Review of Kong: Skull Island (2017) by Miroslav G — 29 Aug 2017

I'll freely admit, I wasn't the biggest fan of Gareth Edwards' Godzilla from 2014 and considering that it and Kong: Skull Island are part of the same universe, I was a little apprehensive to see the next chapter in this so-called "monster-verse" to say the least having expected to get more of the same.

But to be fair, there were parts of Godzilla I really, genuinely liked and the whole prospect of this universe does seem really promising, so I went in with a open mind and, well, it's actually pretty decent.

And I'm sorry if this review sounds repetitive, but there's really not much to say here really: it's a dumb, fun King Kong movie with likeable, if mostly paper-thin characters (which is pretty unfortunate considering the talent involved) and weak plotting but it has enough monster action (every time Kong is on-screen, it's an absolute treat), arresting high-contrast, post-Vietnam visuals, and interesting world-building for the ultimate "vs" movie to make it passably enjoyable.

Don't expect anything heartfelt, deeply resonant, complex, or *hahaha* Oscar-worthy; this movie is made for enjoyment of the most simplistic and visceral kind, so make of that what you will. And in all honestly, it really does follow the same basic formula of Godzilla: One-note, disposable characters, simplistic, flimsy, "turn off your brain" storytelling, and an overall lack of focus on the titular character in an attempt to make their limited screentime all the more fulfilling.

That is, except with one major difference: this time, it's fun. Skull Island is a blockbuster that knows exactly what it is and embraces it to the fullest: a fun, dumb monster movie that never pretends to be anything more than it actually is, wearing its B-movie origins and sensibilities proudly on its sleeve while maintaining the big budget Hollywood production values that one comes to expect from a movie of this magnitude (and I mean that in the best way possible).

It's not the least bit pretentious, unlike the dreary doom and gloom that plagues Godzilla and various other modern blockbusters (I'm looking at you, DCEU). Oh yeah, and if you're still wondering how a 100 ft.

Kong is supposed to fight a 350 ft. Godzilla, they do give an answer for that (a quick, disposable answer, but an answer nonetheless). This kind of movie really just speaks for itself, and depending on your preferences, you'll most likely either love it or hate it, and I seem to fall somewhere in between.

I honestly can't wait for the eventual crossover.