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By Lucas Allen
In case you don’t remember, 2014’s “Godzilla” is the start of an expanded monster universe that continues with “Kong: Skull Island.”
Don’t think of it as yet another remake of the 1933 classic, since it was already done before, in 1976 and 2005. This one is more of a reboot with an original story that further expands the monster-verse. Plus if you ever want to see a 100-foot tall ape battle monsters and helicopters, then you’ll enjoy this one a whole lot.
It’s 1973, when the United States was beginning to withdraw from the Vietnam War and the secret organization Monarch spots a mysterious island with advanced satellite images. Bill Randa (John Goodman) and his assistant Houston Brooks (Corey Hawkins) soon hire a tracker named James Conrad (Tom Hiddleston) and a photographer named Mason Weaver (Brie Larson) to join the team, while Preston Packard (Samuel L. Jackson) leads his army unit as a military escort. Once they enter the island, they find themselves at the mercy of Kong (motion capture actor Terry Notary), who destroys the helicopters like they’re flies.
With the surviving team members separated, they try to find a way off the island while trying to survive both the ape and other ancient monsters. Soon enough, Conrad and Weaver meet Hank Marlow (John C. Reilly). a World War II soldier who’s lived on the island for 28 years. He tells them that Kong is the one who keeps the nature of the island in check, protecting it from creatures who live underground. Together, they must save Kong from both the underground monsters and the vengeful Packard.
If you’re expecting the movie to get serious-minded, as much as the earlier incarnations did, then prepare to be disappointed. The makers intended it to be more of a fun, old-fashioned monster movie and succeed for the most part. The monster battles are great and Kong’s finishing move at the end is both shocking and delightful. Since it’s a reboot, it does a fine job being its own Kong movie while remaining true to its film history. There are also subtle nods to the original that fans can easily spot.
It also moves at a quick pace, so you’ll barely have time to get to know the main characters in the first act before they head to the island. Still, the second act keeps things in balance with important exposition dump. The third act really satisfies when the threats arise and Kong chest pounds right back into our hearts. It seems the filmmakers were trying to improve what was done in the recent “Godzilla,” but that film was more satisfying, with its own pace and action.
However if you wish for more likable characters from the earlier film, then this film has your fill, thanks to its very game cast. Hiddleston, Jackson, and Goodman are particularly charismatic, showing believability in their acting among the insane stuff. Jackson seems to be the one having the most fun, playing an Ahab-like character with a thirst for revenge. Oscar winner Larson fills the role of the blonde damsel-in-distress while showing off some action stuff. But it’s Reilly who steals the show, offering the funniest lines while playing a very sympathetic character.
If you prefer the more straightforward Kong movie, your options are either the 1933 classic or Peter Jackson’s 2005 three-hour epic. “Kong: Skull Island” doesn’t need brains to be a good movie and the makers should be commended for making it an entertaining good time. If you do like what you see, then expect Kong to take on Godzilla for the highly-anticipated rematch sometime possibly in 2020.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG-13 (for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for brief strong language)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.25 Stars (Out of 4)
