In the Hollow Earth, King Kong searches for family under the watchful eye of Dr. Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall). Kong discovers a deeper, uncharted region, home of a psychic signal that reaches topside, causing Skull Island local Jia (Kaylee Hottle) to experience odd hallucinations, while also waking up Godzilla!

After a few movies each under America’s Legendary Productions’ MonsterVerse, Godzilla and King Kong finally crossed paths in 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong. Establishing a more Manga-inspired tone and look, the movie was atypical of the contemporary Western Kaiju genre; massive monsters battling each other while a handful of self-interested human characters explain what is going on. This time out, our adventure continues in a set world with its mechanics and whacky ’80s glam-rock tone. Unlike Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, characters from previous outings that do not serve the narrative are excised, moving the story forward and focusing on our beasties. 

The emotive Kong is the main protagonist. A lonely soul yearning for community, the Frankenstein monster-like beast finds himself battling another alpha. Godzilla is more of an existential, natural threat here; a side character who may provide a precarious alliance.

Unlike Godzilla: Minus One (2023), the movie embraces its schlock B-movie origins, referencing Kong and Godzilla across all media throughout the decades. With whacky creature designs, anime tech, all bathed in sci-fi neon lighting against a retro soundtrack, the movie also includes nods to the kitsch Land of the Lost (1974), the Primal Rage (1994) arcade games and ’80s Asian fantasy movies.

Verdict: A fantastical and fun escapist monster-mash. 4 stars.

Luke McWilliams, themovieclub.net. Viewed at Dendy Cinemas.