This
could have worked as either a more serious film or as a sillier one,
but it walks the line between the two, and walks it awkwardly. I
could see where they were going with the silly B movie elements, but
they contrasted jarringly with the violent deaths and Vietnam scenes,
and the characters themselves often didn't seem to be taking the
situation seriously enough.
The
human characters were boring and simple. They usually had some bland
background that's gotten out of the way quickly and really just lets
us know if they're going to end up dying rather than making us care
about them. It's a shame, because where are several great actors
here, and they've gone to waste for the most part. There were too
many characters too - especially the endless soldier guys, but also
the confusing multiplicity of main characters. There were also a few
dull exposition scenes that I feel could have been worked into the
story a little better.
Don't
worry though, everything else I've going to say will be positive. The
action was pretty great. It was well staged with good effects, and
the camera didn't jump around or wobble as much as it could have.
There were some really nice shots actually, mostly of the island or
Kong wading through water or the Vietnam style helicopter/explosions/shades imagery.
Unlike
all other King Kong movies (that I can think of at present) this one
actually stayed on the island the whole time - always my favourite
part of the story. This is clearly a set up for a sequel (possibly
fighting Godzilla? Kong gon' get his ass beat), but I forgive it as
the film still works as a sort of Jurassic park style get off the
island story.
Fun
and flashy, with imaginative monsters and interesting well shot
action, 'Kong: Skull Island' lacks much depth, but this likely
doesn't matter for true big monster fans.
Kong: Skull Island: 41.1