Not many cinematic monsters are more iconic than the gigantic gorilla, King Kong. Appearing in many movies since his first debut in 1933, including a surprising amount of remakes and a few epic monster crossovers, most recently of which, pitted the gorilla againstthe almighty Godzilla once more, inGodzilla vs Kong. With that, theKing Kongmovies come with a varied degree of quality; the original and Peter Jackson’sKing Kongare nonetheless epic movies, but some of his crossovers in the 20th century weren’t as great, as fans watched as someone in a gorilla costume prance around and occasionally punch his monstrous opponent in the face. While many fans rightfully adore Peter Jackson’sKing Kong, it has to be said the more recentKong: Skull Islandis quite possibly the bestKing Kongmovie to date, and here’s why.
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Incredible Action
There is no denying that the stylized action inSkull Islandis simply breathtaking. The many slow-motion shots, sound design, choreography and cinematography lead to some truly exhilarating action scenes. Sure, the iconic fight where Kong fights off two T. Rexes, breaking one’s jaw, is undeniably brilliant, but the action found inSkull Islandis much more fun and explosive. Kong vs the helicopters is the stand-out, and is quite easily one of the best action scenes of 2017.
A Powerhouse Cast
When it was revealed that a newKing Kongmovie was being made, everyone was skeptical at first. But then the film’s cast was revealed, immediately turning everyone’s skepticism into excitement. With the likes of Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, John Goodman, Samuel L. Jackson, Corey Hawkins, Richard Jenkins, and John C. Reilly starring in the flick. This cast was already a recipe for success, and the film certainly doesn’t waste its A-list cast.
John Goodman’s character may be pretty detestable, but his performance is definitely admired. Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson, as always, delivered great performances, butJohn C Reillyis most definitely the stand-out, bringing genius jokes with his expert comic timing, while also delivering a very emotional and layered performance.
Engaging Characters
With the film’s phenomenal cast, there must come characters that audiences should fall in love with, and once again,Kong: Skull Islanddid not disappoint. A major criticism of Peter Jackson’sKing Kongis that not many, if any, of the characters were likable. Sure, the cast of that film was brilliant, but as for the characters, they weren’t well-written or developed enough for audiences to truly care for them. Instead,Kong: Skull Islanddoes more than enough to make audiences care for them.
Skull Islandgives the film’s characters enough depth and nuance to make them easily likable and forces us to care for them. Quite simply, some of the best characters have to be the Vietnam soldiers helping the scientists. Characters such as Jack Chapman (Toby Kebbell), Cole (Shea Whigham), Reg Slivko (Thomas Mann), and Mills (Jason Mitchell), are undeniable favorites, with their interesting, emotional backstories, and talking about their families back home, makes audiences immediately connect to them and love them.
Similarly, John C. Reiley’s Hank Marlow is quite easily the best character in the whole film. Having him stuck on the island for years makes his character tragic, interesting, and pretty cool; adding on top of that, is Hank’s hilarious wit and sense of humor. This makes room for the best character in the film and quite possibly the best in anyKongmovie. He also carries a Samurai sword, which belonged to an old friend, who he once fought against in the war, but after being stuck on the island, they both became best friends.
An Original Story
For many of theKing Kongmovies, they all tell the same story as the original. While undoubtedly iconic, after so many retellings it starts to feel a little tiresome. Thankfully,Kong: Skull Islandoffers an original story. We all know the original story is set in 1933; howeverKong: Skull Islandis actually set in 1973, already having a unique and original take on the film. Likewise, becauseSkull Islandis set in the Warner Bros.Monsterverse, (of which we will get to later) with that, the film follows Monarch (the organization that studies giant monsters), as they and a group of well-trained Vietnam soldiers travel to the treacherous Skull Island to investigate and study the strange and terrifying creatures that inhabit the island. After being stranded on the island, the scientists and soldiers discover Kong and an ancient battle that puts the island and the world in grave danger.
Related:King Kong: All Movies in Order
Expands WB’s Monsterverse
Since the MCU,many studios have attempted to build interconnectedstories and cinematic universes. Whilemany franchises have failed, WB’s Monsterverse is certainly among the best universes that attempted to recapture the magic of the MCU.Godzilla(2014) was the first film in the universe, building up the organization known as Monarch and revealing that the world has been home togiant Titansfor centuries, and it’s revealed inKong: Skull Islandthat Kong is one of them and the last of his kind.Kong: Skull Islanddoesn’t necessarily do much in expanding the modern day timeline created inGodzilla(2014), but instead shows us how Monarch was created. However, there is areference toGodzilla vs Kong, and it’s incredibly exciting.
