Godzilla vs Kong vs Escapism | The Issue No One is Talking About

[@mr.l5783]

The Godzilla franchise is at its peak. Fans of different preferences and tastes are getting what they want. This should be a win for the community. Yet there are those out there who are greedy, and demand that the franchise should only go in one direction. Godzilla should only stick with one tone. One style. And then slander the legacy of anything in the franchise that doesn’t meet their fancy. Godzilla is as successful as it is because it thrives in variety. It thrives in telling deep, compelling stories and giving fans a popcorn, fun spectacle. To steal that flexibility from the franchise would surely doom it.

[@ChrisGrahamkedzuel]

This is the best time to be a Godzilla fan. And for me, I finally can watch a Godzilla movie with my mother, because she's really into the Legendary Godzilla right now.

[@jackson-pl5zg]

Facts!

[@MinecraftWorld1954]

I couldn't agree more

[@AlexMartinez-gv7hy]

Here, here good sir.

[@Tones-he3cj]

Agree. I grew up in the 70's & 80's where we didn't get as much Godzilla content as we have currently. For Films I had to wait until it was televised on TV or until it went on VHS. I'm grateful that we are seeing as much as we are seeing. Books, Comics, Anime, TV Series and Films (Toho & American) all with other Kaiju. Fans today don't understand how good they have it. Just enjoy the ride whatever the Godzilla content.

[@nope5657]

And let's not forget that just because something is more escapist doesn't mean it's without theme, merit, or depth. There's this utterly vapid idea that because something is inherently fantastical it somehow, by default, is "dumb" or "bad." Escapism is how our greatest myths and legends have been told.

[@omegaglacial]

Completely agree with you!

[@jonservo]

A fantastical film can be done well, unfortunately most fantastical films coming out of the corporate movie studios focus too much on spectacle and leave theme, merit and depth on the cutting room floor. Perfect example is Pacific Rim. The first was perfect fantastical silliness, in my opinion. The second was terrible and I will never watch it again unless I’m giving it the Mystery Science Theater treatment. There can be a fine line between enjoyably silly and just bad. I think some people may hate on the American films just because it’s not Toho but most Godzilla fans, myself included, don’t want to see the Monsterverse go down the path of series like Jurassic world, or Marvel focusing more on the spectacle than the writing, plot or characters. The New Empire may be a fine film but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to look at how the Monsterverse started vs where it is now and be a little concerned they may be headed that way. It does have a lot of interesting elements from the franchise that I would like to see explored, so it comes down to execution and I hope they pull it off. Only time will tell, but honestly I would like to see Legendary move away from a strict “shared universe” and be more like the Millenium series which has no real connections between films unless it was a direct sequel. It gives each film more freedom to have its own identity, silly films can be silly and serious films can be serious without stepping on each other’s toes.

[@nope5657]

@@jonservo Nah, that's not really the case.

[@MelBlanc222]

I got my fulfillment for a serious Godzilla with Minus one. I can't wait to watch Godzilla & Kong throw down with other titans! Each movie has a different type of storytelling that both can work imo

[@themonstergamer5441]

Same! I'm happy that I saw what could be the best Godzilla movie ever, and I can't wait to see GXK. I don't need another movie like Minus One. I'm just happy to have a movie like Minus One.

[@austintrousdale2397]

🎯

[@jackson-pl5zg]

The arrogance that some people have to the legacy of a long-running media is just mind-boggling. Why is it a problem if a franchise has a variety of content for its viewers to choose from? People can have different tastes in the content they want to view but to act like a barbaric authoritarian figure in deciding how a certain media needs to go in their way and *only in their way* is just childish and pure narcissism.

[@m0istur]

Minus one is amazing, but meat riders gonna be bashing on the monsterverse for not being like what toho created, even though toho did the exact things the monsterverse is doing. Massive monster fights, godzilla doing various things, mythologies surrounding the monsters, it's all the same and they deny it

[@GreaterGrievobeast55]

It really is weird how many versions of Godzilla and how he's represented there are, but with so many folks insisting on seeing the franchise as only one suitable way. Perhaps Godzilla resurgence in modern media is too fast for people to fully adapt to it's scope, maybe people have gotten so tired of escapism done poorly lately they think escapism is a problem on it's own?

[@iamthemouse4483]

Probably the latter if I'm being honest. (Thanks Hollywood.)

[@ethandoyle4978]

I can’t believe thus , the main why I watch a lot of Godzilla movies, marvel movies, and dc is partly because it allows escapism. I enjoyed watching king of the monsters (2019) in theaters and i enjoyed it a lot because it currently offered some escape from all the cons that were happening at home.

[@recontrooper4383]

👍🏻🎥 -'Godzilla Destroy All Monsters Melee' is what got me into the franchise. There is nothing *BUT* escapism with that game. All you do is beat up other monsters, sometimes even the same monster you are playing(ex: King Ghidorah VS. King Ghidorah); and have fun. I haven't seen all the movies, but I certainly have seen some of the older ones(including 'Godzilla 2000'). So far the MonsterVerse has been quite entertaining for me; and I wouldn't want any changing of that. I swear these fandom debates are what ruins franchises, and *NOT* the movie-makers. 'Star Wars' has had perhaps the worst fandom in film history(not to get too into it, because this is about Godzilla). Now we are seeing the Gojira fandom starting to slide. There should be no debating, in regards to what makes a Godzilla film more or less valid. Unless the monster himself actually *NEVER* appears in a film, with his name as the title. -That being said, I am quite pumped for 'GXK'. Looking forward to seeing how Kong and Godzilla interact, in this one.

[@RaptorofRex07]

I’m am so tired of everyone putting minus one on such a high pedestal. If Godzilla was serious all the time it would get real old real fast. Best thing about Godzilla is that there is something for everyone.

[@MrAwsomeness360]

Exactly. There's a reason why movies like Minus One's dark tone happen so rarely: because they work only once in a while. That dark, grounded, serious tone G-tards pine for never lasts past one movie.

[@weik-2936]

exactly, Batman is obsessed with being serious all the time these days and now I can't stand the majority of Batman stuff, even when its good (ex: The Batman 2022)

[@MrAwsomeness360]

*_"This wasn't fun, Bill. Nothing we do's been much fun lately." ~ Jerry Stokes, The Eltingville Club comics_* My sentiments towards the Godzilla fandom lately.

[@chozochiefxiii3298]

Wait till these people find out like a good 80% of all films soley exist to entertain even probably some of their favorites.

[@weik-2936]

I would like to specifically push back against the idea that the Monsterverse has no overriding meaning or message, because I do believe that it at least has one very simple, very important message that we as a species tend to forget: DON'T FUCK WITH NATURE

[@TylerRakstis]

It's another repeat of that same annoying arguments that most fandoms have. But I do lean for escapism since it at least gives us a break from a even more mean-spirited world we live in that's even more than the past's corruption and cynicism. Even though sure, most movies these days don't feel sacred or feel of high value these days. But then again it's because we didn't grow up with these films and don't have much if an attachment as the ones we grow up with. That and we can't expect to rewatch every movie we've seen, since we don't have the time or will power anymore. But at least it's something we need because otherwise we would feel valueless ourselves.

[@Godzillakingofkaiju1]

This. I mean don't get me wrong, I love Godzilla Minus One, but sometimes, I'd rather watch a movie where stuff explodes than a drama. It's the equivalent of a visit to a popular restaurant compared to a fast food restaurant; sometimes we just want our food fast and scarf it down as opposed to waiting for it and savor it.

[@machinedragonnero7740]

There's no shame entertainment how are you enjoy it. Watching Godzilla movies help me get through my miserable childhood heck is still helps me get through my adulthood

[@Keyblade_welder_13]

This is an excellent video discussing the importance of escapism in media, and how lots of people both in and outside the Godzilla community have forgotten that after seeing Minus one. Godzilla minus one was amazing, but it doesn't have to be the standard for the ENTIRE franchise. Godzilla is aloud to have variety. It's also important to remember how well received Godzilla vs Kong was from both critics and general audience's. It's currently one of the most well received films in the Monsterverse and many liked it BECAUSE it was for escapism. When GvK came out, 2020 just ended. A lot of people were starving for some escapism and for many, Godzilla vs Kong was that stress relief that they needed. And even today people still want some escapism and to catch a break. There's an audience for both styles of Godzilla movies. And we should never have one without the other. Like one certain big purple guy once said, "Perfectly balanced, As all things should be."

[@weik-2936]

I would absolutely HATE it if Minus One became the standard for the franchise, I do not want Godzilla to go the way Batman has gone in basically all media, where all joy and fun is stripped away in the name of grim seriousness

[@C_Animus]

You've inspired me to make some positive alterations to an upcoming video of mine. I like that you've provided an alternative route of criticism for these dipsticks as well as subverted the expected reaction of 'nuh uh, they are serious though!' Well done. I would like to bring up that escapism is fine, great even, as long as it's not damaging. King Kong was a film evolved from 'gorilla fight lizard' but that didn't stop it being very well made and well written. GvK is an escapist film released when the world needed escaping from, but that doesn't mean it can get away with terrible writing, character assassinations and cinematic world destruction. Looking forward to your next video!

[@omniviewer2115]

Agreed, though even what constitutes "damaging" can be highly subjective. There was a lengthy stretch of time where ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN was considered the worst Universal Monsters movie because it dared to mix Horror and Comedy, thereby "damaging" the franchise. Even Lou Costello and Lon Chaney, Jr. were dissatisfied with it. Today, though, it's beloved and accepted as part of the original canon. Time was very kind to that film. Who knows what other works might see similar acceptance in the future? Looking forward to seeing what your video will be as well.

[@MataNui.]

I just don't get why people want Godzilla to be static, he's lasted this long because he's not. He can be your greatest protector or your terrifying destroyer, it's all down to the execution.

[@weik-2936]

and most importantly, those are not mutually exclusive with Godzilla, he can be both within the same continuity I think one of the best examples of this is Godzilla vs King Ghidorah, in the film, he saves the Japanese soldiers prior to his mutation, he defeats Ghidorah and foils the future peoples scheme, but he still remains a destructive monster, he does not do these acts out of kindness, his savior status is incidental

[@MataNui.]

@@weik-2936 I was going to say that he can be a mix of the two, not sure why I didn't.

[@MrAwsomeness360]

@@MataNui.I get wanting Godzilla to be taken seriously like we all wanted growing up instead of being mocked for it, but people don't understand that's already happening because both sides of the same coin are being embraced and accepted. Nobody is pulling another 1998 on Godzilla. Well, except the Polygon trilogy, that was even worse.

[@TheMinority600]

Minus one fan: Monsterverse is garbage. It's not dark and serious. They need to cancel it. Me: Of course. How selfish of me. Let's do all the things that YOU wanna do.

[@Godzillakingofkaiju1]

Nice Ace Ventura reference.

[@Bruce_shark-08]

On god

[@jeggsonvohees2201]

Me: Monsterverse has terrible writing.

[@matthewgramz3648]

Nobody cares that the Monsterverse isn't dark and serious. We can all enjoy a lighthearted movie. The problem is the Monsterverse movies are poorly made films.

[@TheMinority600]

@@matthewgramz3648 i don't know what is it that makes them "poorly made". Fights are awesome and that's all that matters. For me at least, that's what being a kaiju fan is all about. There are thousands of other movies out there with horror stories, great characters and a lot of drama. How many movies are there that have kaiju fights? Exactly. Besides, humans in the monsterverse aren't even that bad. They're okay in my opinion (not talking about Monarch Legacy of Monsters). It doesn't have to be a masterpiece in order to be good.

[@TheSuperGoober]

The same guy who directed the original Godzilla also directed all of the Showa films....funny how that works

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

Ishiro Honda only directed 4 other showa films, not all the films

[@MrAwsomeness360]

@@Kaiju-bm4ts He still directed movies that quickly went into a goofier direction faster than a fat kid on a Snickers bar, so the point still stands.

[@TheSuperGoober]

@@Kaiju-bm4ts oh, forgot about that my b lol. Still the overall point is there

[@josephgibson5902]

Technically speaking, I care more about the writing being good than anything else. But that's almost a non sequitur because there is not one way to write well for this series. Whatever works works. I think Final Wars failed in so many regards, but that's more due to the characterization, worldbuilding, and plot issues than the tone. I would love to see a version of Final Wars that is internally consistent just as much as I would love to see Minus Two. I will comment on the extent to which GxK prioritizes escapism over a good story, because that would be a problem. But it is not a problem to prioritize the escapism over commentary (and it's not even a strict dichotomy either since it seems like Kong's arc in this movie is going to have something to say about the character and his values and legacy)

[@weik-2936]

one of the things I really despise from those bad faith know-nothing hot take videos is the assertion that Godzilla being a good guy is bad 1. Godzilla is rarely, if ever, a purely good guy, at his best he's an anti-hero, even in the Showa era (also I think the overall goofy lighthearted tone of those movies-especially the later ones-can cause a dissonance, make Godzilla seem more heroic than he actually is) 2. I think in a way, Godzilla and humanity finding peace-coexistence-with each other has a message in its own right Godzilla is a creation of the atomic bomb, the most terrible weapons humanity ever made, a tool of war, war-or the fear of war-creates Godzilla, he is an innocent victim of a war not his own, and in pain and anger Godzilla lashes out at humanity, which causes pain and anger in humanity, who try to strike back, and thus a cycle of hate and violence is perpetuated, and from there is a choice, continue the cycle until one party or the other (or both, nuclear war metaphor and whatnot) are destroyed, or... choose a third option, find a way for there to be peace

[@siamesecourtjester4289]

Fun things are fun

[@zillauniverse7208]

I feel like another reason why this is happening is because last year franchises like Marvel, DC and F&F have oversaturated the film market of crappy mediocre blockbuster to point where GxK is now being bashed by normies for looking “marvelized.” I just hope GxK is dumb for the sake of being entertaining instead of like Thor 4 where it’s just dumb for the sake of being dumb.

[@blueravenfire]

yes, i can agree with you, matter of fact I'm making my own video addressing this very issue. I'm getting really tired of newcomers coming into this fandom after seeing minus one and think most of the franchise is shit without really looking at the rest of the movies. while yes, i really enjoyed minus one for how serious and dramatic it is, but i also like the monsterverse for the fun spectacle side of the franchise and i really don't think the franchise should be strictly one way or the other.

[@enzeru5491]

👏👏👍👍💯 Agreed 100% with your arguments Omni Viewer, Thank you eternally for the video.

[@xenozillarex1518]

Couldn’t agree more Omni not just with Godzilla and Kong but also with other franchises I love such as Jurassic Park and alien I just like stories that entertain me if there’s a meaning to them that’s a bonus

[@dunkanbulk14]

I didn't even get to see Minus One because Toho didn't release it in my country, i was absolutely dissapointed, so as far as im concerned, im very exited for New Empire because at least its a worldwide release

[@arcadedelprof]

We are living in a wonderful time to be a kaiju eiga fan, we've been eating good these last years, we had the monsterverse for entretainment with a lighter tone, and we've had shin goji and minus one for deeper stories, shin ultraman for a weird take (i felt at least). Art is subjective, there are those who do not understand that a lot of art is escapism at a point, even if you are looking at a time piece, it's transporting you to that time, takes you away from this one. So long as it gives you something (an emotion, an idea, a memory, etc) art succeeds.

[@macwade2755]

Great video Omni! I like both versions of Godzilla!

[@latviandragon2718]

I blame internet critics for the hatred for escapism

[@omniviewer2115]

The internet didn't help, but like all things, it only exacerbated that which was already there.

[@latviandragon2718]

@@omniviewer2115 yeah I think evangelion can also be the most anti-escapism thing ever (according to some people)

[@kasaibouF29]

@@latviandragon2718 RetroBlasting tried to relax while watching Evangelion, it led him down a rabbit hole.

[@SakurakoLover]

Unless if its like The Flash and The Marvels for them 💀

[@latviandragon2718]

@@SakurakoLover nah those kind of critics that am talking also hate those with a passion

[@donatogressbautista4843]

Excellent video my good sir, I agree with your opinion. Also, will you ever do comparison videos of "Godzilla: Minus One" with "Godzilla 2014", similarly with how you did with Godzilla: Resurgence? Because I would definitely watch those videos.

[@omniviewer2115]

Oh, I intend to make quite a few videos about Minus One when it's finally available.

[@donatogressbautista4843]

@@omniviewer2115 Thank you.

[@Raptorcloak]

These Minus One fanboys forget that escapism is part of why Godzilla has a franchise in the first place since if the original King Kong vs Godzilla failed to make profit, Toho would've ended the series and if that doesn't help prove variety is how the franchise goes on, no much else will.

[@UltimateThanos]

I think a lot of them are imbittered and mad at Hollywood, with just cause. Monarch Legacy of Monsters didn't exactly help anything with its Bolshevik dialogue and gay propaganda.

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

​​@@UltimateThanos Monarch didn't have any gay propaganda if it brought up cate liking a woman once and never did it again (and no, the plot didn't make cate and a may a thing, they're friends but weirdly touchy...even I can admit that), forcing gayness on the audience would be making a character being gay their whole character. Cate being into women isn't where her character starts and ends, especially when it wasn't brought up for 4 entire episodes prior to ep 5. If you want an example of characters being gay or trans just for representation sake, take a look at high guardian spice. Monarch has flaws but not to that level. 10 years ago, any woman or any character of any sexual preference wouldn't be a big deal unless they were executed badly, but now? It seems like people by default say both are bad despite the many good examples of both instances being well executed.

[@yuyaricachimuel555]

@@UltimateThanosthere was no gay propaganda in Monarch.

[@yuyaricachimuel555]

@@UltimateThanosthere was no gay propaganda in Monarch.

[@austintrousdale2397]

People should be able to like both “grounded” Goji *and* the more escapist movies, especially if the latter balance engaging monster action with winking at the audience.

[@gitss7367]

As much as I like Minus one, I am coming to think it may not have the rewatchable legs the original has or many of the escapism movies. Minus one needs a good english dub. That was one of the original Godzilla's keys to its place in history, a solid dub opening the franchise to new people worldwide.

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

English dubs most of the time aren't good in the franchise and minus 1 already did a good job introducing people to godzilla without the need of a dub anyway. The difference between king of the monsters 1956 and minus 1 is that people of today are more used to reading subtitles. Back then, not so ,uch .

[@gitss7367]

There are a good amount of people who just won't watch foreign films if there are subtitles. Toho can choose to not do a dub but it will leave money on the table and the short and long term. Short term more people will check it out and fans like us will likely by both, heck I am not a Shin fan but i have both English and Japanese versions on digital and DVD. Long term anything that makes both Minus One more accessable also opens up there vast library of Godzilla other kaiju movies. And I guess as I mentioned they did a decent Shin dub and that was less than a decade ago. I am just all for things that open up this fun universe to people as well as keep us getting good movies. People should recall Toho gets a cut of the monsterverse money which is good.@@Kaiju-bm4ts

[@kasaibouF29]

Here's an idea that I came up to answer the question "Why is it a bad thing for films to be made just for escapism?", let's suppose someone answers you with something like "Because there have been so many movies made since time began, so to watch them all would require more than just a lifetime; therefore, you shouldn't waste your time watching a film that exists just to be escapist, you should be watching a movie that means something so it's worth your limited time on Earth." Obviously, a retort to that would be what a film means to you is ultimately down to you, which is the beauty of subjectivity. A film that uplifted you during a dark time in your life will mean a lot more to you than it would to me. I like to know what retort you would have.

[@writer6557]

I just saw "Son of Godzilla" once again, and that ending still hits as hard as the first time. Even in his goofiest, Godzilla has something to say.

[@NebLleb]

Escapism is what cinema is built on and what defines decades and franchises. As proved in this video, Godzilla's career of serious dramas and fun escapist monster mashes is perfect proof of this, but there's more proof outside of it: Take for example the 1970s; where most of the movies that decade ranged from gritty dramas to end-of-the-world sci-fi thrillers to pure exploitation of various shapes and sizes. A lot of beloved films came out that decade (I.E. Shaft, The Exorcist, Enter the Dragon, Taxi Driver, Tora! Tora! Tora!, The Abominable Doctor Phibes, The Godfather, etc.), but most of the movies back then were trying to be dramatic. But do you know what that decade's defining film was? The film that cemented the blockbuster, pioneered filmmaking techniques, launched the careers of several young actors into superstardom, and launched a franchise spanning two sequels, three prequels, three spin-offs and three more sequels of a more "ill-conceived" variety not to mention video games, books and TV shows? The film which made such an impact, that many fan preservation projects exist to preserve the original version that started all of it after it was remastered with new effects and scenes in the 1990s? *STAR WARS.* Yes, the 1970s wound up being defined by a space adventure film inspired by old film serials where the political stuff is mostly relegated to brief mentions of a larger world and is devoted to giving audiences a good time at the movies. If that's not proof that escapism has far more merit and depth than these pretentious video essayists think, I don't know what is.

[@MrAwsomeness360]

*_"Escapism is what cinema is built on and what defines decades and franchises"_* Those words must take heed.

[@keiny_jhon]

The only annoying thing is the people calling another godzilla film ass because it's not there kind of Godzilla’s film there's allot of videos dogging on the monster verse and it's annoying if they actually do some self reflection they would realize if they do the same things to minus one they would find problems with the film as well

[@kaijubeyondbelief8053]

You can both, it just needs to be done right and other people should follow that example.

[@MrAwsomeness360]

The "you can do both" argument has one big vital flaw: its difficulty. It isn't impossible, but very few films throughout cinematic history have ever truly mastered this, so your movie can only be either good or fun in the meantime. And if a movie just wants to be fun and nothing more, embrace it, not treat it like an act of war.

[@tylerfish2701]

Take notes, Possum Reviews.

[@jcg9998]

I think Omni is spending too much time worrying about a few woke a-holes. Any person who is a fan of Godzilla will agree 100% with the point made in this video. Hollywood, by definition, is 'escapism'. Afterall, what is a 'Hollywood ending'? Take the first sci-film about a trip to the moon. Is there anything political about that? It's virtually impossible for anything to be completely free of messaging and politics that involves humans...

[@boshwa20]

Where were these people when Shin came out?

[@MinecraftWorld1954]

The reason Shin didn't get as much discussion is because its international release was FAR more restricted in comparison to Minus One

[@KsnypsAdventures]

Right off the bat Skipper’s statement is just plain BS since basically every Godzilla movie has some sort of deeper meaning and isn’t just two monsters beating each other up. But even if some Godzilla movies don’t have a deep message, that’s not a bad thing. Skipper is just the person that wants every Godzilla film to have a depressing tone about nuclear warfare, humanity’s errors and the inevitable doom of the planet just because the original Godzilla had that tone. In other words, he wants the franchise to fall into a downward spiral of stagnation that will bore everyone out of their minds. Sometimes, having an atomic lizard and a big monkey teaming up to kill a robot controlled by a three headed dragon from beyond the grave is fun and doesn’t have to be a cautionary tale to be a good movie

[@Poliostasis]

I do think the MonsterVerse deserves criticism, for one I do wish the human casts for these movies were more entertaining (not just making crappy jokes) and didn't bog down the movies so much. Let's not forget, the MonsterVerse started off pretty serious, so I understand where these "minus one fanboys" are coming from. What I wish from the MonsterVerse is something fun, and it's worth criticising the movies if they lack the entertainment value in things other than monster action. I do think Godzilla vs Kong pulled off monster action a lot more entertaining than KOTM.

[@MrAwsomeness360]

*_"Let's not forget, the MonsterVerse started off pretty serious, so I understand where these "minus one fanboys" are coming from. "_* In that case, they should use that same energy for the rest of the franchise, 'cause what you just said isn't new. Godzilla starts off as a war allegory and quickly turns into sci-fi / fantasy camp just two movies later. Starting off "serious" only to quickly become fantastical as it goes on is a major part of the franchise's identity, so why expect a whole series to maintain a tone that never lasts past one movie?

[@Poliostasis]

@@MrAwsomeness360 I never argued that it should remain the same.

[@Poliostasis]

@@MrAwsomeness360 I'm only saying it isn't an excuse to discredit legitimate criticism of the later movies.

[@MrAwsomeness360]

​@@PoliostasisI ain't sayin' it's an excuse to deflect legit criticism, what I'm sayin' is to be consistent and criticize Toho for doing the exact same thing, and to not be so incredulous about it. Have some real merit.

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

​@@Poliostasis The biggest criticism of the MV is the writing for the humans which I agree with but not every movie needs to have the same tone just because they're all connected. The heisei era is praised for its writing but those movies definitely ain't the same in tone by a long shot. Vs mechagodzilla 2 and vs destoroyah are both well written for example, but are night and day in terms of tone. Ksi has probably the best human characters in the MV films but is more lighthearted than g14 by comparison as another example. I want better writing, tone I don't mind either way as long as the writing is good

[@Martinmd12-zt7vu]

Something with meaning can still be escapism. Tolkien wrote The Lord of the Rings as escapism but there’s still a lot of subtext with it. I’m just saying that escapism can still have deep themes within it.

[@omniviewer2115]

I agree, hence my King Kong example. The themes and subtext in such stories are there, but they are unobtrusive, so noticing them is not required to enjoying the piece. Still, though, sometimes what you see is what you get, but deep or shallow, good is good and bad is bad.

[@Martinmd12-zt7vu]

@@omniviewer2115 Good point

[@nerdicwarrior]

It's like the Godzilla fanbase is turning into the Sonic fanbase. I just hope it doesn't get to a point where the franchise's reputation doesn't end up soiled because of the fanbase.

[@MrAwsomeness360]

*_"It's like the Godzilla fanbase is turning into the Sonic fanbase."_* No, the fanbase is turning into The Eltingville Club.

[@nerdicwarrior]

@@MrAwsomeness360 I don't know what that is.

[@noahalcantar2431]

​@@nerdicwarriorhey I was about to say that

[@Gnostic_Oppai_Enthusiast]

It already has thanks to Monsterverse fans shouting down anyone who criticizes those god awful films.

[@MrAwsomeness360]

​@@nerdicwarriorIt's a short comic book series about four teens who are obsessed with geekdom to the point that they become the most toxic side of it. Look it up.

[@thedanalyzationer9888]

Kaiju fiction is thrown under the bus all the time, especially since it's becoming more popular. Superheroes used to be treated the same way, maybe someday Kong, Godzilla, and Gamera will be looked at like Batman, Spiderman, and Hellboy. Also, people need escapism now more than ever.

[@DevilRaptorB]

the reason why Omni is my fav youtuber who is talking about this is that he knows his stuff, frankly my fav Godzilla movies were from the Heisei era which felt to have meaning and was a way to escape RL , it actually pains me when some of the best Godzilla movies are him being the solo monster with nothing to fight, this is why im rather upset Minus one did great since it sends the message to Toho that godzilla only do great when he is in a solo movie and now we got people weaponizing that as a mean to push the idea that Godzilla can't be anything but a movie series of just one monster comming from the ocean to destroy cities and then in the upcomming movies you just repeat the same formula which would kill the franchies

[@yuyaricachimuel555]

But what about GvK? That had Godzilla fighting monsters and it was a fun movie and it was a financial success. It shows you can make successes out of both types of films. Part of why we have gxk coming up

[@DevilRaptorB]

@@yuyaricachimuel555 ya, but it doesn't sem anyone praising it as much as they praise Minus one and the Original film

[@yuyaricachimuel555]

@@DevilRaptorB it did get praise when it came out, admittedly time has passed but still

[@DevilRaptorB]

@@yuyaricachimuel555 I wasn't even exposed to it when it came, so I only have to take your word for it which isn't enough

[@noahalcantar2431]

​@@DevilRaptorBI wish that Godzilla had more opponents rather than just being a generic threat to humanity

[@dornravlin]

I say there’s room for both I enjoy Godzilla as social allegory and as comic book fun I guess the problem is American cinema has just made escapist cinema and big budget movies are shallow

[@brianjordan3841]

Hmm… I wonder if anybody were to ask Ann Darrow if she were to go back n do the whole voyage, movie n adventure revolving around King Kong would she have chosen not to or still gone through with it with only a few minor changes here n there

[@roosterwithnoname9020]

Look, I hate the direction the "Monsterverse" is going, but with how awful things are nowadays in life, sometimes it's just good to be entertained. Godzilla would have died years ago if they didn't change things up. Kong x Godzilla doesn't interest me though. As for these review video essays... it's pretentious people acting like they know what they're talking about. My guess is that these are the same people that years ago, would laugh at you if you said that you like Godzilla.

[@boshwa20]

There's a good reason why I went to see GvK in theaters instead of that Nolan movie. Covid kicked my ass during 2020, and I wanted/NEEDED to see a monkey and lizard fight

[@Keyblade_welder_13]

It's perfectly ok to love or hate any movie from the franchise. Regardless of what the majority says. Maybe the Monsterverse is just not for you anymore. And that's ok. I personally didn't like Shin Godzilla but I let it go because there are literally many other options in the franchise. Godzilla can appeal to any audience in the community.

[@chito2701]

@@boshwa20 GODZILLA VS KONG is literally SHOWA/HEISEI combine movie, it's fun popcorn movie.

[@roosterwithnoname9020]

@@Keyblade_welder_13 You're right. To be fair, Shin Godzilla is kinda overrated. But as I always say... just enjoy what you like. To me, the "Monsterverse" started out good with 2014 Godzilla, I still like watching it to this day. Then after Kong Skull Island, I started to lose interest. I thought Godzilla vs Kong was cheap because it was a completely one sided fight & at times looked more like a video game cutscene than an actual movie. Didn't help that I couldn't see it in theaters. But, I think it was what people needed at the time. Something fun to watch despite for a bad time for many people's lives. As for the new trailer from Godzilla x Kong... just, no thank you. I'll pass on that one.

[@Keyblade_welder_13]

@@roosterwithnoname9020 it might just be for the best for you to move on from the Monsterverse and stick to what suits your preference. And let others enjoy what suits theirs. Godzilla doesn't belong to anyone, so it is aloud to appeal to any audience.

[@SaintBrokenDay316]

THANK YOU YOUR A SAINT.

[@lazarzilla4871]

6:41 just leaving it here for people to hear it on repeat

[@brianjordan3841]

Well after watching both Godzilla Minus 1 n Godzilla X Kong The New Empire it’s clear that there’s still room 4 both meaningful art with a message b it something that’s deep thought provoking n highly emotional as well as the meaningless escapism solely meant to entertain people bcuz both have succeeded in doing just that 4 the people especially the Godzilla fans

[@the_flyattractor8656]

My personal thoughts on people that say that are A. Their just cheap KZbin Shills hoping to get hate views aka for the money. OR B. They are those people that try to fill that Void in their lives with Entertainment and this is just the only way they can give that "Meaning". Which is just a lie.

[@jeggsonvohees2201]

The advantage those three movies have is great writing. I think at it heart that's what separates them from the rest of the Godzilla franchise.

[@Godzillakingofkaiju1]

Thanks for proving Ryan's point.

[@jeggsonvohees2201]

@@Godzillakingofkaiju1 Who's Ryan?

[@Godzillakingofkaiju1]

​@@jeggsonvohees2201The guy who's presenting the video.

[@MinecraftWorld1954]

So, you deliberately ignored films like Godzilla vs Destoroyah, GMK, Return Of Godzilla, Godzilla vs Biollante, The Original King Kong vs Godzilla, and many many others

[@jeggsonvohees2201]

@MinecraftWorld1954 Honest truth? I have to watch them again to fully judge their writing quality, and I plan to, because I really love the Godzilla franchise. That said, I won't be surprised if the writing in those films end up being just okay rather than great like the big 3. I'll find out for sure once I watch them again. That said, I don't think it's controversial to say that the majority of Godzilla films aren't well written.

[@jeggsonvohees2201]

I love escapism too, I just prefer it with good writing.

[@Godzillakingofkaiju1]

Ummm, so? Does that mean you shouldn't have fun?

[@jeggsonvohees2201]

@Godzillakingofkaiju1 Best faith interpretation it means that I usually enjoy well written stories more than something that's written so badly I have to turn my brain completely off to enjoy it. The Mario movie is a good example of the former.

[@jeggsonvohees2201]

@Godzillakingofkaiju1 I'm more than capable of enjoying badly written movies or schlock, but the distinction is that I don't try to argue that those are good movies. For example, I really like DragonBall Evolution, but you'll never catch me defending it. I love old B&W cheesy horror movies, but I'll never claim they're well written.

[@zillauniverse7208]

So am I but I don’t mind it when a movie is being dumb fun for the sake of being fun, it just that most crappy blockbuster lately are just dumb for the sake of being dumb (which I hope GXK isn’t).

[@jeggsonvohees2201]

@zillauniverse7208 Agreed. Willy's Wonderland is good example, and a favorite of mine. It knows its not trying to be anything more than entertaining schlock, and I love it to death.

[@brianjordan3841]

Sounds to me like some people should watch the musical film The Band Wagon to c n understand y escapism is important in film history as well as movies with a deep rooted thematic point

[@Gnostic_Oppai_Enthusiast]

There's a difference between stories with substance and mindless escapism. Quit defending crappy films.

[@brianjordan3841]

Quit crapping on escapism not every movie needs to have some deep big to do theme message or point about it people can enjoy movies without a message in it especially when those messages fail to entertain people or make the movie look good

[@Gnostic_Oppai_Enthusiast]

@@brianjordan3841 You're one of those people who unironically thinks quantity is better than quality? Gotcha.

[@brianjordan3841]

@@Gnostic_Oppai_Enthusiast far from it I just don’t need some hidden message shoehorned into the movies I’m watching every time I watch something if u bothered to pay attention to what Omni was talking about in regards to movies with a message as supposed to movies that r pure escapism both can b done well n some can b done poorly lately we’ve been getting too much of movies with a message shoved into it that tries way too hard to talk down to people n make us all feel ashamed of of something whatever that may b n then u get certain movies that don’t have a big deep message it just tells a story with characters n depending on how much u give a damn about said character in the story of the movie it can still b entertaining hence y I mentioned The Band Wagon bcuz it have some deep philosophical messages to shove in people’s faces sometimes people just want to turn off their brains n get away from the crap that is reality n enjoy themselves

[@Gnostic_Oppai_Enthusiast]

@@brianjordan3841 Again, strawman. You film either has substance or it doesn't. Even KOTM had an environmental message, but it was just lip service. There was no thematic exploration. Minus One had plenty of critiques of the Imperial Government and went to quite the length to show it. Again, substance vs soulless slop.

[@THEDonnyB]

If the only good media is the media that has messaging then the sequel star wars trilogy would be universally loved with how much it bashes you over the head with the message of the day style of writing it has. The original King Kong movie even had a sequel called Son of Kong which was basically a pure cash grab.

[@CGFMovies]

Because it’s the most obvious that doesn’t need to be addressed.

[@kasaibouF29]

He was addressing the issue of vilifying escapism. Had you watched the video when it premiered, you would have known that - but instead you pooh-pooh'd.

[@CGFMovies]

@@kasaibouF29 No, I gave my first thoughts based on the title alone before I even watched it. Secondly, I will watch the video when I can, so don’t be jumping to conclusions.

[@UltimateThanos]

On a unrelated note: I really don't appreciate how they turned Godzilla pink, and if Legendary knows what's good for them, they'll change his power up color back to blue.

[@Godzillakingofkaiju1]

1. Godzilla's been pink before, remember the first two Millennium films? 2. Pink used to be a mainly color. 3. Pink is actually the highest on the radiation spectrum. So, if anything, Godzilla's now at his most powerful.

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

​@@Godzillakingofkaiju1 Godzilla 2000 and shin gojira were purple, not pink. I understand why legendary made him pink but red or orange would of been better. I would of taken a red/pink mix color

[@Godzillakingofkaiju1]

@@Kaiju-bm4ts He's more magenta than pink IMHO.

[@UltimateThanos]

@@Godzillakingofkaiju1Well it’s a feminine color now. They obviously did it in an attempt to turn Godzilla into a 👹feminist👹 or even a sodomite “icon”. I refuse to waver on that belief unless the Monsterverse team comes out and says otherwise.

[@UltimateThanos]

@@Godzillakingofkaiju1Well it isn’t manly anymore. Either the studio execs put them up to it, or it was a conscious decision by the filmmakers, but Godzilla’s being turned pink is meant to turn him into a “gay icon”. Unless they come forward and confess to otherwise, I will not waver.

[@matthewgramz3648]

These videos are getting tiresome. NOBODY hates escapism. The 3 Godzilla movies you mention that are worth watching are also escapism. If you're a film fan and not necessarily a Godzilla fan maybe they are the only ones worth watching. Who cares if the majority of people don't care to watch 38 Godzilla movies. I'm a huge fan and there's quite a few I don't care to watch either.

[@MrAwsomeness360]

*_"NOBODY hates escapism."_* Then why trash simple fun movies for being simple fun movies with extreme prejudice and act like they have no value? 'Cause it's starting to sound like most people don't understand escapism anymore.

[@godzillakingofthemonsters5812]

There's a definite problem with this argument. The reason New Empire is so awful in conception isn't just because it wants to entertain, it's because it's actively ridding of and degrading that which came before. 2014, Kong Skull Island and KoTM both had messages and entertained. GvK was supposed to, the novel version makes this clear, but either due to COVID or reshoots the film version cut a lot of the substance out. New Empire is an ugly Marvel movie in different paint, GvK2 for all intents and purposes. This film will have nothing to say, the CGI is pretty bad in the trailer during that final charge, and it's a rehash of more GvK which we already had. What is there possibly to enjoy?

[@omniviewer2115]

What is there to possibly enjoy, you ask? Considering neither of us have seen the movie yet, neither of us can accurately answer that question. Indeed, a lot of what you say above is based on presumptions that will only be confirmed or debunked at the end of March. Moving on from that, you haven't really pointed out any problem with my argument at all. My point is that if GXK really doesn't have anything to say and just aims to entertain, there's nothing wrong with that so long as it actually is entertaining (and I repeat, neither of us can say how it delivers at this point). Just being escapist degrades nothing; those other movies still exist and are readily available for people to watch and derive meaning from...or not. If people want to watch GXK or any Kaiju film purely for the spectacle of it, they are free to do so, and should be able to do so without stigma. Again, that's the beauty of entertainment; we can have both shallow fun and deep thoughtfulness in whatever quantities we desire, and frankly, having a mix of the two is something I would recommend. And who knows? GXK might surprise everyone and have some substance to it after all. Again, we won't know for sure until it debuts.

[@yuyaricachimuel555]

The film will have nothing to say? So what? Not everything has to say something to be deemed worthwhile. Just like Omni said, it can just be pure fun. If you want a movie with something to say there’s Minus One and other older Godzilla films for you to watch. You don’t have to make everything to *your* liking at the compromise of another. That’s why Godzilla is so great, because there’s something for everyone overall.

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

FW's message was anti violence (didn't feel like it had a message to be honest), but that doesn't stop FW from being the fun spectacle that some fans enjoy. Even toho's short films don't got any messages to say but are still fun either way.

[@kade-qt1zu]

I don't know Jaden Smith. Maybe I can enjoy the sight of 4 giant monsters fighting in Egypt.

[@godzillakingofthemonsters5812]

@@omniviewer2115 5 months to fix the visual effects in an awful trailer is a big ask, and it's pretty clear the final cut with the awful Godzilla and Kong will be in the main battle with the villains. Giving escapism the leeway to be awful, visually and content wise, does nothing of progress. "It's escapist so it's allowed to be crap" fine, but if it's visually and substantially poor, what is there to gain from it? This movie has the highest budget of all the monsterverse, so if it's not spending that money on the effects of our main leads then again what is there to look forward to? And if the only parts of a movie worth actually watching, like this film will aim for with its fights, can be placed as KZbin clips honestly what's the point in seeing it in theaters?

[@Gnostic_Oppai_Enthusiast]

We get it - you prefer Godzilla to be mindless slop like Bay's Transformers over good films. Glad you're willing to keep the genre of kaiju low quality so that it'll never be taken seriously.

[@ultrainferno.]

You know toho did it first right. They took godzilla and turned him into superhero figure type. All i see is another minus one meat rider that has to ruin it for everyone else.

[@Gnostic_Oppai_Enthusiast]

@@ultrainferno. And how does that excuse warner brothers doing the same thing? Oh yeah, it doesn't.

[@recontrooper4383]

​@@ultrainferno. Don't bother engaging with this rat. People like this crave attention and conflict; and when you feed them, they just ask for more. Don't feed their craving. Let them starve. On topic: I think Godzilla as a character is less of a super hero, and more of just a good guy. In the MonsterVerse he is the Earth's protector, which does involve saving humans. If Minus One ever releases on Blu-Ray, I might see it. With all the positivity surrounding it, I'm slightly intrigued.

[@legendarygodzillatheking3049]

@@Gnostic_Oppai_Enthusiast minus one sucks

[@MrAwsomeness360]

@@Gnostic_Oppai_EnthusiastYou know you aren't as smart as you think you are, right? If you were, you'd realize that a lighter interpretation of Godzilla is no less valid to the character's roots as the monstrous war allegory. If any lighter interpretation of your favorite character is the equivalent of dressing up as clowns in your eyes, well, I disagree with you, but it's your opinion. But for God's sake, man, don't ruin it for everyone else. Most people don't share your mindset. Most people like simple escapist entertainment, and they are not in the wrong for liking it. If you can't stomach that and lack any ability to express your dislikes in a constructive manner without belittling people because they don't share 𝙔𝙊𝙐𝙍 preference, then just take what you like and leave.

[@kasaibouF29]

Presentism, new word for the day en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presentism_(historical_analysis)

[@kasaibouF29]

I think the post modernists looking for racism in King Kong suffer from apophenia which is the first step to schizophrenia.

[@kasaibouF29]

The Planet Eater is the most internally inconsistent Godzilla story like The Rise of Skywalker.

[@saveriovinci1212]

(6:17) Exactly, thats one of the reason why I watched "The Meg 2: The Trench" in theaters last year. I knew by watching the trailer it was just going to be a pure action flick, I wasn't expecting "JAWS" level of story telling or characters. Thats what ive been trying to say for awhile now but for some reason these snobby critics out here think we shouldn't have fun anymore or that every Godzilla movie needs to be like Minus One going forward. And even after the original "King Kong" movie, we still got pure entertainment popcorn spectacle like "Predator", "Men in Black", "Commando" or both "Kill Bill" movies. Those movies don't really have deep messages and yet dose are consider to be classic by many movie lovers to this very day. 🚙🎟🤩📽🍿 (3:04) Heck even "Godzilla's Revenge" has message about bullying (granted I guess you can say it did a poor job at trying to sending the message but still lol). 🏝⚡🐸🧯🤼‍♂

[@damonlongstreet8630]

Ironically Megs source material is on par with jaws and not fast n furious

[@saveriovinci1212]

@@damonlongstreet8630 Thats what ive heard, I never read any of the Meg books (heck I didn't even know they were based on books until couple of years after the first movie came out lol). But like I said before I was kinda expecting "Fast and Furious" level of action when I was going to see the second movie. 📖🩸🦈💥🎥