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| Courtesy of Warner Bros. |
There’s no reason that yet another reboot of a decades-old franchise (with some other cinematic connections revealed in a fun post-credits sequence) should work, but I had a big, dumb grin on my face for two hours straight. Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts (who also helmed the solid but little-seen The Kings of Summer) and screenwriters Dan Gilroy, Max Borenstein and Derek Connolly find the absolute perfect tone that allows you to enjoy the ludicrous story and ridiculous carnage while still giving you a reason to emotionally engage with the characters.
Well, a couple of them, at least. Most people are on screen to serve as food for the titular island’s assortment of giant monsters; however, the ones who make an impact do so because Vogt-Roberts understands the importance of casting dependable character actors and getting out of their way.
As a result, we now live in a world where John C. Reilly is the stealth lead of a $200 million B-movie whose spiritual forefather is Big Trouble in Little China (John Carpenter’s 1986 cult classic starring Kurt Russell). Considering that movie is one of my all-time favorites, I’m downright giddy at this development.
In a time when big-budget blockbusters are growing increasingly convoluted, the story of Kong: Skull Island is refreshingly straightforward. In 1973, as the Vietnam War draws to a close, fringe scientists – played by John Goodman and Corey Hawkins – discover an uncharted island that has remained hidden due to complex storm systems.
After convincing a weary senator (Richard Jenkins, in an amusing cameo) to approve their mission, the duo joins up with a frustrated military unit and its Captain Ahab-esque leader (Samuel L. Jackson), along with a jaded mercenary (Tom Hiddleston) and a photojournalist/activist (Brie Larson), to explore the island and uncover its secrets. A few minutes after arriving, they immediately regret the decision when a mountain-sized ape attacks their helicopter squadron.
Scattered in various locations around the island, the survivors set out to reconnect and rendezvous with their extraction team. Along the way, Hiddleston’s and Larson’s characters bump into a half-crazed WWII pilot (Reilly) who crashed on the island almost three decades earlier and agrees to be their guide if he can hitch a ride home.
However, they don’t realize that Jackson’s revenge-fueled character doesn’t plan on leaving until he takes down the giant ape who killed his men. Something else they’re not aware of? Kong isn’t the giant creature they should be worried about. There are far more dangerous monsters on the island.
Kong: Skull Island is exactly what I wanted the disappointing 2014 Godzilla remake to be. Where that film was morose and lifeless (it didn’t help that the script killed off the most interesting character with an hour to go), this one is energetic, weird and filled with actors who totally understand the kind of movie they’re in.
Nobody here is trying to class up a story about giant apes and lizard-monsters who punch each other. Instead, they keep ratcheting up the craziness until an insane third act boasting some of the most gruesome kills I’ve ever seen in a PG-13 movie. (Note to parents: older kids should be fine, but it might prove too scary for the under-10 crowd.)
Jackson, Goodman and Hawkins, along with Shea Whigham (also known as “hey, it’s that guy!”) and Jason Mitchell (Hawkins’ Straight Outta Compton co-star) fit in perfectly, adding quirks and personality to what are admittedly thin characters. However. Hiddleston and Larson aren’t as successful in their roles. They’re not bad by any means, but they can’t seem to decide if they’re the straight characters crazy stuff happens around, or if they want to join in on the fun. They’re so stiff for most of the running time that when they do get a chance to play for a scene or two, it comes off as forced or jarring.
But they all pale in comparison to Reilly’s incredible performance. Although his character doesn’t show up until the second act, he instantly steals the movie from everyone else and maintains control through the end credits. He’s hilarious, endearing and bizarre in equal measure; days later, I’m still cracking up at his random line delivery. It’s one of the best roles of his career, and a welcome reminder that he’s a phenomenal actor – not just Will Ferrell’s funny friend.
Vogt-Roberts has a keen instinct for what makes a good blockbuster. The visual effects (particularly the motion capture work used to create Kong) are stunning, but they’re used to service the story and characters rather than draw attention to themselves. The action sequences are capably staged with a frequent combination of tension, spectacle and comedy. The soundtrack, while a bit on the nose (there’s a ton of Creedence Clearwater Revival), is also terrific and contributes to the Vietnam-era feel.
Minor quibbles aside, Kong: Skull Island is an absolute blast. I’m sure the tone will prove divisive for a lot of moviegoers – especially those who prefer their monster movies grim and gritty – but it worked perfectly for me. Make sure to see it in a crowded theater on the biggest screen possible. It’s the kind of communal event multiplexes are made for.
Kong: Skull Island is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for brief strong language.
Grade: B+
Kong: Skull Island is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for brief strong language.
Grade: B+
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