Double Movie Review: Godzilla vs. Kong

Godzilla vs. Kong
Release Date Mar 31, 2021
Director: Adam Wingard
Producer: Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Eric McLeod, Jon Jashni, Thomas Tull, Brian Rogers
Writer: Eric Pearson, Max Borenstein
Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Shun Oguri, Eiza González
Runtime: 1h 53m
Production Co: Warner Bros., Legendary Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Destruction|Brief Language|Intense Creature Violence)
Genre: Adventure, Sci Fi, Action
Legends collide in "Godzilla vs. Kong" as these mythic adversaries meet in a spectacular battle for the ages, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Kong and his protectors undertake a perilous journey to find his true home, and with them is Jia, a young orphaned girl with whom he has formed a unique and powerful bond. But they unexpectedly find themselves in the path of an enraged Godzilla, cutting a swath of destruction across the globe. The epic clash between the two titans--instigated by unseen forces--is only the beginning of the mystery that lies deep within the core of the Earth.

Reviewer: SharonS

4 1/2 "villain hair" Sheep

My husband and I have been waiting for this! I'll cut to the chase...it was worth it! The writers and director knew what we wanted, EPIC BATTLES! There are people running around to give a flimsy reason for the EPIC BATTLES.

The actors did their job, especially little Jia. That kid is awesome and her connection with Kong tugs at your heartstrings. If you are looking for the sci-fi part to make sense, don't. I mean...Godzilla makes a massive hole through the earth to Hollow Earth!

My husband and I both give it 4 1/2 sheep based on the entertainment value. We will watch it again. And I will make fun of all the plot holes again.

Reviewer: Pamela Kinney

The pandemic has been a time where theaters closed in 2020 with some opening end of the year or 2021, and Regal reopening finally on April 1, 2021. Most of us have been binging on television, and movie production companies finally realized putting movies forward might cause many films to be forgotten, so they turned to streaming. Even Disney Plus is releasing its big films not just in theaters but on their streaming service. And Warner Bros. made a deal with HBO Max. Godzilla Vs. Kong not only premiered in theaters, but it also premiered on HBO Max (a better deal in my opinion as you have it for 30 days and can rewatch it as many times you want, unlike one time seeing on the movie screen.

Godzilla Vs Kong is not a film you watch to think or for social commentary—there are art house films for that. So, this movie will not be your cup of tea. But if you enjoyed those giant dinosaur movies as a kid and watch all the Godzilla and other monsters of Toho movies, then this movie is for you. 

I was a kid when my parents dropped me off at the movie theater to see Toho’s King Kong vs. Godzilla. I sat up front and met two other kids and we had a blast. No, Toho’s King Kong was cheesy and not the more superior King Kong from 1933, but still, it’s a giant gorilla taking on a dinosaur because sorry, people, Godzilla began as a dinosaur who due to radiation, got the breath that way—I suggest not seeing the original Godzilla redone for America, but the original Japanese version which was darker.

In this latest rendition of the atomic-breath monster, Godzilla has attacked Florida, in particular, Apex Corporation. So, now it appears Godzilla no longer leaves humans alone but is out to get them. 

Back on Skull Island, it appears only Kong and a mute girl, Jia (played by Kaylee Hottle) who communicates with Kong by sign language, but also psychically, is all that is left, and the island is now a containment for Kong, where a scientist, Rebecca Hall (played by Ilene Andrews), studies him and has care of Jia. When Nathan Lind (played by Alexander Skarsgård) approaches her with an idea to take Kong to Antarctica to the entrance that leads to the Hollow Earth, she is not sure at first, but in the end, they do it, by transporting Kong by ship and guarded by Navy ships. Sadly, they must go through Godzilla’s territory and the alpha attacks. Let us just say you get your first taste of the battle we have seen some of in the trailers here. I won’t go on and spoil it for you, so you can go see it for yourself, but there are more fights, monsters, and of course, there is a bad guy (Isn’t there always?). 

Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven of Stranger Things fame) returns as Madison Russell from Godzilla King of the Monsters along with Kyle Chandler as Madison’s father, Mark Russell, now working for Monarch. Kaylee Hottle as Jia is a breakout star for me as Kong’s deaf friend. It was interesting to find she comes from an all-deaf family, spanning four generations of deaf relatives on her father's side. Her native fluency in American Sign Language has provided her with opportunities to perform in commercials and Mother’s Day.

Like I said earlier if you are looking for a movie to challenge your mind, search for art house films. Or read a book. But if you want a movie to forget the pandemic and just relax, cheer for your favorite, Godzilla Vs. Kong fits the bill. It is better than the first two films in my opinion, and even triumphs over Kong: Skull Island. Forget the humans, except for Jia, they are there to help the monsters or cause their demise, the monsters are the stars and that was what I wanted to see. Besides, you can always find some art house films on Netflix, Prime, or elsewhere if that is what you want. But I think this will be a winner, even for movie theaters. Let the clash of the century commence!

Double Sheep Movie Review: The Legend of Tarzan (2016)

The Legend of Tarzan (2016)

Jul 1, 2016 wide

Rating: PG13 (for sequences of action and violence, some sensuality and brief rude dialogue)

Genre: Action & Adventure

Directed By: David Yates (II)

Written By: Adam Cozad , Craig Brewer

Runtime: 109 minutes

Lionsgate Pictures - Official Site

It has been years since the man once known as Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgård) left the jungles of Africa behind for a gentrified life as John Clayton III, Lord Greystoke, with his beloved wife, Jane (Margot Robbie) at his side. Now, he has been invited back to the Congo to serve as a trade emissary of Parliament, unaware that he is a pawn in a deadly convergence of greed and revenge, masterminded by the Belgian, Captain Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz). But those behind the murderous plot have no idea what they are about to unleash.

Katie's thoughts: 

Getting 3 sheep

I wouldn't say I had High Hopes going into the movie, and maybe that helped. Tarzan does an okay job of retelling a classic story for a new audience.

Was this the best CGI I've ever seen? No. Was this the best Tarzan movie I've ever seen? No. But it was good enough. However, what may have been lacking in the story is sure made up by a shirtless toned ripped cut Alex. Yummy!

My major complaint would have to be a lack of romantic build up between our Jane and Tarzan. A little more time spent on their relationship could have done a lot in my book.

Overall the movie was entertaining enough that you won't feel like you wasted your money but you will leave wishing there was a bit more meat on the bone.

Jeni Darling's review

Getting 3 sheep

I quite enjoyed the movie, however there were parts that I would have liked a little more explanation to. For instance, how did he learn to talk to the animals and communicate with them? Also how did he put his animal beginnings aside and learn English and how to properly communicate with other humans. Plus fitting in amongst other British properly in their Rich Society.

They did a lot of glazing over Topix. However, I did enjoy the shirtless Alexander and I did enjoy the interaction with the animals. I wish there'd been more interaction with the animals. However it was a decent way to spend the afternoon with good friends.

Movie Review: Battleship - a double review

"Milton Bradley's enduringly popular strategic board game makes the leap to the big screen in Hancock director Peter Berg's epic sci-fi adventure pitting an international naval fleet against an army of invading aliens. When the two forces find themselves evenly matched, each must rely on strategy and cunning in order to emerge the victor. Taylor Kitsch and Alexander Skarsgard head-up a cast also featuring Liam Neeson, Rihanna, Brooklyn Decker, and Tadanobu Asano."  Directed by Peter Berg.

Who knew a board game of pegs could conjure up such a vision! And a fun one at that. The graphics and CGI effects were grandiose and (in my opinion) nicely done. There was one bone I had to pick, and it seems so silly but it bugged me; the shark they show in the water when panning down to show how deep the alien mothership was planted. Out of all the CGI work done, they throw in a terribly fake looking CGI shark. Shark aside; the movie has its tender moments, its funny moments, and it does a nice job of balancing the CGI action with the human scenes.

There are a little bit of man candy for the ladies, yes girls, Skarsgard and Kitsch get shirtless! Woo! For the men you have Brooklyn and her Deckers, and if you like silver foxes, there's Neeson who is in full Neeson-not-to-be-messed with mode. He is one boss man whose feathers I would NOT want to ruffle, that disapproving stare alone...understandable why Kitsch's character has trouble confronting him about situations. In a sea full of men I felt Rihanna held her own and did pretty well as Petty Officer Cora 'Weps' Raikes. The character I really liked (besides Kitsch's abs) was Jesse Plemons as Boatswain Mate Seaman Jimmy 'Ordy' Ord (who wins the award for having the longest title, yay Ordy!). Ordy was the most expressive and had the good lines. I felt he was one of the more genuine characters.

At one point I thought I was watching Titanic (you'll know the moment if you decide to see movie) and was waiting for some heartfelt tender moment between Captain Nagata and Kitsch's Lieutenant Hopper, alas I was let down when no such moment occurred. However worry not; there are tender moments for those who want more than just blowing up action. Such as during the 11th hour when the fleet returns to shore, hopefully to recruit the battleship (and museum) The USS Missouri. Cue awesome classic rock music! On board we find a crew of bad ass veterans who are ready to curb stomp these ridiculous aliens once and for all! In my opinion these fellas steal the rest of the show with their one liners and go-get-em' attitude. Of course it's the seniors who have to come save the young whipper snappers because someone (not you Kitsch!) decided to press some kind of button to unleash some outrageous alien war.

Yes, the fact that they made such a movie based off a board game (where the pieces are always getting lost and of course, you're barefoot walking around and oh! hello game piece that's now impaled into a foot!) at this capacity is pretty crazy. It's a far out concept but you know what... I thought it was a fun summer movie. I wouldn't give it an Oscar nod or anything, but it's a great way to beat the summer heat and get to see some $%@! blown up!

I give it 2.5 alien sheep heads

Sharon’s thoughts: 

I pretty much agree with everything Bunni said. I was thoroughly entertained for 2 hours. The special effects are heart thumping (the man effects are too <G>) and the music score is rocking! My problem was with the dialogue. OMG, so cheesy! I had to roll my eyes at some most parts, but it was with a smile on my face. This is like all those 1990’s Tom Cruise movies. You know, Top Gun and Days of Thunder? My husband was quite pleased with it. If you like action movies then this is one you don’t want to miss. Come ready to smile, roll your eyes and yell “BOO-YAH!”

I am being a little nicer and giving it 3.5 BOOM Sheep!

Sheep Review: Straw Dogs

Straw Dogs, directed by Rob Lurie stars James Marsden, Kate Bosworth, Alexander Skarsgard (from True Blood!) and James Woods is a remake of the 1971 film of the same name. However, it is my opinion that this remake is not an improvement on the original.

Plot:

David and Amy Sumner (James Marsden and Kate Bosworth), a Hollywood screenwriter and his actress wife, return to her small hometown in the deep South to prepare the family home for sale after her father's death. Once there, tensions build in their marriage and old conflicts re-emerge with the locals, including Amy's ex-boyfriend Charlie (Alexander Skarsgard), leading to a violent confrontation.

Straw Dogs is unfortunately littered with boring dialog, and generic forgettable things that don't make sense in the overall story. An example is the number 44 which was used several times and you'd think it would be important to the overall story arc, but by the end we still don't know why 44's important. Also the film asks the audience to believe that all Southern communities are redneck backwoods people, which is far from the truth. Have you ever heard of a Southern gentleman? Yeah, they're out there and Southern gentlemen are a far cry from the dip sticks portrayed in this movie. Deer hunting, Friday night football games and beer drinking do not represent the entirety of Southern culture.

The plot is slow moving for most of film with no real breakthrough performances. You do get a nice dose of blood towards the ending and some very creative use of hunting equipment. James Woods, while having a secondary role, felt like the only stand out during the whole film. James Marsden, whom you may know as Scott Summers from the X-Men movies, is forced into the role of a man with no backbone but I was unable to actually believe that. I know he can kick some mutant butt, nerd dud he is not! There was no real chemistry between the main characters who were supposed to be newlyweds, their performance came off in general as flat and uninteresting. And can someone please explain to me why anyone in there right mind would run barefoot through swap infested country side? Ultimately the blandness of the characters make it difficult if not impossible for the audience to get invested in the story.

Overall the movie is pretty average but with nothing all that new being added to the remake. You won't find yourself walking away with anything too memorable from this film. Note to audiences: there is a pretty sexually graphic scene that does take place about halfway through so be warned. Another bloody flick from Hollywood but at the very least the actors get some work if nothing else.

Getting 2 and 1/2 Sweet Tea drinking Sheep

KD