GREAT MOVIE, HAD A BLAST! HERE IS MY REVIEW:

 1/2

"GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS" (2019) - dir. Michael Dougherty - (aka "GODZILLA II: KING OF THE MONSTERS") 

The sequel to the 2014 American reboot is an enjoyable, action-packed, and surprisingly old-fashioned throwback to more classic Showa-Era G films.  5 years after Godzilla defeated the MUTO pair in San Francisco, the Monarch organization is caught in the midst of an awakening of ancient Titans including Mothra, Rodan, and the rival alpha King Ghidorah.  As the world plunges into chaos, they fight to support Godzilla as he challenges his ancient nemesis to restore balance and become the true King of the Monsters.  So this sequel builds upon what was established in its predecessor, and then sets out on its own unique and fast-paced course.  The human story has some missteps and a few too many unnecessary plot twists/mechanics, but the actors are all clearly invested in their parts and play them earnestly.  Watanabe returns as Dr. Serizawa and provides the films strongest performance, given a much more important role to play than his previous appearance.  In contrast to 14's focus on mood/tension, KOTM shifts to more spectacle/action, with an enjoyable (and very clearly fanbase-minded) focus on callbacks and homages to Showa and even Heisei (!) Era films.  All the Kaiju are excellent, Godzilla's slightly tweaked design is a highlight, while Ghidorah is incredibly realized and given a unique tri-way personality.  Rodan and Mothra are also very well redesigned and make memorable impacts, but are disappointingly limited to lesser, secondary Kaiju roles that serve mainly to boost and emphasize Godzilla and Ghidorah's battle.  The monster battles are pure dreams realized on screen, truly spectacular though they struggle to maintain the scale of the Kaiju as they go on.  The classic musical themes for Godzilla and Mothra make a pleasant return in this entry, nicely blended in with new orchestral versions.  Even with the improved Kaiju focus and shift in approach, the film leaves less of an impact than its predecessor and is admittedly more forgettable.  Still, it's a remarkably enjoyable G-Film and among the best of the franchise, and leaves you anxiously awaiting G's coming clash with another King....