Does This Fight Live Up to the Hype?

On March 31, the wait is finally over. Kaiju fans worldwide will get to see which monster is crowned king when Godzilla Vs Kong is released simultaneously on HBO Max streaming and in participating movie theaters. Some online pundits were lucky enough to see an advanced digital screening of Godzilla Vs. Kong, and their reactions are here. So, does the movie officially live up to all the hype? Or will it be another Gojira-sized disappointment for Toho fans around the world?

Legends collide in Godzilla vs. Kong, as these mythic adversaries meet in a spectacular battle for the ages, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Kong and his protectors undertake a perilous journey to find his true home, and with them is Jia, a young orphaned girl with whom he has formed a unique and powerful bond. But they unexpectedly find themselves in the path of an enraged Godzilla, cutting a swath of destruction across the globe. The epic clash between the two titans – instigated by unseen forces – is only the beginning of the mystery that lies deep within the core of the Earth.

So, is this the fight we’ve been waiting for? Frosty from Collider brags, “watched #Godzilla for the first time in my living room and while I have a decent set up this movie demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible. If you can find a theater you feel safe to visit def see this on a movie screen.” So the monster fights are worth the price of admission. But what about the human characters? Frosty goes onto brag some more about getting early access to the film while sharing some insight for those having to wait a few more days, “Have seen #GodzillaVsKong twice. The human scenes are exactly what you expect and not worth talking about. The Godzilla Vs Kong stuff is why you pay to see this movie on an IMAX screen. They each have scenes that showcase their power and the 3rd act is awesome.”

watched #Godzilla fight #Kong for the first time in my living room and while I have a decent set up this movie demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible. If you can find a theater you feel safe to visit def see this on a movie screen. pic.twitter.com/79GgsT7C8r

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) March 21, 2021

As we expected, it sounds like Godzilla Vs. Kong is all about the giant monsters punching each other in the face. Collider mainstay Perri Nemiroff reiterates this fact, stating, “As expected – and probably as it should be – the titan fights are the best parts of #GodzillaVsKong. Adam Wingard definitely has the eye to make the most of those moments! Still don’t think they’ve nailed how to incorporate human characters, but the top-notch ensemble helps.”

As expected – and probably as it should be – the titan fights are the best parts of #GodzillaVsKong . Adam Wingard definitely has the eye to make the most of those moments! Still don’t think they’ve nailed how to incorporate human characters, but the top-notch ensemble helps. pic.twitter.com/ttpmNJOElo

— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) March 21, 2021

It seems to be the general consensus that the human moments in Godzilla Vs. Kong are garbage, even if they do star Stranger Things phenom Millie Bobby Brown. More than review the movie, the pundits who have seen it seem more interested in bragging rights than sharing what the movie actually is. Collider’s Vinnie Mancuso says this about seeing the movie early, “I have seen #GodzillaVsKong and my review is that I am going to watch this movie every day it is available on HBO Max, turning the volume on my television up a little bit every time.” About the people parts of the movie, he goes onto say, “The human parts are still bafflingly bad, but the parts where one giant monster wallops the other giant monster in the face are incredibly good.”

The human parts are still bafflingly bad, but the parts where one giant monster wallops the other giant monster in the face are incredibly good

— Vinnie Mancuso (@VinnieMancuso1) March 21, 2021

Entertainment Reporter for Gizmodo and io9, Germain Lussier ranks Godzilla Vs. Kong last in the MonsterVerse, with Kong: Skull Island ranking highest, then Godzilla and King of the Monsters. But that doesn’t mean he’s not a fan. He goes onto state, “Godzilla vs. Kong has excellent action and effects. The story is crazy ambitious and at times achieves some unique sci-fi-coolness. I’d watch it again for that stuff but most of the human angles are so overstuffed, illogical and pointless, it constantly took me out of it.” You can check out his tweet below long with a number of other online movie pundits and entertainment journalists. Godzilla Vs Kong hits HBO Max on March 31.

The kings have found their crowns in this awesome artwork by @spdrmnkyxxiii, but who will claim the throne? #GodzillaVsKong #FanArtFriday pic.twitter.com/mdBFeVZsh0

— Legendary (@Legendary) March 19, 2021

Godzilla vs. Kong has excellent action and effects. The story is crazy ambitious and at times achieves some unique sci-fi-coolness. I’d watch it again for that stuff but most of the human angles are so overstuffed, illogical and pointless, it constantly took me out of it.

— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) March 21, 2021

I’ve seen #GodzillaVsKong and it is grade-A awesome! The monster brawls are badass & beautiful — huge fights, all well designed & super gnarly. Solid story, strong cast, really good score. A true Midnight Monster Movie & my favorite of the four modern Godzilla/Kong movies. pic.twitter.com/zkEhbvS9pf

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) March 21, 2021

#GodzillaVsKong is fun, vibrant, action-packed, and energizing.

GvK lives up to the heavyweight match it advertised with amazing visual effects and action sequences. This movie is selling a spectacle, and that’s exactly what audiences will get.

— Sheraz Farooqi (@SherazFarooqi_) March 21, 2021

I absolutely hated the prior Godzilla movie. So here’s the utmost praise I can give a movie like GODZILLA V. KONG: it is a coherent movie with daytime fights and I could always see what was going on. I truly mean that as a compliment.

— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) March 21, 2021

#GodzillavsKong is a visual spectacle featuring jaw-dropping fight scenes btwn the two iconic titans. Wingard’s directing style is on full display in a colorful & breathtaking fashion that also harkens back to the 80s style kaiju. Needless to say, this film is a blast! pic.twitter.com/j31lc55iVO

— Shannon ????????@ SXSW (@shannon_mcgrew) March 21, 2021

So, #GodzillaVsKong is exactly what you expect from the film. Monsters battling it out. The CGI is the best of all the monster movies. The fighting is really great & you’re conflicted abt who to cheer for! Plot is eh. But, we all know why you’re watching this movie lol pic.twitter.com/KdMO388F8c

— Laura (she/her) (@lsirikul) March 21, 2021

@JimmytotheO witnessed the battle and calls @GodzillaVsKong a “wildly entertaining adventure! #AdamWingard gives fans what they want when it comes to an epic face off between these two legendary Titans!” #GodzillaVsKong Full review coming soon! pic.twitter.com/unDDoZKiFW

— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) March 21, 2021

#GodzillaVsKong was made to be seen on the big screen. The ground crumbling stomps, bone-rattling roars, and pure spectacle beg to be seen and heard in HD and surround sound.
I can’t wait for the debates and conspiracy theories soon after – @KING_FISH pic.twitter.com/sSVSubUhk8

— Geek Vibes Nation @ SXSW (@GeekVibesNation) March 21, 2021

Topics: Godzilla Vs King Kong, Godzilla, King Kong, Streaming, HBO Max