I’ll try to keep this as spoiler-free as possible, because everyone needs to go see this movie in the theater.
Kong: Skull Island is everything I wanted it to be, and everything I had hoped the 2014 Godzilla movie would be. It’s an action-packed, larger than life monster movie that left me champing at the bit for the MonsterVerse movies to really really get underway.
What I love about Kong is that it doesn’t waste time. We get some character development and build up in the first half hour, but it’s only enough to make you care about certain characters and lay the story’s foundation. The bulk of the movie takes place on Skull Island, and it’s glorious.
Kong himself looks absolutely amazing. He’s huge, and he is brutal. But he also has a ton of personality, and in the quieter moments, you will come to care about him. Thankfully, those quiet moments are few and far between.
The action is brutal and beautiful. Kong and the beasts he battles all look great, and there was not one time I was thinking about the special effects.
Next to Kong, the clear star of this movie is John C. Reilly. He’s a funny as you would expect him to be, but the big surprise is that he also as the best storyline in the movie. I actually cried during this movie, and it was because of him. He’s great, and his character is written wonderfully.
As far as the rest of the cast--Sam Jackson is good as the military man who can’t exist without an enemy to fight. Tom Hiddleston is solid as the male lead, but thankfully doesn’t have to carry the movie. Brie Larson is great, and after watching her here I am supremely confident that she will be amazing as Captain Marvel. She is perfect for that role, and I’m excited to see what she does with her role here as the franchise rolls on.
And speaking of that--Kong: Skull Island is the first true entry in the MonsterVerse franchise, and it succeeds on all levels. YOU MUST stay for the after credits scene. It’s not exactly what you’re expecting--it’s so much better. I was freaking out, and spent the entire car ride home explaining the ramifications of it to my son.
To sum up--go see Kong: Skull Island. If you grew up on monster movies, you will be smiling from ear to ear the entire time.