Kong: Skull Island

Plot

In 1973, scientists of Monarch requests to tag along with an army team to explore a ‘just discovered’ island. When they get there, they find themselves under attack from an ape the size of a building. Separated, some of them plan on escaping, and others plan on bringing the ‘King Kong’ down.

Direction

Actually, half decently directed, with some impressive use of CGI. There are also some fun camera shots, primarily during the initial crash sequence which is shot from the view of the helicopter door.

Cast/Characters

Tom Hiddleston plays James Conrad – a top tier tracker hired by Monarch scientist Bill Randa. I like Hiddleston as an actor, and he has a mature presence about him. His believability as a top tier soldier and tracker was not very believable, and sadly he did a poor job.

John Goodman as Randa is sound. He did a solid job, and I enjoyed his screen presence.

Samuel L Jackson plays the Colonel in charge of the expedition. He does the typical Sam Jackson has read the assignment performance – and gives a solid performance.

John C Reilly adds a bit of humour as a WW2 soldier who has been trapped on the island since crash landing during wartime.

Brie Larson is a bit bland as the only real female character in the film. Considering the character that inspired her, Ann Darrow, played by Fay Wray way back in 1933, she was quite underwhelming.

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

One of the ‘one by one they fall’ monster movies, that happens to be in the same Monster verse as Godzilla etc.

A better storyline than the previous film, with better settings and choreography. It is quite a bit more violent than other films (but still gets the American PG-13 rating with just one ‘f’ bomb.

Some of the monsters are a genuinely creepy (like the spider monster), and some are hinted at… why didn’t we get to see the ants?

Overall

My first thought watching this was. am I going to hate this as much as Godzilla 2? And no, I didn’t. I thought it was… fine.

I liked the ‘one by one’ character kills, and a one or two of them are genuinely surprising to see meet their maker. There is a little silly end credits scene that I can’t see going anywhere considering the sequel is going to be set 50 years later. To be watched and reviewed soon. Still, a passable film.

3/5