Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry
Director: Adam Wingard
Writer: Eric Pearson, Max Borenstein

Summary:
"Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" picks up three years after the titanic clash between the two iconic monsters, with Godzilla reigning as the protector of humanity while Kong resides peacefully in Hollow Earth. However, when a mysterious signal triggers Godzilla's erratic behavior, a chain of events is set in motion that leads to a confrontation between the two giants. As Kong explores his origins in Hollow Earth and Godzilla unleashes his fury on the world, a team of humans races to uncover the truth behind the signal and prevent a catastrophe of apocalyptic proportions.

Likes:
The film excels in its monster action sequences, delivering breathtaking battles and jaw-dropping destruction on an epic scale. Kong's resourcefulness in combat is a highlight, showcasing the ape's intelligence and strength. The visual effects, especially in the vibrant and otherworldly Hollow Earth scenes, are stunning and immersive, offering a refreshing and visually engaging backdrop for the film's narrative.

Dislikes:
Despite its strong points, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" suffers from a convoluted and poorly-paced plot that struggles to engage the audience outside of the monster battles. The human characters, despite being portrayed by talented actors, are overshadowed by the spectacle of the monsters and are given little to do beyond delivering exposition. The film also fails to capitalize on its potential for deeper thematic exploration, opting instead for a more straightforward and surface-level narrative.

Standout Performances:
Rebecca Hall delivers a heartfelt performance as Dr. Ilene Andrews, bringing depth and emotion to her character's relationship with Kong. Brian Tyree Henry provides comic relief as conspiracy theorist Bernie Hayes, injecting humor into the film's more serious moments. Millie Bobby Brown also shines in her role as Madison Russell, showcasing her range as an actress and holding her own alongside the film's larger-than-life stars.

Verdict:
"Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" is a visually stunning and action-packed spectacle that delivers on its promise of epic monster battles. However, its weak plot and underdeveloped human characters prevent it from reaching its full potential. While fans of the MonsterVerse series may find enjoyment in the film's spectacle, casual viewers may be left wanting more substance. Overall, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" is a fun but ultimately forgettable entry in the franchise. Rating: 3/5