Shared cinematic universes are where it’s all at. So it’s hardly a surprise that Kong follows on from 2014’s Godzilla as Legendary build out their ‘MonsterVerse’, putting these cinematic behemoths on a collision course.
In a lot of ways it’s the antithesis of it’s predecessor. There’s no mystery; we see everything clearly and often. Though I do get whiffs of Jurassic Park again, this time mixed with Apocalypse Now. But ultimately Kong: Skull Island is an unabashed monster movie.
As you might expect, none of the humans are dug into too deeply, though their conversations give us plenty to work with. Hiddleston comes across very well in his hero role, but it was John C. Reilly and Samuel L. Jackson who stole the show for me as very different soldiers. They add an intensity and levity that elevates the film as a whole.
Then there are the visuals! This film revels in the world it has created and invites you in. You see why Kong is how he is and how he interacts with the different inhabitants of the island. Kong himself looks great, but this is a land that time forgot and the chance is taken to show us a lot of other things; some beautiful and some horrifying. Director Vogt-Roberts is currently looking after a possible Metal Gear Solid film; based on this I’m all for it.
A rip-roaring film from start to finish, Kong: Skull Island is a proper blockbuster.
Be the first to comment