Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)

Kong throws punches at Godzilla while balancing on a rocking aircraft carrier, and honestly, that’s the movie. Everything between the fights is filler. A conspiracy podcaster, Millie Bobby Brown and a nervous kid sneak into a secret lab for a subplot that goes nowhere, and Alexander Skarsgård explains Hollow Earth science with the confidence of a guy who skimmed the manual. Brian Tyree Henry is funny, but he’s stuck yelling exposition. The monster stuff, though, is great. Kong gets real feelings this time, especially in his quiet scenes with Jia, the young girl who signs with him. The neon Hong Kong brawl is the most fun you can have watching a city get remodeled. Adam Wingard knows the assignment: big hits, clear angles, no shaky mush. It made $470.1 million worldwide on a reported $155M to $200M, and it holds a 76% on Rotten Tomatoes. A 6.0 because the monsters are a 9 and the humans are a 3. $69.54 says you try signing something to your dog this week and swear it understood you.

What works: The fights are clear, huge and fun, and Kong’s bond with Jia gives the big guy real feelings.

What doesn’t: The human subplots are pure filler, and the Hollow Earth science makes no sense even by monster movie standards.

Who it’s for: Anyone who wants two giant monsters trading punches under neon lights and doesn’t need the people to matter.