Kong is big, loaded with action and visuals.

Rating: 9/10 (10 March 2017)

Kong: Skull Island is an awesome monster film that fits right in there in the whole MonsterVerse that the movie studio is trying to build up on. Like the 2014 Godzilla film was trying to do. Kong film is fast paced; plenty of action visual sequences, and does have some stunning direction with its Vietnam/1970s style. Kong: Skull Island is more into the whole big fun blockbuster style type of film compared to 2005's Peter Jackson's King Kong that paid homage to the original and had development with characters and story. Even Kong in the 2005 film had more of a personality and emotions than this film. Does not make this film terrible or anything, which this one had more of an action packed adventure and Kong being bigger and viewed as a King of the island.
The plot follows Bill Randa (John Goodman) and seismologist Houston (Corey Hawkins) hiring Former Special Ops James (Tom Hiddleston) to be their tracker for their expedition to Skull Island. Hoping to discover an ecosystem of species that has yet to be discovered. Teamed up with a military unit led by Preston (Samuel L. Jackson). They discover that man is not on the top link on the planet when they come across Kong. Realizing that there are other beasts and Two legged lizard monsters known as Skullcrawlers.
What I really loved about Kong: Skull Island is it was well paced compared to the 2005 film. You did not have to wait 40 or so minutes to see Kong. The film had a little faster set up. Bill Randa proposing his plan to the government and than recruiting a team for his expedition to a tracker James, Military unit, and even a photographer Mason (Brie Larson). Next thing you know, a thrilling sequence with several helicopters arriving on the island and running into Kong. It goes from there with people trying to survive the dangers of the island from flying prehistorically birds, a mountain sized Kong, and Skullcrawlers. Kong's battle with a giant octopus was stunning. Even the climatic battle with the skullcrawlers was pretty awesome. The visual effects were spectacular. It could also be quite overwhelming seeing some cheesy noticeable effects with the choppers formation and being attacked by Kong. This is a fun sized blockbuster film, which goes all out with a lot of action, visuals, and keeping up with the pace. Cinematographer Larry Fong had entertaining set ups with the camera work. There may be a first person moment as a character is firing a weapon at a giant ant, or using a sword on a flying monster. Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts had a fun style, having a 1970s soundtrack, a Vietnam tone. Or having spectacular scene set up with Kong rising in front of a sunset. There are plenty of those sequences set-ups.
One slight issue I had with Kong: Skull Island is I was really hoping for a longer battle with Kong fighting against a giant Skullcrawler. The climax was exciting and big and awesome as it is. I felt like it was short in a way, which I wanted to see more of.
Otherwise, Kong: Skull Island is a really good monster film with plenty of action, awesome set pieces, and a great cast ensemble. Also there is a scene after the credits that set up for a special surprise. I would rate Kong: Skull Island 4.5 out of 5.