Godzilla King of the Monsters FIRST REACTIONS are in: Here's what critics are saying

The film is the sequel to 2014’s Godzilla, and the 35th film overall in the broader Godzilla franchise.

In a busy period packed with blockbusters – from Avengers: Endgame and Aladdin to X-Men: Dark Phoenix and Rocketman – can this next MonsterVerse story break through?

Going by the first reactions from critics, it stands a good chance.

The new movie is directed by Michael Dougherty, taking over from Gareth Edwards – who managed a 75% Rotten Tomatoes score and a $529 million worldwide gross for his effort.

Collider’s Steven Weintraub tweeted: “Had real issues with #godzilla (2014). The movie was called Godzilla but he was barely in it.

“Thankfully @Mike_Dougherty’s #GodzillaKingOfTheMonsters is awesome. It’s everything I wanted last movie to b but wasn’t.

“If u want to see Godzilla fighting other monsters u will b happy.”

In a follow-up post, he called the VFX “insane”.

IGN’s Terri Schwartz said: “As someone who is not by any means a Godzilla expert (this will be remedied, I swear!) I was lucky enough to see #GodzillaKingoftheMonsters in Tokyo a couple of weeks ago!

“If you’re looking for some Kaiju-on-Kaiju action, you won’t be disappointed.”

Nerdist’s Lee Travis wrote: “Godzilla: King of the Monsters is packed with larger than life action. Godzilla is breathtaking and a modern marvel.

“See this movie on the biggest screen you can. #GodzillaMovie @GodzillaMovie.”

Godzilla: King of the Monsters boasts a cast including Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown, Bradley Whitford and Sally Hawkins.

Its synopsis promises the film will follow “the heroic efforts of the crypto-zoological agency Monarch as its members face off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah.

“When these ancient super-species — thought to be mere myths — rise again, they all vie for supremacy, leaving humanity’s very existence hanging in the balance.”

Godzilla: King of the Monsters is out on May 31.