Where to watch Kong: Skull Island
4 Stars
A washed up monster chaser convinces the U.S. Government to fund a trip to an unexplored island in the South Pacific. Under the guise of geological research, the team travels to “Skull Island”. Upon arrival, the group discover that their mission may be complicated by the wildlife which inhabits the island. The beautiful vistas and deadly creatures create a visually stunning experience that is sure to keep your attention.
I didn’t think there was an ounce of creativity left in the King Kong story, but Kong: Skull Island manages to defy the odds and brings a fresh story, visual style, and sense of fun to this slick creature feature. Special effects are top-notch, as to be expected, but the use of Apocalypse Now as a source of inspiration for a studio-backed tent-pole picture is a real surprise. Director Jordon Vogt-Roberts delivers a thrill-ride film that is visually astounding and assured in its execution. Tom Hiddleston, who almost stole the Avengers film, makes for a very capable leading man in a big-budget blockbuster.
Kong Skull Island is a Vietnam-era adventure picture with shades of Treasure of the Sierra Madre. A fantastic opening sequence is a self-continued short film with stark images and sparse dialogue. It’s a glimpse at the filmmaking prowess of helmer Vogt-Roberts and his cinematographer. There have been numerous previous screen incarnations of the title ape. Peter Jackson’s superb 2005 homage to the 1933 classic is a masterpiece that still holds up in the effects, writing, and acting departments. This 2017 reimagining is vastly different from Jackson’s vision, but it is strong enough to stand among the heralded versions that have come before. Kong: Skull Island is the biggest surprise of 2017.
Directed by: Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Written by: Dan Gilroy, Max Borenstein, Derek Connolly
Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson