently stomping in cinemas now.
After two scientists lose their eldest son to the 2014 Godzilla attacks, their marriage falls apart and each deal with their grief differently.
He, Mark Russell (Kyle Chandler) drowned his misery in alcohol before recovering and isolating himself as a wild life photographer (not sure if its his profession or just for leisure, we’re all basing this on that one scene). He despises Godzilla for the death of his son.
She, Emma Russell (Vera Farmiga) in her search for a reason for her son’s death worked on the “Orca” a sonic device that can mimic the different calls and noises Godzilla and his kind (AKA “The Titans”) make.
Between these two scientists, they share a younger daughter Maddison (Millie Bobby Brown) who wows as a promising big screen actress.
A very convenient feature of the Orca is that you can actually specify what kind of call/cry you want. Which basically means you can calm, enrage or call a Kaiju which just basically spells disaster if said device falls into the wrong hands.
After a successful attempt at calming down a newly hatched Mothra. The Orca is stolen by Eco terrorists led by Alan Jonah (Charles Dance) and take Emma and Maddsion with them.
While all this is going on. that mysterious organization MONARCH (whose early beginnings we see in Kong: Skull Island) is going head on with the government, who after the 2014 Godzilla damage want MONARCH to be placed under military control and to eradicate all Titans.
Doctor Ishira Serizawa (Ken Watanabe) argues that humans can peacefully co-exist with these Titans, who have been living on the planet far longer than humans. The hearing is suddenly put to a stop due to Jonah’s actions and Team Monarch set out to bring in Mark as he has knowledge on how the Orca was created and of course, he wants to rescue his ex-wife and daughter.
There’s a bit of a mid-twist there, so that was a pleasant surprise.
With Joanh and his ilk on a mission to release Titans to wreck havoc on the Earth, its up to Team Monarch to stop them, good thing a certain Kaiju is helping them out.
Godzilla II: King of the Monsters is the monster movie that needs to be seen in the BIGGEST screen and with the BEST SOUND QUALITY (the film does a good job of incorporating an impressive score, giving each Kaiju their own theme and the roars and screeches of these Titans? Just glorious!)
“King of the Monsters” maintains a well balanced mix of edge of your seat Titan fights, tearful human drama, well placed comedy and jaw dropping special effects.
The film has a good enough story which allows its characters to grow but of course the star of the show is Godzilla whom we have never seen in such glory on the big screen, as in this 2019 rendition. 8/10.