Just wanted to post some initial thoughts after watching this film (which contrary to some expectations is a monster boxoffice hit - just on overseas so far it apparently is in the black after less than a week).
1) SFX and cinematography are REALLY improved - they stepped the game up here big time. Shot angles are better, the use of cutaways is almost completely gone and the action is easy to see and follow. Even the night action has bright neon lighting behind it which fixes the dark, monochrome issues the prior two films experienced. Kong and Godzilla both look great - they don't look fake at all and the movements are fluid and natural.
The monster fight scenes are also outstanding. They have a power to them that makes them exciting to watch and also a sort of animalistic brutality. To be honest, all of the cinematography reminds me of the first Pacific Rim movie (the good one).
2) The story IS thin and alas there are way too many human characters. Fortunately they don't have lots of screen time so it is possible to pretty much ignore them. Be aware - there is a teenaged Scooby gang in this and they ARE annoying, especially because they really serve no purpose. The little girl Jia, however, is good in this and she serves a good plot purpose.
3) In a weird way this is more a Kong movie than a Godzilla movie. Godzilla IS there and his presence is felt all the time but the narrative focus is Kong. It is a bit weird.
More as I get my thoughts sorted. I will say it was entertaining.
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