Godzilla vs. Kong Early Reactions [Minor Spoilers]

A screening was recently held for critics, and media publicists. Here's some early words on the movie:

"Have seen Godzilla vs. Kong twice. The human scenes are exactly what you expect and not worth talking about.

The Godzilla and Kong stuff is why you pay to see this movie on an IMAX screen. They each have scenes that showcase their power and the 3rd act is awesome.

[I] watched Godzilla fight Kong for the first time in my living room and while I have a decent set up this movie demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible. If you can find a theater you feel safe to visit def see this on a movie screen." - Steven Weintraub

"Ok! Here we go! Godzilla vs. Kong impressions! First off:
-No Godzilla theme (or Ifukube themes)
-No post credits
-No MechaGodzilla in Godzilla skin disguise like 1974 Thought I'd get that out of the way first!

The film is a 'put your brain in fun mode' sort of film. Briskly paced, not a lot of character development, and HUGE leaps in logic. If you're someone who tries to tear down logic in movies etc, you're gonna drive yourself crazy with this one.

Those of you who have seen the "brackets" part of the opening sequence online, should know that the movie is all about fun. But, it's also a stand alone film and meant to be enjoyed on it's own. No Mothra, Rodan etc are in it.

Now, onto why you're here: The fights are SPECTACULAR. The visuals and choreography are top notch and the fights deliver! I didn't agree with the final, final outcome but I'm sure there are those of you who will just flat out love it!

The film is very much a Kong film and while Godzilla does show up and cause some trouble the focus seemed to be on Kong. There is even what seems to be a nod to King Kong Escapes.

When watching the battles, it would have been nice to hear some Ifukube but what @Junkie_XL has is in there is pretty awesome. I only heard it through my car speakers at the drive in press screening. It'll be nice to hear it through actual theater speakers next week!

While the film does end with no post credits sequence, you get the feeling that the Monsterverse is JUST getting started.

Anyway, that's the impressions. Tried to keep them short but sweet. If you can, and feel comfortable, see the film on the biggest screen you can! If not, make yourself comfortable and watch on HBO Max with a big bowl of popcorn

Final note: Godzilla does have a lot of screentime and it's nice to finally see him in the daytime as well. Didn't want to give the impression that he's barely in the movie!" - Toho Kingdom

"I've seen Godzilla vs. Kong and it is grade-A awesome! The monster brawls are badass & beautiful -- huge fights, all well designed & super gnarly. Solid story, strong cast, really good score. A true Midnight Monster Movie & my favorite of the four modern Godzilla/Kong movies.

I'm not crazy about the previous GODZILLA movie (it's my least favorite of the four) - story is confusing & you can't really see the fights. Completely different here - dug the story & the fights are pretty awesome. Director Adam Wingard's "Midnight Movie" vibes are all over this.

If I were to rank the four in my personal opinion:
1. GODZILLA VS KONG
2. KONG: SKULL ISLAND
3. GODZILLA
4. GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS
(I watched the new one on my TV, but every few minutes I wondered how it’d feel in IMAX. It’s BIG in that way, but enjoyable in all formats)" - Erik Davis

"I watched Godzilla vs. Kong on a big IMAX screen and it was AWESOME. The movie is a blast. It’s like Fast & Furious but with giant monsters. It’s exactly what I wanted it to be. Giant fights and they’re just SO MUCH FUN to watch. It’s a big, ridiculous, awesome movie." - BD

"Full review coming later but I can confirm that is truly everything fans could want from this movie & so much more. I had a big dumb smile on my face the whole time & every frame feels like a work of art. Wingard has created something very special here.

There are legitimately several sequences in this that I have never seen in a film before & I was totally in awe. I cannot wait to go see it again at the drive-in." - Heather Wixson

"Godzilla vs. Kong is breathtaking, out of this world, and easily the best in the series! The heart of the story is Kong, and the human story complements the monsters' adventures, allowing them to shine. Just seeing the two iconic monsters battling each other is worth it alone." - John Nguyen

"Godzilla vs. Kong is the best. I had so much fun I was clapping at my TV as the credits rolled. Gorgeous, outrageous, and genuinely affecting (the little girl’s relationship with Kong is the most emotional aspect of any of these movies), it is simply unbeatable. I loved it so." - Drew Taylor

"Godzilla vs. Kong is 'fine.' Terrific effects work and an engrossing second act, but it's another 'retrofitted and pared-down for the masses' 'course correction,' w/ most of the worldbuilding absent & little reason for its existence beyond preemptive promises. Your kids will enjoy.

Without knowing what happened after KING OF THE MONSTERS bombed, this absolutely feels like the "Whedon cut of JUSTICE LEAGUE" version of GODZILLA VS KONG. That's not a criticism (I like both JL movies), but it's a streamlined, stand-alone sequel to a mythology-rich predecessor.

Before this gets out of hand, None of the MonsterVerse movies ran longer than 132 minutes (GODZILLA and SKULL ISLAND were under two hours), so I don't think there's some much longer "director's cut" sitting in a vault somewhere." - Scott Mendelson

"Godzilla vs. Kong is a bit of a bloated, entertaining mess. The effects are out of this world, and Kong is as huggable as ever. But wow, the human storylines are just so hard to grasp onto. You get what you came for, but everything else surrounding the main course is disappointing." - Noah Levine

"I got to see Godzilla vs. Kong Friday night! Hilariously, it seems like they’re in a bar fight  Gorgeous VFX and intricate world-building, but many more scenes with 'puny hoomans' than I was expecting..." - Grace Randolph

"Godzilla vs. Kong is another solid MonsterVerse installment. While more time could have been used to explore this franchise’s deeper mythology, if you’re chiefly looking forward to seeing Godzilla and King Kong collide in a fight for the ages, you won’t be disappointed!" - Adam Holmes

"Godzilla vs. Kong is not exactly a mind-blower, but it's definitely a fun watch. The plot-heavy first act is balanced by some impressive monster battles, and there is some wonderful design work. Wish it felt more like a MonsterVerse capstone, but I like it for the movie it is." - Eric Eisenberg

"Godzilla vs. Kong is one hell of a ride! True, it feels like some stuff is missing &it flys by on a greased rail. But that's part of why I love it so much, in the shadow of the plot heavy KOTM. The fights are epic, and Adam Wingard brings his style & color to the MonsterVerse.

This is pure high flying adventure with fun humans, a REALLY fun villain, and an absolutely blockbuster feel to every frame. I am DEFINITELY going to see this in the theater, as 3D/IMAX seem like they're only going to heighten the experience. Give us more Monster Verse movies!

Godzilla vs Kong is a bit step forward, in that it really has fun with what it does. And the colors! This world is so bright and colorful that it's hard not to love looking at it. One scene feels like something out of a top tier theme park simulator; and that's a huge compliment.

TL;DR - Godzilla vs. Kong is Fun, capitalized and all. We're getting closer to a balance between story and spectacle, and I'm optimistic of what the MonsterVerse future could bring. (Provided people actually flock to this one. And I hope they do!)" - Mike Reyes

"Godzilla vs. Kong is fun, vibrant, action-packed, and energizing. GvK lives up to the heavyweight match it advertised with amazing visual effects and action sequences. This movie is selling a spectacle, and that’s exactly what audiences will get." - Sheraz Farooqi

"Godzilla vs. Kong is a visual spectacle featuring jaw-dropping fight scenes btwn the two iconic titans. Wingard’s directing style is on full display in a colorful & breathtaking fashion that also harkens back to the 80s style kaiju. Needless to say, this film is a blast!" - Shannon @SXSW

"As expected - and probably as it should be - the titan fights are the best parts of Godzilla vs. Kong. Adam Wingard definitely has the eye to make the most of those moments! Still don't think they've nailed how to incorporate human characters, but the top-notch ensemble helps." - Perri Nemiroff

"Oh, I can tweet about Godzilla vs. Kong!! I had a total blast with this movie. It gets wonky and weird in all of the places a monster movie like this should. Some of the human characters actually work. But it’s the fights, and Hollow Earth, that demand a massive screen. Team Kong!" - Sean O'Connell

"I absolutely hated the prior Godzilla movie. So here’s the utmost praise I can give a movie like GODZILLA V. KONG: it is a coherent movie with daytime fights and I could always see what was going on. I truly mean that as a compliment." - Mike Ryan

"I went to the theater for the first time in a year to watch Godzilla vs. Kong in IMAX and I loved it. Brian Tyree Henry and Kong were the highlights for me. The fight scenes with Godzilla and Kong were beautifully made. Easily my favorite film in the series." - Nathan Brail

"Oh hey, the Godzilla vs. Kong social embargo lifted! I’ve seen the flick & it absolutely delivers on the Kaiju thrashing. The final battle is the most satisfying brawl we’ve had from this franchise yet, putting the camera where I’ve always wanted to see it in Godzilla movies." - Brad Gullickson