Good Popcorn Movie, But Far From A Classic

Rating: 7/10 (10 March 2017)

There is a TEASER AFTER-CREDITS SCENE at the end of the movie, so be sure to stick around for it.
I enjoyed the film very much. I liked Peter Jackson's King Kong more, but this was still a good film. The movie plays out like a 20th- century war film, instead of the traditional Beauty and the Beast adventure. Not only was that a wise choice because it makes the movie stand out from previous Kongs, but also because the actual Beauty and the Beast remake will be released this month. (Coincidence?)
My favorite feature wasn't the action, story, or performances. The movie takes place in the mid-1970s. I got the most joy from seeing a bunch of old technology again: record players, phone booths, photo darkrooms, classic cars, etc. It was a trip down memory lane.
However, there was a downside to this. One of the characters was a photojournalist. Her camera seemed to be way too "advanced." She took pictures at night, day, motion, near, far, etc. There are 2017 cameras that aren't great under variable conditions. How can she take amazing photos with a 1970s unit? She also seemed to have infinite rolls of film. Throughout the movie, I kept thinking "Why haven't you run out of film yet?! How many rolls could you possibly have carried in that handbag?!"
The other bad feature of the movie is strictly a personal problem. Corey Hawkins has a supporting role. His movie character is nerdy, inexperienced, slightly clumsy, and wears glasses. The "problem" is that Mr Hawkins stars on 24: Legacy. On that television show, he is a confident, experienced, action hero that doesn't wear glasses. Therefore, every time Hawkins came on the screen, I kept getting a wacky Clark Kent feeling. It not at all the actor's fault, but I just couldn't suspend my disbelief properly every time I saw him. LOL
On a positive note, several of the characters didn't wind up falling to the clichés that usually come with this kind of film. That was a very welcomed change.
Kong: Skull Island is a decent spring popcorn movie. Solid acting. Interesting creature designs. Great soundtrack. I give the movie a B- grade.