Adam Wingard, the director of Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, recently shared his admiration for a classic Toho Godzilla film that he would like to emulate in the MonsterVerse franchise. In a conversation with Discussing Film, Wingard expressed his fondness for Godzilla vs. Destroyah, a 1995 Japanese film directed by Takao Okawara.
Wingard praised Godzilla vs. Destroyah for its emotional depth and highlighted the poignant ending where Godzilla Jr. and Godzilla meet their demise. He specifically mentioned how the film's conclusion, accompanied by Akira Ifukube's powerful score, moved him to tears. Wingard emphasized his desire to capture a similar emotional resonance with Godzilla's character in future MonsterVerse projects.
Godzilla vs. Destroyah holds a remarkable 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, showcasing its enduring popularity among fans and critics alike. In comparison, the MonsterVerse films have received mixed reviews, with varying levels of critical acclaim.
Box Office Success vs. Critical Reception
While MonsterVerse movies have achieved significant box office success, their critical reception has been more varied. Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, the latest installment in the franchise, has surpassed the $200 million mark globally within a week of its release, despite receiving a modest 54% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Although the MonsterVerse films may struggle to match the emotional depth of Toho classics like Godzilla vs. Destroyah, their financial performance remains strong. Audience approval ratings for MonsterVerse films, including Godzilla X Kong, have often exceeded critical assessments, indicating a strong fan base for these epic monster showdowns.
As the MonsterVerse continues to expand, fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters between iconic creatures like Godzilla and Kong, guided by directors like Adam Wingard who draw inspiration from the rich history of kaiju cinema.
