Fun times with the monsters (the apes are the MVPs!) and the human cast is serviceable but I found the climax so rushed that it doesn't do the set-up/stakes justice IMO. Just as it starts ramping up, the movie starts sprinting towards wrapping it up as well.
For comparison, the climaxes of G14-KOTM-GvK all felt like these massive setpieces/mini-movies in themselves: San Francisco-Boston-the extended Hong Kong battle. While in GXK:
The Hollow Earth gravity battle and Skar King finally making it to the surface world feels like the 2nd act culmination/lead in to a sprawling 3rd act, but the Rio battle was surprisingly short for me. I can't help but think of when the MUTOs/Ghidorah/MechaG all had their moments of "victory"/putting up a challenge for our heroes.
But enough of that, I'd also like to think of what I did enjoy:
- various monsters battles sprinkled throughout
- the monsters getting to shine and showing their personalities
- nice build up to Skar King!
- Godzilla and Shimo have short and sweet roles, nothing new for the genre.
Overall, I guess a 7/10 for me. (my rankings of the various Monsterverse movies are ever changing hahahaha)