Kong: Skull Island (2017) is a thrilling action-adventure film directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts and serves as a reboot of the King Kong franchise. Set within the larger MonsterVerse (which includes other films like Godzilla (2014) and the upcoming Godzilla vs. Kong), Kong: Skull Island brings a fresh take on the iconic giant ape, offering spectacular visuals, intense action sequences, and a deeper exploration of the mysterious island he calls home. The film is both a reimagining of the King Kong mythos and a vital piece in the greater interconnected universe of giant monster films.

Plot Summary

The film takes place in 1973, at the end of the Vietnam War, as a group of explorers and military personnel venture to a remote, uncharted island in the South Pacific called Skull Island. Their mission is initially framed as a scientific expedition to map the region, but the journey quickly turns into a battle for survival when they encounter the island’s terrifying and ancient inhabitants. The team, which includes Bill Randa (John Goodman), a government official with a secretive agenda, and Mason Weaver (Brie Larson), a photojournalist, assembles a crew to uncover the mysteries of Skull Island.

However, they soon discover that the island is home to a vast array of dangerous creatures, including Kong, a colossal ape who is the island’s dominant force. Kong initially appears as a protector of the island, battling giant creatures that threaten the local ecosystem, but his role is more complex than that of a simple monster. The expedition team quickly realizes that the island’s terrifying creatures and Kong are not the only threats they will face. As they attempt to escape the island, the group uncovers deeper secrets about the forces that have shaped the island’s history, with particular focus on the Skull Crawlers, terrifying creatures that threaten both Kong and the human invaders.

The film culminates in a battle between Kong and these ancient creatures, with Kong’s efforts to protect the island and its inhabitants driving him into a conflict that will define his place in the MonsterVerse. The survivors ultimately escape, with the looming realization that Kong may be just one of many massive creatures on Earth—hinting at the larger world of kaiju (giant monsters) that the film universe is building toward.

Main Characters

• Kong (motion capture performance by Terry Notary, voiced by Jason Liles): Kong is not simply a mindless beast in Kong: Skull Island. The film presents him as a complex character who is both a protector and a formidable force of nature. He is, at times, both vulnerable and powerful, and his massive size and intelligence make him an important figure within the island’s ecosystem. His role as the island’s guardian is central to the narrative, and his interactions with the humans vary from antagonistic to cooperative.

• Bill Randa (John Goodman): Randa is a government official working for Monarch, a secretive organization tasked with studying giant creatures. His obsession with discovering the truth about Skull Island’s origins drives much of the plot, and his motivations aren’t entirely altruistic. Randa’s character serves as the instigator for the mission, but his personal agenda and determination to prove the existence of monsters cloud his judgment.

• Mason Weaver (Brie Larson): A photojournalist and activist, Mason is the moral compass of the group. She questions the motives behind the expedition and ultimately becomes a key figure in the group’s survival. Her relationship with Kong is crucial to the film, as she recognizes that Kong is not merely a monster to be defeated, but a creature with purpose and intelligence.

• Preston Packard (Samuel L. Jackson): A Vietnam War veteran and the head of the military escort for the expedition, Packard harbors a deep sense of anger and bitterness. He sees Kong as a threat to his team and becomes obsessed with hunting the giant ape down, believing Kong is the reason his comrades died during the mission. His character’s descent into madness adds an emotional and psychological layer to the film’s tension.

• Hank Marlow (John C. Reilly): A quirky and somewhat comedic character, Hank is a World War II fighter pilot who crashed on Skull Island years earlier and has survived there ever since. His survival skills and intimate knowledge of the island make him a valuable ally to the human characters. Marlow brings a dose of humor and wisdom to the otherwise high-stakes drama, and his backstory ties into the larger mysteries of the island.

• Lieutenant Colonel Eugene “Jack” Chapman (Toby Kebbell): Chapman is a military officer who is part of the expedition and becomes one of the survivors. He plays a supporting role in helping the group navigate the dangers of Skull Island.

Themes

1. The Clash of Nature and Humanity:
At the heart of Kong: Skull Island is the tension between human civilization and the untamed power of nature. The human characters, driven by curiosity, greed, and military ambitions, disturb the natural order of the island, unleashing consequences they cannot fully control. Kong, as a representation of nature’s might and guardianship, serves as a symbol of the balance that exists on the island and the chaos humans bring by tampering with it.

2. Man vs. Nature:
The film explores the classic theme of man versus nature, as the characters struggle to survive on the island’s dangerous terrain while also battling the hostile creatures that inhabit it. While Kong is initially viewed as a threat by the humans, it becomes clear that he is actually the island’s protector, fighting against even greater dangers. The film presents Kong as both a force of nature and an integral part of the island’s ecosystem.

3. The Legacy of War:
Set in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, Kong: Skull Island touches on the psychological scars of warfare. The character of Preston Packard represents the lingering anger and trauma of soldiers, showing how the desire for vengeance can cloud judgment and lead to destruction. The war themes are also symbolically reflected in the destructive nature of the island’s monsters and the military’s approach to controlling Kong.

4. The Hubris of Exploration:
As with many classic monster films, Kong: Skull Island explores the dangers of unchecked exploration and humanity’s tendency to overstep its bounds. The scientists, military personnel, and explorers who venture into Skull Island act out of curiosity, but their failure to understand the forces they are tampering with results in catastrophic consequences.

Cinematography and Visuals

One of the standout features of Kong: Skull Island is its stunning cinematography and visual effects. The film’s production design creates a vibrant, lush world full of rich colors and exaggerated landscapes that bring Skull Island to life. The creatures that inhabit the island are spectacularly designed, from Kong himself to the terrifying Skull Crawlers and other monstrous creatures.

The action sequences, particularly the scenes featuring Kong, are fast-paced and dynamic, often offering breathtaking wide shots of the massive ape battling the island’s creatures. The film’s special effects and CGI work are top-notch, especially in the portrayal of Kong’s immense scale, making him feel both intimidating and awe-inspiring.

The lush, jungle setting of Skull Island is beautifully captured, with towering cliffs, dense foliage, and terrifying landscapes. The island itself becomes a character in its own right, with each environment adding to the sense of danger and mystery surrounding Kong and the other creatures.

The MonsterVerse

Kong: Skull Island serves as a critical installment in the MonsterVerse, a shared cinematic universe that includes giant monster films such as Godzilla (2014), Kong: Skull Island (2017), Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019), and Godzilla vs. Kong (2021). The film sets the stage for future encounters between iconic monsters and explores the hidden world of kaiju (giant creatures) that are integral to the universe.

The movie offers glimpses of Monarch, the secretive organization that studies and tracks these creatures, creating a connection to the larger world-building that ties together these giant monster films. The final scenes of Kong: Skull Island hint at the larger presence of other monsters beyond Skull Island, setting the stage for future confrontations between Kong and other legendary beasts.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Kong: Skull Island was generally well-received by critics and audiences, particularly for its visual effects, action sequences, and the performance of Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson. While some criticized the plot for being formulaic, the movie’s spectacle and thematic exploration of nature versus man were praised. The film’s success contributed to the larger MonsterVerse franchise and solidified Kong as a central figure in this modern wave of kaiju films.

The movie stands out as a fun and exciting entry in the giant monster genre, with its vivid portrayal of Kong as both a beast and a protector. It also set the stage for future films in the MonsterVerse, continuing the legacy of Godzilla, King Kong, and other iconic monsters in popular culture.

Conclusion

Kong: Skull Island (2017) is a visually spectacular, action-packed film that introduces a new chapter in the legendary King Kong saga. With its engaging characters, striking cinematography, and thrilling monster battles, it delivers an entertaining spectacle while exploring deeper themes of humanity’s relationship with nature and the consequences of exploitation. As a part of the larger MonsterVerse, it not only brings Kong back to the big screen but also lays the groundwork for future epic confrontations between giant monsters, ensuring Kong’s legacy continues to captivate audiences for years to come.