An enjoyable and easy to follow watch

Rating: 9/10 (26 July 2017)

An enjoyable, easy-to-follow and exciting film. From the very beginning, it was easy to understand the plot and not too complicated, there were many surprises (which is always good) and twists. Maybe Samuel L.Jacksons character is too abrasive and may I say, American? (Quote "die, motherf*cker") For once, there was no subplot of lazy and unneeded romance. They're fighting a gorilla, not looking for love. Many of the character deaths were either a yes or a no. I think we all saw Billy's father dying from that first letter, some emotional heartfelt letter to the family he'll never see again. Although, you could tell that a character was simply saved from the first dramatic helicopter conflict, just to die later on from being impaled by a spider or burnt alive. The characters were well-written although a little more background and screen-time would've be helpful and made each and every one of them more interesting and likable. For example, some delving into Weaver, the photographer, would've helped the audience understand why she chose a geological mission over the Time cover. She also seems a little silent, when reaching out to touch a 10 foot gorilla, there are no words spoken. Yes, she is speechless, but after more contact with the gorilla, still, nothing. We should learn more of each army man, from the young, confused boy wanting to go home to the best friend of Chapman, who takes the letters and presumably gives them to Billy, or the mysterious leader, picked from a bunch, who is this Conrad and why? If there is a sequel, some character info would be necessary to make it a worthwhile watch. Although, I did appreciate the CGI and effects. The scenery was always very pretty with the added neon gasses that floated about, creating some kind of 70s effect in a 21st century film based in the 70s. I like it.