Kong: Skull Island (2017) Movie Review: A Spectacle of Monster Mayhem
Kong: Skull Island (2017) is a thrilling monster movie that reintroduces audiences to one of cinema’s most iconic creatures—King Kong. Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, this action-packed film offers a fresh take on the classic King Kong story, set against the backdrop of the mysterious and dangerous Skull Island. With an ensemble cast, stunning visuals, and non-stop action, Kong: Skull Island is a feast for fans of giant monster movies and serves as an essential entry in Legendary Pictures’ MonsterVerse.
In this review, we’ll explore the movie’s plot, standout performances, the visual spectacle, and where to watch Kong: Skull Island online via streaming and rental platforms in the U.S.
Plot Overview: A Journey into the Unknown
The year is 1973, and the Vietnam War is drawing to a close. Bill Randa (John Goodman), a government official working for the secretive organization Monarch, spearheads an expedition to a newly discovered island in the South Pacific—Skull Island. Accompanying Randa is a team of scientists, a military escort led by Lieutenant Colonel Preston Packard (Samuel L. Jackson), and a skilled tracker, James Conrad (Tom Hiddleston). Photojournalist Mason Weaver (Brie Larson) also joins the crew, eager to uncover the truth behind the mission.
Unbeknownst to the crew, Skull Island is home to a variety of deadly creatures, including its king—Kong, a massive ape who rules the island. As the team explores the island, they encounter not only Kong but also other monstrous threats, including the terrifying Skullcrawlers, who pose a danger to everyone on the island. The film quickly becomes a survival story as the crew battles against the elements, deadly wildlife, and Kong himself.
As they journey deeper into the island, they encounter Hank Marlow (John C. Reilly), a World War II pilot who crash-landed on the island decades earlier. Marlow provides crucial information about the island’s ecosystem and Kong’s role as the protector of the island, setting up a conflict between those who wish to kill Kong and those who see him as a necessary guardian.
Key Performances: A Star-Studded Cast
One of the highlights of Kong: Skull Island is its ensemble cast, each delivering memorable performances despite the film’s focus on spectacle over character development.
- Tom Hiddleston plays James Conrad, a former British Special Air Service captain recruited to lead the group. Hiddleston brings a calm, collected intensity to the role of the tracker, though his character often takes a backseat to the larger-than-life action.
- Brie Larson portrays Mason Weaver, a war photojournalist who serves as the film’s moral compass. Her character’s compassion and courage shine through as she forms a connection with Kong, believing that the giant ape is not just a mindless monster.
- Samuel L. Jackson delivers a fierce performance as Lt. Colonel Preston Packard, a hardened military man who becomes obsessed with hunting down Kong after several of his men are killed. Jackson’s portrayal of Packard is intense, highlighting the destructive nature of blind vengeance.
- John Goodman as Bill Randa brings gravitas to the role of the Monarch operative, while John C. Reilly provides much-needed comic relief as Hank Marlow, the stranded WWII pilot. Reilly’s character adds depth to the story, offering insights into the history of Skull Island and its inhabitants.
While the human characters are serviceable, it’s clear that the true star of the film is Kong himself.
Visual Spectacle: King Kong in All His Glory
One of the defining aspects of Kong: Skull Island is its breathtaking visuals. The film boasts stunning CGI that brings the giant creatures of Skull Island to life. At over 100 feet tall, this iteration of King Kong is the largest yet, dwarfing previous versions of the iconic character. The film’s cinematography, by Larry Fong, captures the majesty of Kong, especially during the jaw-dropping action sequences where he faces off against helicopters, giant octopuses, and the fearsome Skullcrawlers.
The action scenes are both exhilarating and brutal, with Kong showcasing his immense strength and intelligence in battle. The film doesn’t shy away from the violence inherent in a movie about giant monsters, but it maintains a sense of fun and adventure throughout. From the opening helicopter attack sequence to the epic final showdown between Kong and the Skullcrawler, Kong: Skull Island delivers the kind of heart-pounding action that fans of the genre crave.
Vogt-Roberts also makes excellent use of the island’s environment, turning Skull Island into a character in its own right. The dense jungles, towering mountains, and strange creatures that inhabit the island add to the sense of danger and wonder. The film’s visual style, inspired by Vietnam War films like Apocalypse Now, creates a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other monster movies.
The MonsterVerse: Setting the Stage for Future Battles
Kong: Skull Island serves as a key entry in Legendary Pictures’ MonsterVerse, which includes 2014’s Godzilla, 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong. The film not only reintroduces Kong to modern audiences but also lays the groundwork for the eventual showdown between Kong and Godzilla.
The presence of Monarch, the secret organization that investigates giant monsters, is a central theme in all of the MonsterVerse films. In Kong: Skull Island, Monarch’s role in studying and containing these massive creatures is expanded upon, providing a glimpse into the larger cinematic universe. This film sets up Kong as a major player in the MonsterVerse, positioning him as both a fearsome monster and a protector of his domain.
Reception and Box Office Success
Kong: Skull Island was well-received by both critics and audiences, with praise for its visual effects, action sequences, and performances, particularly from Samuel L. Jackson and John C. Reilly. The film holds a 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus stating that it “escapes its genre’s pitfalls with an exciting, action-packed plot and a solid cast of A-list talent, topped off by some thoroughly monster-sized mayhem.”
At the box office, Kong: Skull Island was a commercial success, grossing over $566 million worldwide against a production budget of $185 million. Its financial success helped ensure the continuation of the MonsterVerse, leading to the highly anticipated Godzilla vs. Kong.
Where to Watch Kong: Skull Island Online in America
If you’re ready to experience the thrills of Kong: Skull Island, several streaming and rental services in the U.S. offer the film. Here’s where you can watch it:
1. HBO Max
Kong: Skull Island is available for streaming on HBO Max, making it a convenient option for subscribers of the platform. The film is included with the subscription, offering high-definition quality streaming for those wanting to dive into the MonsterVerse.
2. Amazon Prime Video
2 Guns can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video. Rentals typically start at $3.99 for HD, and the film can be purchased for $14.99. Amazon offers a wide range of viewing options on various devices.
3. Apple TV
Apple TV offers Kong: Skull Island for both rental and purchase. The rental price is usually $3.99, with purchase options around $14.99, allowing you to stream the movie in HD or 4K quality.
4. Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Movies & TV also provides Kong: Skull Island for rent and purchase, with prices starting at $3.99 for rental and $14.99 for purchase. It’s a great option for those using Android devices or Chromecast.
5. Vudu
Vudu offers Kong: Skull Island for rent at $3.99 or purchase for $14.99. With Vudu’s HDX quality streaming, you can experience the full visual spectacle of the film.
Conclusion: A Monster Movie Done Right
Kong: Skull Island (2017) is a visually stunning, action-packed monster film that delivers on its promise of epic creature battles and jaw-dropping special effects. With a strong ensemble cast, breathtaking cinematography, and a fresh take on the King Kong story, it stands as one of the best entries in the modern monster movie genre.
For fans of giant monster movies or anyone looking for a thrilling action-adventure, Kong: Skull Island is a must-watch. With its availability on platforms like HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV, it’s easier than ever to embark on this exciting journey into Skull Island from the comfort of your home.
