3.5 Out of 5 Stars
Taking place in the same-shared universe as 2014’s Godzilla, Kong: Skull Island follows an expedition to the uncharted island in 1973 at the tail end of the Vietnam War. Piggybacking on a mapping mission two agents from Monarch, the same secret organization that appeared in Godzilla hope to discover what life inhabits the mysterious island where no one has ever returned and ships have been known to vanish. With a military escort fresh from the conflict, the war to get off the island once they land in Kong’s kingdom quickly becomes a personal one.

First and foremost Kong: Skull Island has Jordan Vogt-Robertsh channeling an old-fashioned swashbuckling adventure, but with a heavy dose of Apocalypse Now. It’s a strange mix for sure, but one that works in his favor giving the film the action you’d expect but with a surprisingly scathing political commentary. Kong carries a very anti-military, pro environmental message of conservation that gives the film more in the way of depth than you’d probably expect. That combined with a great ensemble led by Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson and Brie Larson deliver a film that is way more fun than it has any right to be, which should also be enjoyed on the largest screen possible.


Kong is a fitting launch for the Legendary Monsterverse while also still giving the audience everything could they possibly want from want from a King Kong stand-alone film. Setting the stage for Godzilla: King of Monsters, Kong: Skull Island is pure insanity on screen with some stunning action set-pieces that will catch even the most jaded view by surprise. Taking a cue from the grievances with Godzilla, Kong is filled start to finish with a rogues gallery of giant monsters that are imaginative as they are deadly. Kong: Skull Island is an amusement park ride of a film that instills in me hope for the upcoming franchise that will no doubt end in a battle between these giants over our own fate.