Well, starting with Godzilla since I am a huge Godzilla fanboy (a little known fact which I’m sure my follower base has been largely unaware up until now, I’m sure) I am both anxious and excited at the prospect of Godzilla taking on an antagonistic role, although I’m sure that’s only part of the story.
As many kaiju fans have pointed out, there are some definite Gamera 3 parallels where the once heroic guardian kaiju seemingly turning against humanity, likely because of an imbalance in nature and then another group in oppostion to him summons an old rival kaiju in an attempt to stop him. Fascinating. (Also watch Shusuke Kaneko’s Gamera trilogy, it slaps.)
Also, an antagonistic Monsterverse Godzilla who’s got it out for humanity is another concept we kaiju fans have long been waiting for, including me. But I’m very much wary of just where this will go. I’m hoping they don’t outright villify him just for the sake of justifying his conflict with Kong. (That and between Shin-Godzilla and the Godzilla Earth trilogy I feel like we got a decent antagonist godzilla fix.)
(Well maybe not decent in the Earth trilogy’s case.)
Although Mechagodzilla or not, I can definitely understand his reasons for going after humanity. (The COVID disaster, the ever present dangers of pollution, rampant corruption and amorality on every level of society, writing in hollywood these days, youtube ads…)
Now for Kong, I’m actually pleasantly surprised! Quite plesantly surprised! I love how much heart they’re putting into his portrayal and all the updates they’ve given him to stand a chance against Godzilla. Sure the ancient kaiju ax is cool, but I’m quite delighted by his new child friend/adoptive daughter. A welcome change of pace from kidnapping women that warms the heart.
I love the entire set-up of the aircraft carrier fight. The whole thing feels like it’s made of hype and it even feel surprisingly plausible. Everything from the sight of Kong in chains to how Godzilla’s whole entrance tips you off to something being wrong (e.g. him cutting through a ship with his plates, as opposed to casually dodging it). Also I know it’s supposed to be a reference to King Kong vs Godzilla (1962), but is anyone else reminded of Godzilla vs Mothra (1993)?
Kong making a dramatic jump off an aircraft carrier lives in my head rent free.
I admit, was actually critical of the whole concept of pitting Godzilla and Kong against each other in the first place. Even if their first fight was an awesome monster movie on it’s own, I always felt like Godzilla and Kong came from two different worlds. But here they not only feel like a worthy match for each other, but they feel even more like they belong in the same universe than before! There’s a greater sense of rivalry and mythology between those two that I absolutely dig.
I can’t see what’s inside that exploding mountain–MECHAGODZILLA?!IS THAT YOU??? HAVE YOU FINALLY COME TO PUT US OUT OF OUR MISERY?!
Where’s Mothra and Rodan? Just asking.
Actually where’s Behemoth, Scylla, and Methuselah? Again, just asking.
Loving that the human story involves kids getting stuff done. Seriously looking forward to Kong’s pal/daughter, Jia, and Madison and Firebrand Josh playing Godzilla’s advocate Godzilla 2000style.
I don’t if that Japanese guy in the shadowy blue lab with Mechagodzilla? blueprints is Serizawa’s kid or not but if his own son is out to smear Godzilla’s name or worse, the possibilities are endless. Does he resent Godzilla for taking up most of his father’s time? Did he misunderstand his sacrifice? Does he oppose his father’s views of the beast–seeing him as a bigger threat than a protector? Or is he just an egotistical jerk with daddy issues? An easy puzzle to solve on day one?
I want to say more about the other human characters, but I feel like I don’t know enough to say much about them. Although I do look forward to how they handle conflicting organizations and debates on kaiju.
Hollow Earth. HOLLOW EARTH. HOLLOW EARTH! HOLLOW E
I love the warbats and the fight Kong’s going to have with them but why are they called that, especially when there’s actual bats in there?
Was I seeing things or was that the Super X over Kong’s shoulder when he touched the handprint?
On the cinematography:
Seriously though, as someone who thought KOTM looked fine as it was, I adore the new direction. Adam Wingard is doing us all a huge favour with daytime colours and vibrant colour palettes without colour correction.
Hearing the Space Odyssey music from the first Godzilla 2014 trailer gave me chills.
I did not expect to hear another rap song in a Godzilla trailer so soon nor did I expect it to work as well as it did. (Although it does pale in comparison to G2014′s cinematic homage, KOTM’s classical music, or anything Shin did.)
All in all, I’m quite excited to see what WB and Legendary has to offer us now that they got their release dates and such in order at long last. Even if it means this is the last of the Monsterverse films and my favourite kaiju might bite the dust.
