Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

That is the kindest way of saying that big is not always better, more not always merry, and loud is just loud. Rest is Hollywood, special effects that feel special once in a while, and a franchise that needs to let sleeping creatures lie.

At its best, it delivers a fun slice of monster mayhem, even if we have to wait too long for the titular duo to charge into battle together. But when the time comes for Godzilla and Kong to finally join forces, it makes for bright, inventive, crowdpleasing fun. It's just about worth the wait.

Adam Wingard's sequel is the best MonsterVerse movie since 2014's Godzilla, which is reason enough to give this series a reboot.