Kong delivered where the recent Godzilla failed. How? Firstly, Godzilla is the “hero” monster that kind of shows up to defeat two other moth-like things. Its pace was blech and when it was all over, Godzilla was the lesser problem. Kong on the other hand, he’s both the “hero” and the force of nature certain characters want to defeat.
The critics who trashed Kong don’t know what they’re talking about. This interpretation was an effective mix of Moby Dick, Apocalypse Now and Aliens. Setting the story at the closing days of the US’s involvement in Vietnam was key. I was surprised the movie had as many big names present. I was annoyed about Oscar® winner Brie Larson getting fourth billing in the credits, she should’ve been at last second, preferably first. Casting aside, the pacing remains tense and I was surprised to see which big-name actors got killed by Skull Island’s various residents.
If you like mashups and/or new spins on old favorites, Kong is for you. If you were disappointed in Peter Jackson’s version, which was too damn long, this take is better. Anyone else? I don’t know what to say other than cool monster movies were never your thing so you can go next door and watch the unwanted live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast.
Stick around through the closing credits, the director/producers pull a Marvel.
Alamo Extras: The old Max Fleiscer Superman cartoon of Supes battling a gorilla; Nixon reading the terms of the US evacuation from South Vietnam, aka his “Peace with honor” bullshit; and a montage of King Kong through the years in commercials, kid shows, knockoffs and scenes from his original debut in 1939 with Fay Wray!