Summary
Critics have mixed reviews for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, with an average score of B or 3/5.
The monsters in the show are highly praised for their appearance, although some critics argue that the visual effects suffer when the monsters interact with humans on-screen. The performances of the cast, especially Wyatt and Kurt Russell, have also been highly acclaimed.
Critics have shared their initial reviews for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters season 1. As of now, most reviews are positive, but the average score does not exceed a B or 3/5. While some critics have had strong reactions in either direction, the general response is lukewarm. Empire's John Nugent, for example, mentions episodes that feel stagnant and include contrived Dan Brown-esque clues.
What the Critics Are Saying About Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
Tessa Smith at Mama's Geeky delivers the most positive review for the MonsterVerse spinoff, stating that it is a must-watch for fans of the Godzilla films. Critics have generally applauded the integration of the monsters into the human storylines. However, The Verge's Charles Pulliam-Moore highlights that the visual effects falter when the monsters share the screen with humans, revealing the limitations of shooting on a sound stage.
In addition, the Monarch cast, particularly Wyatt and Kurt Russell as father and son, receive high praise in the reviews. Alex Maidy of JoBlo commends their parallel performances, while Chris Evangelista of SlashFilm considers Kurt to be the standout of the entire show. According to ComicBook's Megan Peters, the compelling performances salvage the show from its occasional missteps.
However, not all aspects of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters are met with equal admiration. One criticism pertains to the pacing, as Jeanine T. Abraham points out on Medium that while the series begins with a strong impact, it progressively loses momentum. Furthermore, Evan Dossey from the Midwest Film Journal expresses his discontent with how the contemporary storyline excessively emphasizes trauma, in a manner characteristic of the mid-2010s.