All Hail The King

Rating: 7/10 (28 March 2017)

Human nature dictates two things to fear the unknown and learn how to survive. Kong, presented as heroic as any mythological creature could be is so much more than just an over-sized ape. Below are a few of the ancient reasons why we Kong will always be King:
Jungle Fever: Skull Island is one the surface unlike anything else on planet earth as we see an array of inhabitants each living their lives to the sound of one drum beat. I felt enamoured at times with depth of Kong's home turf although some of it did feel like a music video due to off- beat yet comical acting. CGI is pretty much the only way I'll ever be able to experience what seeing Kong in the flesh might actually be like unless Big Foot comes out of retirement and releases an autobiography. The Island as a place I'll be honest is a little cliché' but that being said it works, sometimes the writing is on the wall in this scenario it's the pre-historic caveman-esque Frederick Flintstone drawings which really denote Kong as friend and not foe. The island itself is pretty a much homage to Apocalypse Now, but we do get elements of Bear Grylls/Ray Mears seep through. Based loosely on Vietnam this jungle definitely makes you consider what you may need in a survival kit.
Guns and Roses: This is not a film which could produce an Oscar nominee on paper it has a strong cast with Hiddlestone, Goodman, J.C Reilly and Jackson. Although the wise man once said "there's never smoke without fire" that fire I'm referring to is more or less a campfire. On screen the actual dialogue between the characters in a serious sense is irrelevant as everyone has their own agenda and lives by their principles anyway. However, the comedic value at times produces genuine moments of laughter – honestly I almost spilt my popcorn over the person next to me. Okay that's a lie as nobody buys popcorn but I did laugh which is something I wasn't prepared for so kudos to the writers. At times I felt like I was watching actors being themselves instead of playing a fleshed out character, in other words Jackson just seemed assertive, loud and nonsensical. Whereas Hiddlestone was clearly using this as a stepping stone for an Indiana Jones comes James Bond audition as he was cool, calm and collective in situations where you might need to reach for the duvet. Goodman/Reilly began as serious characters but ended up as a Captain Jack Sparrow tribute act, although at times it was touching and felt slightly genuine. There are other male characters but they mostly became cannon fodder and didn't really leave a lasting impression only in a comical sense. Overall the guns a.k.a. the men gave an enjoyable performance which did at times create moments which will stick in the memory.
The only rose within this film was the empowering anti-war photographer which was played out by Brie Larson. I'll be honest I've seen stronger performances – the character had a brilliant start and came out the traps as smart, quick-witted and humorous. As per all (original) Hollywood flicks this wouldn't last long and there must be something in the air within the Jungle as she'd gone head-over-heels for Hiddleston's action man demeanour. Once the love-bug had been instilled her character just lost momentum serving as a backup dancer to Hiddlestone. Although Larson's character did come good once again giving a convincing and heartfelt moment with Kong.
Forrest Gump: Kong was at times like a kid in a toy store and other times a menacing, commanding and authoritative figure. The terrifying figure of Kong looms large but as does Kong's heart and soul which is frequently misunderstood (in order to reinforce fear) but deep down Kong has a lot of inner-demons. Skull Island's Kong is the best Kong I've seen in a long while this because we see a lot more of Kong that you might expect and he's been humanised to the point where you think he could be just a really hairy punter down at your local. Kong's heart of gold is exemplified as he wanders about aimlessly at times producing good-will acts for those around him almost similar to Earl in My Name is Earl. Humanising Kong destroys the reputation of the big-guy it's like seeing Uncle Phil cry over food in the Fresh Prince. Although humanising Kong and conquering man's fear of the unknown has always been the super-glue to the franchise without this element it would just be a cruel hunting show. Kong needs to do little to get people in awe and I feel this will always hold the behemoth in good stead, I really did enjoy the moments of intense drama Kong produced in this edition of his life story.
The Kings Speech: I definitely felt Kong's presence and I feel I'll Skull Island of the bucket list for now but in short, I feel Skull Island is a must see. There are moments of awe, humour and genuine high-quality drama which make you wince a little causing you to be throw popcorn wildly in the air. This franchise will never cease to amaze as the backbone of what makes Kong great is believable. Kong scores a loud and almost defining 7/10.