Kid’s take on movies
‘Kong: Skull Island’
Kong: Skull Island is a fun sci-fi movie that is a breathtaking visual treat. I really found the direction and special effects to be fantastic in this movie. This will appeal to all those sci-fi fans.
This movie is about a diverse group of travelers who head to Skull Island, including former British Special Air Service Capt. James Conrad (Tom Hiddleston), anti-war photographer Mason Weaver (Brie Larson), government agent Bill Randa (John Goodman), seismologist Houston Brooks (Corey Hawkins) and an army led by Preston Packard (Samuel L. Jackson).
Upon arriving, they are attacked by Kong, a huge gorilla, who destroys their helicopters and splits the team up. Packard wants revenge for the men he lost in the helicopter crashes, and he wants to kill Kong. Conrad and Weaver realize a bigger threat known as the Skullcrawlers lurk beneath them. The only one who can protect them is Kong, and only he can ensure the team’s safety in escaping the island.
Hiddleston heroically represents a soldier. Larson is very impressive as a bold photographer. John C. Reilly as Hank Marlow, a war veteran, is my favorite character in the movie because of his comic relief and interesting backstory. Jackson brilliantly expresses Packard’s revenge with his angry facial expressions.
The direction of the movie by Jordan Vogt-Roberts is unique and really captures the vibe of the 1970s. His filmmaking emphasizes the smaller things more than the big things, and this is an interesting new concept. This is primarily used whenever we see Kong, especially in the first Kong encounter. The focus is more on Kong’s face than just his whole body, and this adds tension.
Also, the special effects by Chris Brenczewski really add detail to the monsters, and makes them look real.
The scene that I liked the most is the final fight scene between Kong and a big Skullcrawler. It is absolutely a blast, and the fact that it is hand-to-hand combat scene made it particularly fun to watch.
My only problem with the film is the characterization. While all the talent gives pretty believable performances, somehow the characters feel like bland stereotypes. I didn’t find myself caring for anyone other than Reilly’s character, who has some interesting story beats.
The movie’s message is to not mess with nature because if these travelers didn’t attack Kong’s territory, then he wouldn’t have attacked them in the first place.
I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 to 18 years. It may be too scary for younger audiences because of the intense action and language. This film opened in theaters March 10.