Godzilla: King Of The Monsters (4DX)

Director: Michael Dougherty

Cast: Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown

Release Date: May 28, 2019

A Review By: Kevin Lovell

Film Rating: 8/10

Synopsis:

Following the global success of “Godzilla” and “Kong: Skull Island” comes the next chapter in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ cinematic MonsterVerse, an epic action adventure that pits Godzilla against some of the most popular monsters in pop culture history. The new story follows the heroic efforts of the crypto-zoological agency Monarch as its members face off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah. When these ancient super-species—thought to be mere myths—rise again, they all vie for supremacy, leaving humanity’s very existence hanging in the balance.

Picking up years after the events of 2014’s ‘Godzilla’, the latest installment in Warner’s MonsterVerse franchise ‘Godzilla: King Of The Monsters’ follows the efforts of the Monarch team and its attempts to stop an eco-terrorist who intends to release various monsters from around the globe in a misguided attempt to save the world. But when the terrifying three-headed beast King Ghidorah is unleashed from its slumber, everything begins to change as the various monsters begin wreaking destruction in unpredictable patterns. As terror and destruction ensues, the fate of our world might just lay in the hands of the deadly creature known as Godzilla, the one monster that may stand a chance of stopping Ghidora’s wrath in this explosive sequel directed by Michael Dougherty and starring Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown, Bradley Whitford, Charles Dance, Ken Watanabe, Sally Hawkins, Ziyi Zhang, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Aisha Hinds and Thomas Middleditch.

‘Godzilla: King Of The Monsters’ brings back everyone’s favorite rampaging monster in the latest edition of Warner’s expanding MonsterVerse, following 2014’s ‘Godzilla’ and 2017’s ‘Kong: Skull Island’ with this explosive and monster-sized adventure that ups the ante in every possible way when it comes to the creatures, and introducing viewers to a beautifully detailed collection of noteworthy new additions to the current saga that fans of old Godzilla classics will thrill at seeing brought so spectacularly to life like never before; with the deadly King Ghidorah marking one of the most breathtaking aspects of the film in its massive and perfectly crafted portrayal which is certain to elicit some goosebumps from fans to say the least, and the rest of the Titans featured within are nothing short of spectacular in their own right either.

While still maintaining a necessary focus on the human element, it definitely doesn’t concentrate quite so intently on them as its 2014 predecessor in order to allow for what many fans desire; more quality monster-filled action. It certainly doesn’t disappoint in the slightest when it comes to the action sequences either, while still finding a reasonable amount of time to focus on the people front and center for this massive adventure. Even if occasionally forgoing plot and character development for more explosive monster battles, it still manages to find a fairly solid balance that should satisfy the majority of fans.

As far as the 4DX presentation in itself is concerned, ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’ certainly made for a perfect introduction to the multi-sensory 4DX theatrical experience, marking the first time I’ve had the pleasure to check out the 4DX technology. For the most part it definitely didn’t disappoint, really throwing you into the center of the action in a way that no other format is quite able to achieve. Featuring no shortage of memorable moments that really pull you in with 4DX such as our first introduction to the breathtaking three-headed King Ghidorah whose rise from the ice is accompanied by the motion seats rumbling and twitching in place to perfect harmony with the cracking of the ice, and as he first rises to full height and roars, the lightning onscreen is accompanied by lightning flashing on the sides of the theater; just as we’re thrust directly into the rainy weather that follows these monstrous battles with the seats jerking you left to right and front to back, while the additional 4DX effects send literal wind blowing onto you while actual water also falls from above; really making you believe you’re truly in the middle of the storm. Perhaps one of the most notable elements with ‘Godzilla: King Of The Monsters’ in 4DX is the measure and power it perfectly portrays in these monsters, such as allowing us to truly feel the size and force of Godzilla, the seats vibrating wildly in unison with his every step allowing you to feel like he’s right there stomping within range.

The 4DX format certainly won’t be for everyone and some folks may not be thrilled about the violent force in which the seats can throw you around, particularly while also wearing 3D glasses and accompanied by the other various effects the format provides. But for those who truly want to get as close as possible to feeling the movie and experiencing every detail within, I can’t encourage you to check out 4DX strongly enough; it’s definitely not quite like anything else you’ve experienced, so find the closest 4DX theater nearby (if one exists at this point, if not keep checking as they are consistently hitting more locations) and get ready to make a night at the movies almost feel like a 2 hour rollercoaster ride that thrusts you directly into the action to experience it as opposed to simply sitting back and watching.

Overall, ‘Godzilla: King Of The Monsters’ is a wildly entertaining and explosive addition to WB’s MonsterVerse saga, serving up more than enough extravagant, exciting action sequences and breathtaking monster battles to appease fans. Occasionally sacrificing character focus and a well-crafted plot in favor of explosive action, but nonetheless keeping things balanced enough that it manages to work for the most part while also giving fans what they desire most. For those of you with a 4DX theater nearby that have been on the fence about checking it out, I would definitely urge you to give ‘Godzilla: King Of The Monsters’ a shot in 4DX if possible, it’s a perfect introduction to the format that pulls out all the stops and really yanks you into the monster-sized action sequences with everything from a 3D presentation accompanied by motion seats, side lighting, fog and water effects, plus more utilized in order to actively immerse you in the film like never before.

Film Rating: 8/10

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‘’Godzilla: King Of The Monsters’; Now Playing in 4DX* & in Theaters Everywhere from Legendary & Warner Bros Pictures

*For more information on the 4DX experience and locations visit https://www.cj4dx.com/