Those who haven’t seen the original film (or the 1976 remake) will surely remember Peter Jackson’s 2005 epic in all its CGI glory. Kong: Skull Island however, is a completely new part of Warner Brothers and Legendary Entertainment’s new rebooted “Monsterverse.” Kick started by the remake of Godzilla in 2014, the partnership promises to unearth the origin of Kong, plus the duo will also be creating the next Godzilla: King of Monsters. Finally the two massive beasts will have a face off in Godzilla versus Kong, due in 2020.
Skull Island forges its own path rather than using the template set before by previous films. Set at the politically uncertain time of the Vietnam War, Government Official Bill Randa (John Goodman) petitions to survey the uncharted Skull Island. He employs ex-SAS Soldier James Conrad (Tom Hiddleston) as a tracker and Lieutenant Colonel Preston Packard (Samuel L. Jackson,) to join his helicopter squadron. Along for the ride are photographer Mason Weaver (Brie Larson) and a handful of scientists. John C. Reilly plays WW2 pilot Hank Marlow who previously crashed on the island in 1944. As you would expect from the trailer, things go awry and the expedition needs to survive on the island until rescue arrives in a few days.
Unlike the 2005 film, Skull Island doesn’t use up a whole hour before we see the titular gorilla. He’s onscreen in a matter of minutes, which is only a good thing. It’s not until about 30 minutes in that we get a real look at his gargantuan figure as helicopters buzz around him in panic. His scarred, leathery chest and matted fur look fantastic so don’t be surprised to see this in our demo rooms once it’s released in 4K Blu-ray. The tropical mountains and sumptuous forest are a great setting with all manner of other giant mammals, birds and lizards to catch your eye too.
Where Kong: Skull Island does well, is by not taking itself too seriously. The star of the show other than Kong himself is John C. Reilly’s eccentric pilot, who, after surviving life on the island for 3 decades, adds some welcome comic relief. Supporting stars Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson take somewhat of a backseat due to some average script writing, whilst Goodman does well as the “Government-guy-with-his-own-agenda.” I was taken by surprise a little by Samuel L. Jackson’s thoroughly unlikable helicopter squadron leader, but I guess that’s partly due to seeing him in many of the other Marvel films of recent years, for example, playing the character Nick Fury.
Ultimately, Kong: Skull Island sets out what it means to do. There’s some good back and forth action between the helicopter squadron but, far too many are forgettable fodder for Kong and the other monsters on the island. It certainly won’t win any awards for acting or screenwriting but by providing some eye-popping action sequences to whet our appetite, the producers have been able to successfully reimagine the iconic character of the old films, ready for future sequels.
Author: Steve, Bristol store
