Introduction
If you’re looking for giant monster chaos with a retro twist, Kong: Skull Island delivers the goods and then some. Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts and released in 2017, this entry in the MonsterVerse rebooted King Kong with serious style — blending Vietnam War vibes, big action, and one of the coolest creature designs in recent years.
It’s loud, wild, and doesn’t waste time getting to the good stuff: huge beasts fighting in the jungle.
Plot Summary
Set in 1973, right as the Vietnam War is winding down, a team of scientists and soldiers heads to the mysterious, uncharted Skull Island. They think it’s going to be a standard research mission. It’s not.
The minute they drop bombs to map the terrain, things go south. Fast. Enter Kong — a skyscraper-sized gorilla who makes it very clear that humans are not the top of the food chain here. As the group scrambles to survive, they face off against deadly creatures, including the skullcrawlers (yeah, they’re as nasty as they sound), while trying to understand Kong’s role as the island’s protector.
Cast and Characters
- Tom Hiddleston as James Conrad – the smooth, rugged tracker
- Brie Larson as Mason Weaver – anti-war photojournalist with a strong presence
- Samuel L. Jackson as Packard – military man with a serious revenge streak
- John C. Reilly as Hank Marlow – WWII vet and lowkey MVP of the movie
- Plus: John Goodman, Toby Kebbell, Shea Whigham, Corey Hawkins
The ensemble cast has great chemistry, and Reilly steals almost every scene he’s in.
Reviews and Ratings
Kong: Skull Island was generally well-received for being exactly what it promised: a fun, high-energy monster flick with killer visuals.
- IMDb: 6.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 75% Critics, 69% Audience
- Metacritic: 62/100
Not a deep thinker, but a visual and adrenaline-packed treat.
Why You Should Watch
- Kong Looks Amazing: The VFX are top-tier, and Kong has real presence.
- Insane Action: Explosions, monster fights, and wild set pieces.
- Retro War Movie Vibes: Think Apocalypse Now with creatures.
- Great World-Building: A solid setup for the MonsterVerse.
Where to Watch
You can stream or rent Kong: Skull Island on:
- Max (formerly HBO Max)
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV / Google Play / YouTube Movies
Final Thoughts
Kong: Skull Island doesn’t try to be poetic or philosophical — it wants to show you a giant ape smashing stuff in slow-mo, and it succeeds beautifully. If you’re down for a creature feature with style and some surprising heart, this one hits the spot.
Checkout our other movie reviews here.
