During 1942 two World War II pilots, an American Hank Marlow and a Japanese soldier crash land on an deserted island. As the two enemies are fighting a large creature rises up over the cliff and leaves them standing in shock. Fast forward 29 years to the early 1970’s. Two scientists, Bill Randa (John Goodman) and Houston Brooks (Corey Hawkins) are trying to get government permission to do research on this mysterious, uncharted Pacific island. An island, mind you, constantly surrounded by heavy storms and where ships and planes disappear...somewhat reminiscent of the Bermuda Triangle. Initially denied, they are finally granted permission after a heartfelt plea from Brooks. Their last minute request, however, to have military support. This is the first sign that perhaps there might be trouble ahead. Finally headed to the island is a Vietnam military unit that were initially on their way home, a photographer and a U.S. government agent to help guide the expedition.

After a tense few minutes in the helicopters, the expedition makes it safely through the storm. Once safely on the other side, they drop explosive charges for a “seismology report”, or so they say. The explosions draw not only the wrath of mighty Kong, but also unleash some pretty scary, prehistoric-looking creatures. In his fury, Kong destroys helicopters and kills several soldiers. The remaining helicopters crash lands in separate locations. The danger and mayhem really begins as the separated parties trek to the predesignated pick-up spot. Along the way, they encounter Marlow(John C. Reilly) and a new tribe, while more of the expedition party dies and Lieutenant Preston Packard (Samuel L. Jackson) goes crazy and sets his sights on killing the monster that killed his men. The expedition party discovers they are not only fighting the wrath of Kong, but evil creatures.

Great movie moments

If you are a fan of Samuel L. Jackson, be prepared for him to be his own predictable cliché, using every famous line and speech he has ever used in any movie. Nobody plays it like Samuel L.

It’s supposed to be as semi-serious a movie, as one could be about a large ape, but there are many funny moments – especially between the soldiers Mills (Jason Mitchell) and Cole (Shea Whigham).

John C. Reilly plays the older version of Hank Marlow discovered on the island by the expedition crew. Reilly is certainly an odd character and definitely plays "crazy' to perfection.

Not-so-great movie moments:

It’s hard to call these “not-so-great” moments because they really aren't so bad. For example, the storyline… Of course Kong is going to fall for the girl as he has in every version since the initial movie in 1933. Fortunately, it’s not as “in your face” love as in earlier versions – more of protector. Brie Larson does a good job as Mason, “that” woman.

While I did list Samuel L. Jackson in the great movie moments, he does tend to play his parts way over the top.

Overall, if you remember this is Sci-fi entertainment, you will enjoy the comedy and the action.

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Details:

Director:Jordan Vogt Roberts
Rating:PG-13
Running time:118 minutes

Interested in the original version? Check out Amazon!

King Kong (1933)

Check out Kong: Skull Island on Amazon!
I paid for the ticket out of my own funds and have not been compensated for this review.