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Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire gets a divisive reaction from critics at Rotten Tomatoes.
Just ahead of the movie's release in theaters, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has debuted with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 62% based on 100 reviews. This suggests the reaction from critics is mixed, though leaning on the positive side, enough to give the film a "fresh" score. A mixed Rotten Tomatoes score is not a death knell for the movie. It's not unusual for MonsterVerse films to have mixed reviews from critics while still consistently garnering high box office returns. Godzilla x Kong could also end up getting a high audience score if enough filmgoers are satisfied. Notably, the new film's predecessor, Godzilla vs. Kong, had respective critics' and audience scores of 76% and 91%.
"Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is an exhilarating, bone-crunching and heartfelt cinematic spectacle," reads a review from Starburst critic Jack Bottomley, giving the film a perfect score. On the other end of the spectrum, io9 critic Germain Lussier wrote, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is not a bad movie. It’s not painful to watch. There are good ideas in it along with beautiful visuals. It is, however, largely forgettable and that’s a letdown when you’ve got two of the biggest stars ever, literally."
Godzilla x Kong Is a "Brazenly Cartoonish" Film
"It's brazenly cartoonish, often devolving into nonsensical, gravity-defying tussles, but perhaps that's all we ever needed from an American version of Toho's greatest asset,"
Adam Wingard directed Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which was written by Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett, and Jeremy Slater. Wingard, who also helmed Godzilla vs. Kong, contributed to the story. Godzilla and Kong have been described as the movie's real "stars" by the cast, which includes Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, and Kaylee Hottle.
The film sees Godzilla and Kong reluctantly unite when faced with a common threat in the form of a powerful new titan known as Skar King. The movie also delves into the untold origins of the Titans and Skull Island, while also introducing a "baby Kong" into the mix.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire premieres in movie theaters on March 29, 2024.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes