Kong: Skull Island (2017)

Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts 

Written by Dan Gilroy, Max Borenstein, Derek Connolly and John Gatins 

Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson and John C. Reilly 

     Once again, King Kong has risen from his figurative cage and roared and banged on his chest at the big screens. This time however, it wasn't for another re-make of the original movie. Kong: Skull Island, is a completely different story and time period (the 70's to be exact), where that film-crew from the original movie, never entered the island. This time instead of a film crew, its a scientific investigation of the never before inhabited, mysterious: Skull Island. With the same amount of monster fights (if not more), shooting guns, running through the jungle, and a big hairy ape with a thing for blonde women as the original- this is a fresh new story with all our favorite aspects of the first Kong story. All the more reason to love it. 

     This time around, the story begins with a government backed group of scientists, fronted by Bill Randa (John Goodman). He has his eyes and heart set on getting to the mysterious, Skull Island, so he and his team can explore. Bill and his team believe that this island could hold manners of wonder, perhaps beyond human imagining. Once they get the go-ahead to fly into this dangerous island, they embark on the mission with military assistance led by Lt. Col. Packard (Samuel L. Jackson) and his unit. Also along for the ride on the dangerous mission is the feminist, anti-war photographer, Mason Weaver (Brie Larson), and the world's most handsome mercenary, James Conrad (Tom Hiddleston).  Once the team penetrates the thick storm clouds which surround Skull Island, they come face to face with the gigantic, famous Kong- who, to the shock of some, isn't the real monster to fear. Skull Island is crawling with much creepier, more menacing, and just as big beasts that don't show as much mercy as Kong. After being swatted down in their helicopters by the mighty Kong, the team is scattered on the island- forced to face the many creatures this island has to offer-while they all venture to the opposite side of the island in attempt to be rescued. Of course they have some help from a local islander played by John C. Reilly- however I won't get into much detail on his character to spare everyone from potential spoilers. 

     It wouldn't be a Kong movie without incredible set and monster design- which this movie exceeds in. With the time period of the film being post Vietman war, they actually did most of the filming in Vietnam, thus providing for a realistic looking set. So sure, this movie may have most of the cliche monster movie attributes like the intense battle to the death between two building high monsters- but this kind of action is what the audience eats up with their popcorn, so to not include it wouldn't be fair. It's hard to criticize the cliche's however when they're so beautifully done. The special effects are so incredible, the monsters are so big, the noises are so loud- you can't not enjoy it. 

     Step aside Jessica Lange and Naomi Watts, Kong has a new doll, and she's certainly feistier than her predecessors. Larson's character may be a photographer, but its more than her camera that she is pointing and shooting. Her and Kong may not have as close of a relationship as he and his other gal pal's had- however they do share a lot of sympathetic glances throughout the movie. Samuel L. Jackson plays the character that the writers make you hate. Haven't we seen this before? Though he may not be the handsomest cast member (that goes to you Tom), Reilly has the most significant role bringing lots of humor to this action packed flick. 

     Aside from nailing an all-star cast including two oscar nominees, an oscar winner, and a former Taylor Swift boyfriend- the film succeeds on many levels. 

I give Kong: Skull Island a...

8/10