REVIEW: KONG: SKULL ISLAND (2017)

**SPOILER-FREE**

Set in 1973, at the tail-end of the war in Vietnam, this film tells the story of a hazardous, scientific expedition into uncharted lands.

A small group of researchers, documentarians, and their military escort set out on a quest to map and explore the mysterious 'Skull Island'.

Upon arrival, the team soon finds that their presence has not gone unnoticed by the natives. The outsiders are unwelcome guests on an island forgotten by time.

Military-might and nature clash when the expedition crosses paths with KONG, the ancient guardian of Skull Island. The mission quickly descends into chaos when the gargantuan beast makes short work of the human invaders and their machines of war. Man finds itself at nature's mercy, but this is just the beginning; for Skull Island is home to more than just The Mighty Kong. As the island's secrets are unearthed, a fight for survival ensues.

SKULL ISLAND is, unquestionably, a very entertaining film.

However, it has also has its fair share of problems.

I'm gonna start with some positives!

This is a gorgeous looking film!

The framing and shot compositions in SKULL ISLAND are incredible.

Just about every shot is praiseworthy. There really isn't a dull frame.

Every shot is extremely creative. Every shot is engaging and multifaceted; like a comic book panel come to life! There's some great artistry on display.

It's obvious throughout, just how much effort, love and consideration went into producing such eye-catching stuff.

I must also commend the colour grading and lighting!

Vivid colours and lighting really makes everything on screen 'pop'.

Every shot, regardless of subject matter, is bursting with energy!

Speaking of energy; SKULL ISLAND has some really great action scenes!
Whether it's our human explorers fending against the local wildlife, or Kong himself, facing off with the other giant inhabitants of Skull Island, there's plenty of excitement to be had. The finale [in particular], is a standout moment. I wont spoil anything, but if you were ever looking for a great Kaiju/ Giant Monster battle - this is it!

Really, I suppose if you've any interest in seeing SKULL ISLAND, then you're probably a fan of the Kaiju (Japanese for: "strange beast") genre.

If that is the case, then I think you're incline to get some enjoyment out of this film about giant monsters.

Kong [as depicted here] is awesome!

Despite his design having been tweaked a little from previous incarnations, his strong but caring personality remains intact.

Make no mistake: This is still the Kong fans know and love!

There are also many other creatures that inhabit Kong's world.

They range from; almost cute and cuddly - to - genuinely terrifying.

The design work, across-the-board is really great!

This film has a great aesthetic!

Not only have the filmmakers done an excellent job bringing Skull Island and it's inhabitants to life, but they've also done outstanding work recreating an authentic feeling 1970s setting.

From the costumes, props and hairstyles, to the architecture and music - everything feels genuinely "of the era".

The music [as mentioned] includes many well-known tracks from many well-known and highly-regarded artists, and while some of these inclusions do come off as a little cliché, they work for the film; enforcing the setting and period.

There really is a lot to love about SKULL ISLAND!

However, as stated earlier: I do have a number of issues with the film.

The biggest problems stem from the film's script.

There's nothing wrong with the story. It's very easy to follow. It's not going to challenge its audience, (you don't go into a film like this expecting something like that) but it's fine. My issues with the script primarily relate to the characters and dialogue.

The film's characters fall flat.

They're paper cut-outs, lacking any real depth or development.

They fail to grow or evolve over the course of the narrative and are essentially defined by their occupations, as opposed to their personalities.

I can remember what role each character serves in the expedition team, but [oddly enough] I can't recall even a single name! Of course, Kong himself is the exception here. (He's also, easily, the best character; as he should be!)

The film has an impressive, star-studded cast; Including the likes of: Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman and Brie Larson - all proven actors!

It's just a shame that these great actors have so little to work with and that [as a result] these human characters are so one-dimensional. They get the most screen-time and [for better or worse] they are the focus of the film, but it's hard to feel for people you don't really know!

More or less; we learn about each character through the lips of another.

This delivery is usually a very brief, hasty synopsis of just a few, short lines.

Due to the large size of the cast, each character introduction is rushed and we get very little one-on-one time throughout. There's simply no time to form a connection.

Another issue with the script shines through when these characters speak.

The dialogue is almost purely expositional.

Characters continually force-feed the audience information.

It's said that 'film' [as a medium] should be more 'show' than 'tell' but there's a lot of 'telling' in SKULL ISLAND. A film that spells everything out for you isn't really asking much of its audience. There's too little room for intrigue; something that should have been at the heart of this story. Sometimes, it's important to let your audience fill in the blanks for themselves.

Excessive exposition made the film feel very scripted at times. Character exchanges often felt very unnatural and forced. It unfortunately felt very 'dumbed-down' in-part.

Yes, this is absolutely a big, kinda goofy, over-the-top popcorn flick, but as an audience member, I'd like to be given a little more credit and some room to think for myself.

Another glaring issue with SKULL ISLAND is in its editing.

What I'm about to address mightn't consciously bother most moviegoers, but it sure bothered me.

Edit-wise, this is a very choppy film!

I know, I stated before that SKULL ISLAND is a "gorgeous looking film", and it is!

Just about every shot is a winner! However, that doesn't necessarily mean that these beautiful, brief snippets blend cohesively together.

Funnily enough, the issue here is that there are TOO MANY great shots.

I know that sounds strange, but let me explain myself.

It's a film editor's job to decide what footage should make it into the final cut.

He or she needs to discern what shots are crucial to telling an effective, cohesive story.

Any shots that don't meet the criteria should be exempt from the final product and left on the cutting room floor.

In this instance; I don't imagine there was much footage leftover on that floor.
The editor just wasn't willing to sacrifice such beautiful imagery for the sake of the overall 'flow' of the film.
Obviously, there were a lot of great shots to work with, but attempting to find a place for all of them within a two hour runtime was, unfortunately, a detriment.

So many shots in the film fail to server a purpose other than to just look pretty. Instead of adding to a scene and propelling the story forward, these out-of-place, unnecessary shots will often completely obliterate the flow of said scene! Yes, it's eye-candy, but it's often, very distracting eye-candy.

I'd actually go so far as to say that this film [in-part], is less a culmination of a bunch of 'scenes' and more a mix-match of individual shots or moments.
Of course, that sounds like an exaggeration, [and it is] but there are often times it feels like this!

Some really strange editing choices often make for some really strange pacing.

There are some really jarring cuts in this film and shots/ scenes do not always tie together well.

Now, naturally, I have a few more criticisms, but that'd be going into nitpick territory; something I'm going to avoid this time around.

Despite its many flaws, I still had a good time with KONG: SKULL ISLAND!

There's some very impressive cinematography, a ton of great action and Kong himself is a delight to watch!

I think if you can approach this film with a less critical eye and just accept it for what it is (an over-the-top action/ adventure about a giant ape) then you'll enjoy yourself!

Turn off your brain and have fun!

If you haven't your heart set on seeing it right now in theatres, then perhaps catch up later, when it hits home release.

Oh, and be sure to stick around 'til after the credits! You'll be glad you did!

- Woody