Review of Kong: Skull Island (2017) by Daniel S — 09 Dec 2018

I was only partially interested in this film until I heard that it was part of some big monster shared universe with Godzilla. Then I was very interested. I love a shared universe, natch (#Marvel) but I also love a film that doesn't take itself too seriously.

And if you're building towards a film where I giant monkey fights a giant lizard with atomic breath, you can't take yourself seriously. And this film ups the ante by having great actors (Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, John C Reilly, John Goodman) not taking themselves seriously.

Now, yes, it's got far too many characters for a film that isn't really about the characters, and the structure is a little all over the place, but there's lots to love about it as well.

Big monsters, fun set pieces, a very bold, stylised look, and Sam Jackson being a fully crazy badass. It's all lots of fun. Somewhat hollow, sure, but lots of fun nonetheless. Makes me excited to see Gods and Monsters.

Also, it's rarely a good idea to give by far the best story and character to someone who doesn't show up for 45 minutes into proceedings. This is kind of John C Reilly's film. When he showed up, I felt myself caring very little about Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson, and I love them both with a burning passion.