Pacionsbo Absolutely Fantastic

ChanFamous I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

ActuallyGlimmer The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

Roxie The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

George Taylor OK, so KK looks like a moth eaten rug was used for his creation and Godzilla is starting to look goofy, but that doesn't change a thing - this is a fun movie to sit through. Just get out the popcorn, turn off the higher brain functions and watch these two pound on one another. You won't regret it.

Jayme Schmitt King Kong vs Godzilla! The east vs the west! Japan vs The United States! This movie even today acts as one of the biggest and most successful Godzilla films of all time. For today's standards though, it is without a doubt considered flawed. First off is the fact that it's release state was so early in it's time. Considering it was only the 3rd for both franchises and made in the early 60s doesn't help at all. I remember when Syfy use to hold their annual Godzilla movie marathons and this premiered right after Godzilla vs. Gigan. I asked my father to Tivo it and when we watched it the next morning when we watched it the next morning and King Kong showed up, I laughed my ass off. He looked like a deformed Elvis. And after reality sunk in, I turned to my Dad and said "are they serious?" Second off, the aspect ratio of the two is miles apart. From what I understand, Kong is 50 feet tall in the original and Godzilla's about 50 METERS TALL! There's a size difference indeed. Now to be fair, this is probably an entirely different take on the monster altogether and by that I mean like in the Godzilla universe how there are multiple Gojiras running around, this is probably either a relative of the '33 Kong or just another one altogether. But when the fight begins, none of that matters because it's highly entertaining on the sheer factor it's just a fun watch. KKVG is a gem that stands it's ground being the original crossover from two different company icons. And despite it's flaws, it will forever be considered a classic.

Goldn Guy This is going to be a review of the Japanese version, as the American edit of the film cuts out several establishing scenes, rewrites the comedic dialogue to be overly serious (but still keeping some comedic scenes), and adds generic stock-cues from other Universal films.As for plot, the basic premise is that Godzilla has been inadvertently released from his icy prison in the arctic, and humanity's only hope is the mighty King Kong, who was recently captured and brought to Japan (before accidentally being freed on the trip there by one of the film's comedic characters). The film takes a little bit to get going, which can be bothersome for some viewers who only want to see the monsters, but it makes up for it about 1/3rd of the way through when Godzilla reaches the shore of Japan and starts causing destruction. The destruction and battle scenes are top-notch, and it ends with one of the most iconic duels in cinematic history. Every second of the final battle is entertaining and memorable, whether it be Kong humorously shoving a tree down Godzilla's throat or Godzilla knocking Kong over, only for Kong to come back with a surge of electrical power.The human characters are also pretty memorable, if not a bit one-note. My absolute favorite has to be the bumbling Mr. Tako, who, throughout Godzilla's rampage, appears to be getting progressively angrier.The humor in the film, while funny at times, can clash with the overall tone of the movie. There are some legitimately funny jokes, but I feel as if they don't really work well when the next scene consists of Godzilla or Kong destroying buildings and such. The special effects are standard Showa Godzilla fare: consisting of cheesy-looking suits with a couple instances of puppets/one very jarring shot with stop-motion. Despite the dated effects, it gives the film that certain charm the older Godzilla films had. Eiji Tsuburaya had a knack for doing a lot with what he was given, and was willing to experiment in some scenes (like the aforementioned jarring stop-motion shot).The soundtrack is, without a doubt, my favorite OST in the series. It features the first appearance of Godzilla's iconic theme, and OST's usage matches perfectly with the film. All of the tracks have this "grand" feel to them, highlighting the presence of the two giant monsters.Overall: It's a fun film. It features clever comedy and fun special effect scenes. The film's tone is a little odd at times, but it's still a fun time. Make sure to track down a Blu-Ray copy of the Japanese version, as the current American release of the film only features the American edit of the film (for some reason).

Scott LeBrun Viewers' note: this review applies to the 91 minute long Americanized version, with new scenes (written by Bruce Howard & Paul Mason and directed by Tom Montgomery) added.Two cinematic titans duke it out in this amiable bit of cartoon like nonsense. There's a minimum of human story to interfere with the generally entertaining mayhem; this is geared more towards younger audiences, who should enjoy the action and the effects. There is a serious theme at play, as the filmmakers point out the folly of human greed and hubris.A pharmaceutical company, led by Mr. Tako (Ichiro Arishima) sees dollar signs when they learn of potentially valuable red berries that only grow on the remote Farou Island. They've also heard of the big monster that rules this island, and Mr. Tako hungrily lays claim to Kong once he has been captured. While this goes on, Godzilla is freed from captivity inside an iceberg (!) and he goes on his usual rampage. The two monsters are naturally drawn to one another and it's a given that the fight will be on at some point.The additional American scenes only serve to undermine a movie that already has a playful and silly quality. Ridiculous American dialogue doesn't help any. But original "Godzilla" director Ishiro Honda is in fine form, giving us a solidly entertaining movie that marked the debut of the big lizard in both colour and widescreen. It sure is an exceptionally nice looking picture. Special effects are as variable as to be expected, but the creatures are enthusiastically performed in the best man-in-a-costume tradition.And not only must Kong do battle with the big G, but he makes quick work of a giant octopus (on land!) as well.The battle scenes do prove to be worth the wait.Seven out of 10.