SOUTH AFRICA'S TV WEBSITE
SIGN IN SEARCH MENU
SOUTH AFRICA'S TV WEBSITE


Get your reviews and insights on everything to do with movies and TV, locally and internationally.

Review: Kong: Skull Island

Written by tha - bang from the blog Movies and Things with Thabang on 15 Mar 2017
Favourite this post


Is this remake / set-up for the new monster cinematic universe worth it? Does the world need another King Kong movie... Well, let's dig in...

 

Most folks who are fans of Peter Jackson's King Kong will probably feel like Kong: Skull Island is just too soon. Whilst I must admit, I went into the cinema reluctantly, I came out with a big smile. In the immortal words of Samuel L. Jackson " I can dig it". Why? I hear you ask. Well, let me retort.



Kong is atmospheric. The yellow hues and lush jungle vegetation is beautifully shot. If you have ever seen Apocalypse Now, the classic anti-war movie from the 70's, Jordan Vogt-Roberts (the director of Kong) does a great job in referencing it, both stylistically and via the themes the film tackles.

The cinematography of the film, from the colours, even the film poster and certain sequences refer directly to the look of Apocalypse Now, jacked up on a 2017 budget. There are some beautiful shots here to be seen and admired.



Thematically the idea of man as the true monster is also in line with Apocalypse Now. Samuel L. Jackson is our stand-in for Marlon Brando as the general who has grown mad with power.

Kong, in a roundabout way, inverses the monster dynamics, humanising the ape and showing that man i.e. modern man and his army is the true monster. Man's ego, search for power and knowledge can be our downfall.

It's always cool when a blockbuster drops in some pearls of wisdom about life.



Yet Kong knows that it is a monster movie and delivers on action and comedy. Blockbusters that can deliver action and laughs tend to do very well, ask Guardians of the Galaxy.  John C. Reilly brings it on the laughs and so does Jason Mitchell, whom we last saw as Easy E in Straight out of Compton, whilst Jackson handles the action with Kong.



There are plenty of monster fodder sequences with enough military guys being killed one by one by the island and its creatures to give one nice jump scares so you get your monies worth for that too.

Yes, Brie Larson and Tom Hiddleston's characters were not really necessary for this film nor is John Goodman's big plan well elaborated on but the little plot holes don't detract from what is a very competent blockbuster.

It will wow you with great visuals, give you a couple of scares and try to warm your heart in a Spielberg way. Note though, those who wait till the end of the movie credits will find something that will tantalize them as a cinematic monster movie universe is set up.



So did we need this Kong? Hell yeah. It's visually stunning, it has heart and in between the action and laughs there's a message about the dangers of man's unchecked ego and the use of brute force. It's a competent action movie, which the family can enjoy together. Looking forward to the sequel.

Rating
****
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*sucks ** ja nee ***we getting there ****Almost Perfect ***** Classic
 



Comments


Only TVSA members can reply to this thread. Click here to login or register.






LATEST ARTICLES

Suidooster Teasers - June 2024

Kate finds a serviette with another girl's number in Riaan's pocket. Naysty.


New on TV today: Wednesday 15 May 2024

Netflix uncovers Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal and Britcom Cheaters begins on S3.


Renewed! Generations: The Legacy Season 10 is a go

Disaster averted with an update from series co-producer Human Stark.


Generations: The Legacy Teasers - June 2024

Will Fikile approve her employee’s undercover investigation? And a chance meeting in a lift leads to an unexpected kiss.


Muvhango Teasers - June 2024

James unwittingly gives Azwindini crucial information, and Azwindini hires a P.I.


New on TV today: Tuesday 14 May 2024

HISTORY revisits The Guilty Innocent and two reality shows return on VIA.


Baby Reindeer Richard Gadd's biggest mistake

Richard's alter ego Donny made some humdingers but this was the ultimate. The key to it all.


Die Put 4 Teasers - June 2024

Yikes. Yamac has no idea who he is and what's happening around him.


New on TV today: Monday 13 May 2024

Thriller After the Flood drops on BritBox and Rochelle Humes makes her debut on Home Channel.


New on TV today: Sunday 12 May 2024

The BAFTAs stream live on BritBox as Food Network gets In the Kitchen with Abner and Amanda.

LATEST SITE ACTIVITY


More activity at TVSA Central



LATEST SOAPIE TEASERS



LATEST SOAPIE TEASERS




Thabang Phetla loves movies,
he loves TV...
he loves his writing...
if you love movies and tv
you will definitely love
his writing on movies and TV.
signed by Thabang's Mom
 
×
×

You browser doesn't have Flash, Silverlight, Gears, BrowserPlus or HTML5 support.