Another installment of Movie Review with Stew. Thanks, Stew!!
I recently saw Kong: Skull Island in 3D. It stars Samuel L Jackson, Tom Hiddleston (Loki in Thor and The Avengers) and John Goodman. Unlike the previous King Kong movies, this one takes place mostly on the island. It really has no connection to earlier films except for the titular character. The film takes place in 1973 just as the Vietnam war is winding down. There is even dialogue addressing whether the media lost the Vietnam war.
The film centers on the exploits of a Helicopter unit of U.S. Army escorting scientists to explore the newly discovered Island. Most of the helicopters are either destroyed or crash land. The rest of the film centers on everyone rendezvousing and getting off the island and what they encounter on the way.
It was a very enjoyable film. My only complaint is there should have been more indigenous creatures. But they wanted Kong to be the center point for the film. And there’s a reason for that. The intent is to create a shared universe. The follow up film is going to be Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Then in 2020 it will be followed up with King Kong Vs. Godzilla. If you see Kong: Skull Island, there is small after credits scene that sets up the next one.
I may be reading too much into it but I also think there is a subtext about the military invading places and causing destruction. This is Hollywood after all. And the company that produced the film, Legendary Pictures is owned by a Chinese conglomerate, Wanda Group. As with previous King Kong films the subtext about man invading and corrupting everything is still present.
Overall, I’d say it’s a very good movie. If you like 3D, it utilizes it quite well. While the creatures are CGI, they look realistic. If you are looking for a deep thought provoking film this isn’t the film to watch. But if you want an enjoyable action film then it’s a good choice.
