I for one have thoroughly enjoyed Legendary’s MonsterVerse movie franchise. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” makes for the fifth film in the shared universe which dates all the way back to 2014 and Gareth Edwards’ terrific “Godzilla”. It’s considered the 38th film of the entire Godzilla franchise and the 13th King Kong feature. It sees the return of director Adam Wingard who helmed the previous installment, 2021’s “Godzilla vs. Kong”.

Initial reactions to this newest entry have been interesting. While early box office numbers have been impressive, the critics responses have been mixed. One reason is because some have unfortunately and unfairly pitted it against last year’s exceptional and more serious-minded “Godzilla: Minus One”. If anything the long-running Godzilla franchise has proven that you can do a lot of different things with the titular characters. Wingard understands that and sticks with his wild ‘Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Kaiju’ formula. I’m glad he did.

After defeating Mechagodzilla in the last movie, Kong has descended back down to Hollow Earth – the vast world below our planet’s surface where he carries on his search for his ancestors. Meanwhile on the surface, Godzilla continues his fight against the Titans who frequently spring up and cause trouble. As the last film established, Godzilla and Kong don’t like each other. But as long as they stay out of each other’s territory there should be nothing to worry about…right?

Back at Monarch, the well-funded secret organization that specializes in the monitoring Titan activity, Dr. Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall) has been elevated to Head of Kong Research. She and her team keep an eye on Kong while others within the vast Monarch follow Godzilla around the globe trying to predict his next moves.

At home, Irene’s young adopted daughter Jia (Kaylee Hottle) remains the last surviving member of Skull Island’s Iwi tribe who has a special connection to Kong. She’s suddenly stricken with traumatic visions triggered by an unidentified signal emanating from Hollow Earth. Irene seeks the help of Titan enthusiast and podcaster Bernie Hayes (a returning Brian Tyree Henry) and Titan veterinarian Trapper (Dan Stevens) who accompany her to Hollow Earth where Kong has discovered an uncharted region full of secrets. Meanwhile the mysterious signal stirs up Godzilla who begins preparing for a potential new and terrifying threat.

As you can probably guess, it’s all working toward a Titan-sized clash which Wingard and his digital effects team have a blast setting up and executing. The CGI-heavy visuals are pretty spectacular and often help to energize the movie. This proves to be important, especially as the heavy doses of mythology begin to wear a little thin. Admittedly, it’s impossible to deny the silliness of it all. At the same time, that very same silliness is a big part of what makes the movie fun. And Wingard’s snappy pacing makes sure you’re not dwelling on too much for too long.

Of course the bread and butter of “The New Empire” is the Titan throwdowns and we get some really good ones. Fans will relish the massive, destruction-driven battles, the film’s playful self-awareness, and the classic monster movie feel. Wingard and his trio of writers (Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett, and Jeremy Slater) make no bones about the movie they’re making. It’s pure popcorn entertainment and throwback escapism. If you didn’t like the previous MonsterVerse entry I’m not sure you’ll go for this one. Me? I’m already excited for the next installment. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is in theaters now.

VERDICT – 4 STARS