Movie Review: Kong: Skull Island (2017), directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts

Rating: 8/10 (29 May 2017)

"Hold on to your butts." - The inimitable Samuel L. Jackson
It is the age of cinematic universes – collecting individual properties under franchise umbrellas is practically commonplace. We can now anticipate the likes of Godzilla and King Kong clashing in cinemas for our enjoyment. That already happened? In 1962, you say?
Ahem. Dubbed the "MonsterVerse" by Legendary Pictures, giant monsters resurface from some unspecified primordial age to stomp and munch on humans, and otherwise make a mess of civilization. Three years following 2014's Hollywood rendition of Godzilla comes Kong: Skull Island. A journey through jungles, testing camaraderie, pitting man (and woman) against nature. Think of it as Jurassic Park meets Apocalypse Now. Minus the profundity of Copolla's film. And with less notable characters than the one with dinosaurs. Well, I tried.
The Vietnam War is the backdrop here, complete with not one but two Credence Clearwater Revival songs. A soldier platoon is commissioned to safeguard a small team of scientists on a mission to chart a newly discovered island. Skull Island, they call it. You already knew that. Additionally, a no-nonsense tracker and an anti-war photojournalist are recruited for their expertise. They beset upon the island aboard an aircraft carrier, then proceed through a perpetually raging storm – wait, I'm sure this flock of helicopters couldn't possibly have fit on deck...
All the more humans to die horribly for our enjoyment, I suppose.
Before long, Kong is spectacularly revealed, which will surely persist as one of the most memorable events from the movie. A colossus of manlike shape blotting out the setting sun, Kong swats down the helicopters with effortless brutality. Watching the metal crumble in his hands just might bring a devilish grin to your face.
The visual effects are vaguely cartoonish. Bold saturated colors and some blatant use of green screen. Once I became accustomed to it I appreciated the stylization. It's a preferable aesthetic when compared to the drab, washed out look typically seen in modern blockbusters. In fact, I'd say it's in harmonious marriage with the breakneck tonal shifts of the film.
Now stranded on the island, as consequence of Kong's wrath, the fractured group must make it to a far off evacuation site if they want any hope of survival. The island proves far more treacherous than they could have foreseen. Over-sized insects and reptiles pluck their lives away like delicate petals.
The monsters are varied and many. Things that fly and swarm. That lumber, docile. Or pursue hungrily. You will witness Kong grapple a giant octopus and pummel scaly, skull faced creatures. If you came looking for monster action then rest assured this aspect of the film is faultless. It's a consistently thrilling showcase of kaiju combat. The climactic battle, in particular, made me feel like a giddy child smashing action figures against each other. I mean that in the most positive sense.
The human side of the film is not as arresting. Characterization is mostly obvious and familiar. It's certainly a better than average effort but I never found myself particularly invested. The characters are, at the very least, defined. And juggling this many, that's more of a compliment than it sounds. Note that none of them escape the shadow of Kong, who is an ever imposing figure.
The actors play their parts accordingly, but some are sadly underutilized (John Goodman for example). The standouts being Samuel L. Jackson and John C. Reilly. The character of Packard and his downward spiral are excellently captured by Jackson's biting temperament.
What could easily slip into melodrama is often countered by humor. Many jokes miss their target, however. Nothing truly unforgivable, except maybe when a certain character labels the craft he's riding in a "ploat." It's a boat made out of plane scrap. Yup.
On the topic of humor, I had my concerns for John C. Reilly's role based off trailers. I predicted nothing more than one-note comic relief, but was pleasantly proved wrong. He quickly became the most endearing of the bunch. A man stranded on the island after an ill- fated dogfight during the heat of World War II. The years of unhealthy encounters with the island's monstrous inhabitants, the distance from the civilization he most understood, and prolonged contact with the unsociable natives, turned him more than a little odd. At times a man of congeniality, at others a man of dubious quality. Some times even adorable.
Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts presents his diverse influences, sprinkling in tasteful homages to Neon Genesis Evangelion and Metal Gear (among others). Expect nods to the original King Kong as well, including the big ape liberating himself from chains and the requisite "beauty and the beast" moment.
For a movie absolutely stuffed to capacity, that it withstands its own weight is a wonder. Driven by a director with clear passion, Kong: Skull Island is seductive; a ceaseless cataclysm of monster action. Unless you have a predisposed affection for giant monsters there's a good chance you'll be unfulfilled by this offering. Otherwise, what you get is a fearless tribute to Kong and his ilk.
Verdict: Moderately High Recommendation
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