King Kong is a film icon, representing the progression of the film industry throughout the past few decades. After the success of the recent Godzilla reboot, Hollywood is looking to incite another “cinematic universe”, this time aimed at the monster movie genre of yore. Since Godzilla and King Kong go hand in hand, it makes sense that the giant ape would be the next to get a big budget treatment. Enter Kong: Skull Island, a new approach on the classic King Kong tale that takes the license in a new direction. With a star studded cast, huge budget, and the promise of incredible action, does Kong: Skull Island hold up, or disappoint?
When I sat down to check out Kong, I didn’t have very high expectations. Unlike other viewers, Kong doesn’t really hold a special place in my heart. Sure, I’ve seen the adaptations over the years, but it’s not a franchise that I get particularly excited for. I walked out of the theater feeling pretty good about the film, enjoying it more than I thought I would. However, Kong is by no means a perfect film. In some places, the film excels and excites. In other aspects, it’s a disappointment and a bore. As a cumulative experience though, Kong manages to stay refreshing and interesting throughout the two hour run time.
Kong: Skull Island is a film that is just as much about the titular island as it is about the giant ape. The film follows an expedition crew comprised of several scientists and researchers as they intend to map out the uncharted Skull Island. This new imagining of the classic tale does one thing pretty well; making the time period count. Kong: Skull Island takes place post-Vietnam, mere days after the United State’s withdrawal from the conflict. The research team gains a military escort in the form of a a group of fresh-from-the-war Vietnam soldiers and their commanding officer, Packard (Samuel L. Jackson). As the group of scientists and soldiers make their way to the island, everything goes to hell (who saw that coming?!). Kong: Skull Island feels more like a war film than a monster movie at times, and feels better for it.
This shadow of the Vietnam War remains ever present throughout the film, and truly aids the atmosphere and action. After a rough arrival on the island, we see our entire cast broken up into groups several miles apart. Everyone is intent on reaching the north side of the island, where their only possible escape waits. It’s a gritty and dirty movie, and as the characters move through the rough terrain, you feel like you’re in the thick of it with them. Unfortunately, you’ll rarely care what happens to them.
This is due to to the film’s lack of character depth or exposition. There’s quite a few faces and names to remember, from the photographer Mason (Brie Larson) to the young soldier Slivko (Thomas Mann). You’ll most likely forget their names, though, as you aren’t given a reason to care about most of them. Beyond a scene or two, you rarely get to understand the character’s motivations or feelings. There’s two exceptions here, both Packard and Hank Marlow (John C. Reilly) are the only characters with some substance. Samuel L. Jackson delivers a decent performance of a man with an unidentifiable grudge. Packard is a man who (I assume) feels like he’s fought a war for nothing, and needs validation in his struggles. Hank Marlow plays the opposite of him, a World War 2 pilot that finds himself stranded on the island for nearly 30 years. The film opens with Hank Marlow, and we revisit his feelings and motivations as the film progresses. In a way, he’s the most important character of all, though he doesn’t get the screen time he deserves. Marlow is often reserved for comic relief, which is a shame. Marlow is the only character I really found myself rooting for, although I empathized with the young soldiers quite a bit.
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Kong: Skull Island also falls into a similar trap that the recent Godzilla adaptation did. The actual giant ape appears from time to time, but doesn’t seem to be the centerpiece scene-by-scene. Instead, the island is the main antagonist, housing a collection of humongous and grotesque creatures. I don’t want to spoil anything, as these other creatures and their scenes were by far my favorites of the film. The action scenes are also incredibly well shot, never reducing to shaky cam. As Kong battles other giant monsters and causes general destruction, the camera never loses sight of it’s target. It’s impressive and gripping action, often evoking some of the horror of the Vietnam War. Kong: Skull Island sometimes teeters on the horror genre, but very much to its advantage.
As a package, Kong: Skull Island works. As a sum of its parts, the movie is enjoyable and worthwhile. Unfortunately, a lackluster script that deters some great performances also keeps it from being truly great. It’s a popcorn movie in the most honest sense; you should come to the film for the spectacle. Expecting deep and riveting characters is a waste, you’ll only find yourself disappointed. It’s easy to look past the shallow characters thanks to the film’s dark and ominous tone. The backdrop of the Vietnam War adds an element to the film that truly pushes it forward and really helps form a dreadful atmosphere. While Kong: Skull Island may not be a perfect movie, it’s definitely fun. As the credits started to roll in my theater, a nearby audience member piped up. “That was pretty good!”, she exclaimed, while generously clapping. I tend to agree with her. Kong: Skull Island isn’t going to win any Best Picture awards, but it’s a step in the right direction. I’m excited to see where the universe will go from here, and eagerly await the next entry in this fresh new world.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Author Note: Be sure to stick around after the (somewhat lengthy) credits, there’s a pretty exciting scene that indicates the films to come.
Movie Ratings Guide
1 Star = Unwatchable
2 Stars = Cannot Recommend
3 Stars = Would Watch Again
4 Stars = A Solid Movie
5 Stars = Must Own (DVD/Stream Download)
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