Pop culture fandoms love debating which characters would win in a duel. Batman or Superman? Alien or Predator?

This week, we’re witnessing a battle with two characters revered for their titanic size and godlike powers.

Adam Wingard’s “Godzilla vs. Kong” pits two classic behemoths in a WWE-style brawl mixed with some heart and a twist. It spikes your adrenaline as you root for your favorite titan. The movie is most definitely a worthy addition to Legendary Pictures’ “MonsterVerse” saga.

Your local theater will guarantee an energetic crowd ready for bloodshed in this long-awaited blockbuster. You can also catch this in theaters and HBO Max throughout April.

Once a savior in Michael Dougherty’s “King of the Monsters,” Godzilla returns with a vengeance setting Apex Cybernetics outposts ablaze, harming people in his rage. Kong grows restless as he is being confined on Skull Island. How will these titans meet? What secrets does Apex hide?

Our two monsters have already met before–nearly 60 years ago. “King Kong vs. Godzilla” was a 1962 Japanese film produced by Toho Studios, where Godzilla originates. Ishiro Honda, director of the original 1954 “Gojira,” directed this version. You can see how laughably primitive it looks compared to now.

Wingard favors a lighthearted and rowdy romp compared to Dougherty’s more serious installment. There’s an equal balance between story and carnage. We get an emotional tale with Kong and a conspiracy-laden journey for Godzilla. 

My favorite human character is Jia played by Kaylee Hottle, a young deaf actress new to Hollywood. She serves as the movie’s heart with a close bond to Kong. 

“Godzilla vs. Kong” shone a hopeful light on the theater industry’s gloomy post-pandemic state. According to Insider, it’s made nearly $300 million worldwide since its March 31 release—the highest since last year. Theater may have a chance of survival after all thanks to Godzilla and Kong. 

Wingard’s “Godzilla vs. Kong” kickstarts summer blockbuster season early in far from normal times. Its balance of smackdowns, likable characters and story are reminiscent of WWE’s rambunctious attitude. The original 1962 version gets a desperate facelift, crafting a film worth returning to theaters for. 

Get ready to rumble and find out why “Kong bows to no one.”