"Godzilla: King of the Monsters" Movie Review

The MonsterVerse comes roaring back with the long-awaited sequel to Godzilla. Where the first faltered, the sequel greatly improved. Yes, there were still a few issues but nowhere near what the first had. Sadly, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen didn't return for the sequel. The film instead focused on another group of people entirely. It didn't hurt the story but rather progressed it very well.

The film follows Dr. Emma Russell as she develops a tech that she believes can communicate with and control the monsters living underneath the earth's surface. When her company Monarch uses the tech to turn King Ghidorah against the world, it's up to Godzilla to put an end to Ghidorah's reign and stop the onslaught of monsters against humanity.

Writer/Director Michael Dougherty crafted quite a thriller. The collaboration between himself and Max Borenstein, creator of the MonsterVerse, significantly helped the saga. With Borenstein's taste for action and Dougherty's skill for story, the film became an epic. There were still two faults, however.First, there were way too many monsters crammed into this film. It felt like they were trying to do in one movie what Japan did in 30. Despite originally being a villain, Mothra was portrayed far differently than ever before. It was a strange and unnecessary change. Sure, she had a sweet moment but was all that build-up and screentime worth it? Rodan was misused completely. By that, I mean he barely had any screentime at all. The fights between Godzilla and Ghidorah made all the waiting worth it though. I wonder if we'll see Mechagodzilla after next year's showdown between Godzilla and Kong?

The second issue was the CGI. Mostly, it was good. The entire Antarctica scene was the only time when the CGI looked beyond fake. Perhaps it was the intense snowfall getting in the way or a budget issue. After that, though, things improved greatly.

Millie Bobby Brown went from Stranger Things to just strange things. The 15-year-old is quickly becoming a star after just two major roles. While in Stranger Things she's a psychic with a penchant for nose bleeds, in Godzilla she's a normal kid from a broken family. Two completely different characters but she manages to portray them both with outstanding ability. The talent and potential this girl has is rising every day.

This was an unusual film for Vera Farmiga to take on but I'm honestly glad she did. Not many people can go toe-to-toe with Charles Dance but she certainly did. She's just as strong as ever and continues to impress me with each role.

In conclusion, the film was good but didn't exceed any expectations. It's an epic action movie with some fantastic casting, but don't expect it to win at the Oscars. I give the film a 3 out of 4.